Zel's Fleet Blog - BX, Jag XJ-S, Sinclair C5, Mercedes 208D & 230TE, AC Model 70.

[daviemck2006]

There was one year for about a week we were taking our lives in our hands going out the door. Believe me if a gull swoops on you and hits you it hurts. They flew alongside the boat when I was at sea. We used to have competitions to see how many gulls we could hit with our aluminium than poles. Any we killed we scored 10 lol

[van ordinaire]

Never mind sunburn, the only time I've suffered sunstroke was in Scotland!

Of course down here on the English Riviera the gull is garden bird - in fact, virtually, the only birds you'll see in the garden.

Now I always understood that gulls appearing inland was sign of bad weather, but this is confused by urban gulls (presumably the descendants of those who never went back). When I lived in Harrow there was a colony that lived in the school grounds at the end of our garden, not only did they never see the sea, they never seemed to venture beyond the school fence, fortunately! There's also a huge, long established colony on the water treatment works, so close to Heathrow they're a danger BUT, of course, they're protected (no, beats me why as well).

[Zelandeth]

The bloody gulls are one thing I really do not miss from Aberdeen.

Fish we've been catching here has been: Pompono, Blue fish, white grunt, and a trio of Spanish Mackerel, one of which very nearly took me with it when it got hooked. Plus several other species we hooked but were either things we don't eat or were too small that I can't remember. Aside from the catfish, which we managed to catch a couple of dozen of yesterday...or it was one particularly dumb one that kept coming back for more...

The variety between the different species in terms of taste and texture is astonishing.

[CitroJim]

How many of those fish are good to eat Zel?

I always enjoyed catching mackerel when I could as they were both a good fight and very good to eat... Very fresh mackerel is utterly delicious

[Zelandeth]

All of the above are pretty good so far, Pompono probably gets the award as the tastiest so far.

[van ordinaire]

. . . Believe me if a gull swoops on you and hits you it hurts. . .

Doesn't it just? I remember leaving a baker's in Paignton when I felt a blow to the back of my head - & gull landed on the pavement in front of me! Clearly it'd learned the rudiments of "distraction theft" & knowing what was in my bag would be of interest to it was very disappointed that I wasn't caused to drop it.

[Michel]

. . . Believe me if a gull swoops on you and hits you it hurts. . .

Doesn't just? I remember leaving a baker's in Paignton when I felt a blow to the back of my head - & gull landed on the pavement in front of me! Clearly it'd learned the rudiments of "distraction theft" & knowing what was in my bag would be of interest to it was very disappointed that I wasn't caused to drop it.

We were down in Mevagissey 3 or 4 years ago, and they have a couple of signs up around the harbour warning that gulls are nasty, thieving sods. I can't remember the exact wording, but my Colombian cousin thought it was hilarious when we translated it.

Hilarious until one dive-bombed her and nicked her fish and chips..

[van ordinaire]

Could've been worse, could've been her dog - or small child! (they're not fussy - they'll eat anything)

[Zelandeth]

Well that's the Pathfinder very regretfully dropped back off with National.

First time I've ever honestly not wanted to hand back a rental. Despite the whole being shaped like a big SUV it seems a really decent motor, and has suited our needs absolutely perfect.

No, the driving assists aren't necessary, nor are things like mains power onboard, electric tailgate, keyless entry, air con and heated seats in the back, 360 degree cameras, adaptive cruise...but they're sure nice.

It's comfy, it goes incredibly well for such a big barge, has managed nearly 30mpg (UK) over the last couple of weeks, which I reckon for something that size with a big V6, largely in traffic, often with six adults on board (and having to use a bit of brute force to get into gaps - there's only one main road through the Keys!) really ain't a bad economy figure. Even in spite of me enjoying the soundtrack far more than I should.

It felt well built too. Not a single squeak or rattle noticed the whole time, nor did we have a single glitch or crash of the infotainment/nav system despite multiple things being tethered to it via Bluetooth and USB from a 12 year old iPod to memory sticks to a one year old ipod and a plethora of phones. It's just...well...worked. Flawlessly and without complaint.

The electric tailgate I will admit initially did very much seem a gimmick, but I now admit after two weeks of using it, is really bloody useful.

I'm really going to miss that car...which surprises me...Well done Nissan.

[Michel]

I was given a Dacia Sandero Stepway Laureate as a hire car here in Nice. I thought I'd hate it, but apart from the slightly low-rent plastics on the dash, it's actually a damn fine little car and cracking value for money. It's got a 900cc three-pot turbo but at 150kmh is only doing 3500rpm. I'm genuinely considering buying one new. It's got loads of space inside compared to other small motors and the seats are comfy. The spec I'd want would cost £10,400 here.

[Zelandeth]

I was playing around with the configurator on Nissan's website last night - to spec a Pathfinder up to the level we had would be pocket change short of $40,000!

Interestingly, the next company car headed our way is an Audi Q3, which has a pricetag of similarly loose change short of £40K...so it will be really interesting to compare the two. My money is on the Nissan offering far, far more for your money!

Waiting to be proven wrong and it being the first Audi we've had that I liked...but I'm not holding my breath.

Still not been in a Dacia, would like to try the Logan - as it looks very much like the spiritual successor to my Lada in terms of the sort of car it is.

[Zelandeth]

Back to a very rainy Heathrow. Just waiting in the endless passport control queue now, as despite being a permanent UK resident with a biometric EU residency permit...because his passport is still a US one, my husband has to go through the massive queue. Except for the days when they change their minds and shout at us for not going down the UK resident lane...like security, they seem to make up the rules and change them every other day.

[CitroJim]

Welcome home both Passport control can be so bloody frustrating...

I know from countless visits to erm, rather less developed countries... I've even witnessed my passport being studied intently whilst being held upside-down

And no, it wasn't in Australia

Weather will soon improve - one hopes...

[Zelandeth]

Yay...30mph M25 traffic.

Also, I miss not having to deal with VW suspension...feel like my brains are being jiggled out...

[daviemck2006]

I dislike any VW suspension I have ever had to deal with, apart from the 93 VW caravelle we had as the boats crew bus. It was ok to be in, but usually fully loaded with 7 men and lots of personal and boats gear!

I'm nor really a lover of my 107s suspension either. It is really too firm for me but that will be more due to the small size and light weight of the car. That's why I use Gabby for not work things which are normally longer runs.