As you are all aware Russia is conducting a "special military operation" in the Ukraine and as a result of the on-going operation the Ukrainian people need support in many forms.
After an unsuccessful first attempt to get a vehicle to the border I am trying again, we have a Suzuki Jimny secured, it has been raised has a snorkel, winch and extra lights it is perfect.
Below is an outline of the planned trip, on the Queens Jubilee weekend:
Trip Plan:
Wednesday
Collect Aid (Chelsea) 2hrs
Drive to Harwich 3hrs
Night ferry 7hrs
Cabin required
Thursday
Horn of Holland to Krakow 12hrs
800 miles 4 tank fills
2 drivers 3 hr shifts
Friday
Krakow to Border 3hrs
Border to Lviv 3hrs
Train to Krakow 5hrs
Saturday
Krakow to LHR 2hrs
So some questions:
Why a night crossing?
The day crossing means an arrival at 6pm which means about 3hrs of daylight, getting things fixed in the dark is difficult and most places are closed. Arriving at 9-ish am gives us a clear 12 hours of daylight.
Why during the week?
Because places are open, going at the weekend can cause issues as most commercial operations close either for the whole weekend but definitely on a Sunday & 100% on Easter Sunday. Just in case open garages are required its also easier to get hotels etc.
Why this weekend?
Bank Holiday in UK, not it Europe, free days off for the drivers and still back to have some time off.
Tax?
So if you are exporting a vehicle from the UK you don't have to tax it however if you want RAC/AA/Green Flag membership you have to tax the vehicle, I did not know this, so the car will be taxed & under single trip European cover until I hand it over.
Insurance?
Same as above, short trip cover for two, I only have 3 points on my licences so shouldn't be too bad.
The car?
A friend who is a full time mechanic mentioned his mate, who is also a mechanic, had a 4x4 for sale, he has knocked £500 off the asking price and its all been fully checked out. The United Europa team up until now have been buying cars off E-Bay, I have introduced them to Auto Trader etc however this deal is too good to turn down.
Anything else?
The trip will be at its most basic, not 5* hotels or food it will be ferry, drive, sleep, drive, Border, home. All costs will be kept to the minimum possible.
Other stuff?
I will be doing a photo & video diary plus will be happy to share & discuss the experience with anyone who is interested. The starting funding came from the Adelaide Pub in Teddington so I am planning a little talk to the donators there.
Transparency?
Mail me: [email protected] Call me: 07956050020. With any other questions or Darkie1973 on the socials.
Thank you for even taking the time to read this.
Darkie xx