Aurora borealis calling

[Paultrol]

R we mad?
I've always wanted to see the Northern Lights and now my wife Shellie says yea let's go for it.
Last week it came back in my head and been doing a bit of research. The biggest problem was a babysitter but hopefully that's sorted.
We are hoping to go about 5th February leaving Dover and traveling to Nordkapp the most northerly point in mainland Europe. About 5000 miles round trip.

Any body fancy joining us for a cold beer and Arctic Adventure?

Any tips or advice gratefully received.
Cheers Paul.
TROLLLL POWEERRRR!!!!!

[don simon]

R we mad?
Absolutely not, my local garage owner took his expedition LandRover overland to Iceland for three weeks in July and had a great time (apart from the wind).
Are you going to be car sleeping or living in luxury in hotels and B&Bs?
It'll be great fun whatever.

[Paultrol]

We taking a tent.




But it's a tipi with a wood burning stove.

[The Patrolman]

If I went it would severely deplete the world oil reserves.

Best you get some new tyres dude.

Enjoy

[johnb5177]

We taking a tent.




But it's a tipi with a wood burning stove.

A hide and fur lined yurt maybe warmer......with the stove of course....:thumb2

[jims-terrano]

Lucky you, well done for making the decision to go for it. You'll not sit back in a few years and say wish I had done that. The very best of luck and I wish I could make it.

[Paultrol]

If I went it would severely deplete the world oil reserves.

Best you get some new tyres dude.

Enjoy

Why not take the Audi?


I'm whittling some more tread

[Paultrol]

Lucky you, well done for making the decision to go for it. You'll not sit back in a few years and say wish I had done that. The very best of luck and I wish I could make it.

Cheers.
Why can't you make it?

[Paultrol]

A hide and fur lined yurt maybe warmer......with the stove of course....:thumb2

Sounds good but haven't enough room for the sherpas

[SilasStingy]

Nice, it's wonderful up there, are you driving trough Norway all the way? When will you travel? Consider witch tires you've got, roads in Norway can get really slippery with "wet ice" and plenty of sharp turns with just a cliff straight into the sea! Stud tires are to recommend. These so called "all weather" and "stud-free" winter tires are more or less worthless up here. And expect temperatures down to -35ºC depending on when you travel!

[Paultrol]

Nice, it's wonderful up there, are you driving trough Norway all the way? When will you travel? Consider witch tires you've got, roads in Norway can get really slippery with "wet ice" and plenty of sharp turns with just a cliff straight into the sea! Stud tires are to recommend. These so called "all weather" and "stud-free" winter tires are more or less worthless up here. And expect temperatures down to -35ºC depending on when you travel!

Hej,
I'm wanting to go through France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Denmark and across the bridge to Sweden then to Oslo then West to the coast then up the E6.
I was going to be using all terrain tyres and take snow chains. How does that compare to studded tyres ? It's that where I live we don't get snow so it's a big one off expense for studded tyres. Unless some come up on eBay. I haven't got snow chains or ever driven with them so in the dark.
Your knowledge is much appreciated.
Wanting to go in February.

Cheers Paul

[don simon]

Save yourself a fortune and head down to Dorset and wait for Madmark to switch on these beasties. :cool:
http://www.nissan4x4ownersclub.com/forum/showpost.php?p=300208&postcount=5

:D

[Paultrol]

Save yourself a fortune and head down to Dorset and wait for Madmark to switch on these beasties. :cool:
http://www.nissan4x4ownersclub.com/forum/showpost.php?p=300208&postcount=5

:D
Sorted are they colour changing?

[Paultrol]

Keep playing Led Zeppelin, the immigrant song... ..
Off to the land of the ice and snow.......

[don simon]

Sorted are they colour changing?
I'm sure it could be arranged.

[SilasStingy]

Hej,
I'm wanting to go through France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Denmark and across the bridge to Sweden then to Oslo then West to the coast then up the E6.
I was going to be using all terrain tyres and take snow chains. How does that compare to studded tyres ? It's that where I live we don't get snow so it's a big one off expense for studded tyres. Unless some come up on eBay. I haven't got snow chains or ever driven with them so in the dark.
Your knowledge is much appreciated.
Wanting to go in February.

Cheers Paul

Okej, February should be good. It's a cold month but the colder the better for aurora spotting! (It's usually less clouds when cold). If you have good M+S tires (stud less) then you will be ok during this month due to the cold. Less risk for wet ice and such but be careful, the sea don't freeze up and the road can get wet anyway.. The snow chains you can use if you happen to get stuck somewhere but most likely you won't need to use them. All main roads are ploughed all the time. Just mind your speed, keep an eye out for reindeers and elks and keep 4wd on as much as you can!
And another thing, buy a proper ice scraper :thumbs

[Barrbeast]

Not gonna lie Paul, big temptation! Reckon the time off work is the killer for me though, more than the diesel tokens even :(:nenau

[Paultrol]

Okej, February should be good. It's a cold month but the colder the better for aurora spotting! (It's usually less clouds when cold). If you have good M+S tires (stud less) then you will be ok during this month due to the cold. Less risk for wet ice and such but be careful, the sea don't freeze up and the road can get wet anyway.. The snow chains you can use if you happen to get stuck somewhere but most likely you won't need to use them. All main roads are ploughed all the time. Just mind your speed, keep an eye out for reindeers and elks and keep 4wd on as much as you can!
And another thing, buy a proper ice scraper :thumbs

God Kvall
Thanks for that, does that mean I'd get away with 2 snow chains as apposed to 4? And if so, are they better on front or back? I would have thought front.
Thanks for ice scraper tip, I might have over looked that.
Cheers Paul.

[Paultrol]

Not gonna lie Paul, big temptation! Reckon the time off work is the killer for me though, more than the diesel tokens even :(:nenau



Come on Rob you can do it. Trolling to the Arctic, 10 countries (Finland on the way back). Foxy would love a good run in the snow.
Surely you can get 2 weeks off from soliciting.:thumb2

[solarman216]

I would love to come along, but honestly do not think I can afford it, I am not earning like I used to. Rick

[Paultrol]

I would love to come along, but honestly do not think I can afford it, I am not earning like I used to. Rick


The money is the hard part, I reckon about a grand, that's fuel and tolls. We take our own food might buy some local produce but hardly ever eat out. Not looking for proper campsites either. The way I look at is 1000 divided by the two of us then divide that by two equals £250 per person per week. Now it doesn't sound so bad.

[solarman216]

The money is the hard part, I reckon about a grand, that's fuel and tolls. We take our own food might buy some local produce but hardly ever eat out. Not looking for proper campsites either. The way I look at is 1000 divided by the two of us then divide that by two equals £250 per person per week. Now it doesn't sound so bad.

yea right, we all know how that works out, I spent much more on a holiday in Cornwall for a week, reckon real all in cost would be more like a grand each for the trip, but probably more, expensive places over there, but will give it some thought and research, Rick

[jims-terrano]

Cheers.
Why can't you make it?

The list is endless unless I win euro millions:doh
Best of luck and an exciting adventure to see one of natures spectacles :rolleyes:

[Paultrol]

Okej, February should be good. It's a cold month but the colder the better for aurora spotting! (It's usually less clouds when cold). If you have good M+S tires (stud less) then you will be ok during this month due to the cold. Less risk for wet ice and such but be careful, the sea don't freeze up and the road can get wet anyway.. The snow chains you can use if you happen to get stuck somewhere but most likely you won't need to use them. All main roads are ploughed all the time. Just mind your speed, keep an eye out for reindeers and elks and keep 4wd on as much as you can!
And another thing, buy a proper ice scraper :thumbs

yea right, we all know how that works out, I spent much more on a holiday in Cornwall for a week, reckon real all in cost would be more like a grand each for the trip, but probably more, expensive places over there, but will give it some thought and research, Rick

We just done 25 days touring Scotland, the Lake District and peak District that was 3079 miles towing a 2 tonne caravan and 4 kids and that came in at about £1,000.

[SilasStingy]

God Kvall
Thanks for that, does that mean I'd get away with 2 snow chains as apposed to 4? And if so, are they better on front or back? I would have thought front.
Thanks for ice scraper tip, I might have over looked that.
Cheers Paul.

Only time I think you might need snow chains is if you happen to miss the road or when trying to find a camp spot in the bush. Maybe some steep hills as well but have no experience in that. I always have stud tires ;)
The snow chains shall be on the drive wheels but during 4wd then maybe front is better.

[Paultrol]

Only time I think you might need snow chains is if you happen to miss the road or when trying to find a camp spot in the bush. Maybe some steep hills as well but have no experience in that. I always have stud tires ;)
The snow chains shall be on the drive wheels but during 4wd then maybe front is better.



That's more reassuring I'll only get one pair of chains.
Are you by the ice hotel that's Kiruna isn't it?

[SilasStingy]

Yes, used to work there as a snowmobile guide for some years ago!

[Paultrol]

Wow that's cool, maybe an excursion is called for.
Always wanted a go on a snowmobile,
and a dog sledge ride.

[SilasStingy]

Wow that's cool, maybe an excursion is called for.
Always wanted a go on a snowmobile,
and a dog sledge ride.

If you drive through here, give me a shout and I will see what I can do!

[Paultrol]

If you drive through here, give me a shout and I will see what I can do!

The wife can drive through whilst I roof surf shouting "SILAS STINGY...WHEREFORE ART THOU"
Sounds good :thumb2

[kitchenman]

When I drove to Norway some years ago I was told by locals we were visiting that studded tyres were mandatory between certain months.
As I recall driving on ice with them was like driving on gravel
Might be worth checking out, I know people over there I could check for you, just an email away.

[SilasStingy]

When I drove to Norway some years ago I was told by locals we were visiting that studded tyres were mandatory between certain months.
As I recall driving on ice with them was like driving on gravel
Might be worth checking out, I know people over there I could check for you, just an email away.

It's not mandatory by law, actually kind of the opposite. In some bigger towns like Oslo you need to pay a certain fee to use stud tires. In north Norway you are allowed to have winter tires 15/10 to 1/5. But for vehicles under 3,5 tons it's your responsibility to make sure you drive safely. Not saying that you "must" use winter tires at all. In Sweden it's by law to use winter tires no matter road conditions between 1/12 to 31/3.
(Winter tires = M + S tires, Stud tire = wintertime with studs)

[SilasStingy]

The wife can drive through whilst I roof surf shouting "SILAS STINGY...WHEREFORE ART THOU"
Sounds good :thumb2

Haha that will definitely work! :thumb2

[kitchenman]

Hi, update from my Norwegian contact below, her home town is Hamar

Hi Dave,

If he is driving there between November and April, he will need studded tyres or chains. If he is following E6 up north he will not need to go to the west coast, as the E6 runs through Hamar, which is on the East side of Norway. It runs through Sweden and into Norway.

[SilasStingy]

Just to make things clear, he will not need studded tires unless he don't have good M + S tires already. Bring snow chains and keep your speed. If you don't have good M + S, invest in some but don't go and buy studded tires just for this trip. I live in Kiruna, we have snow here most time of the year, down to -40C. There is people here who only use "all round" tires. Especially with 4wd. Of course studded tires are better, but if you are not going to spend the whole winter here, don't sweat it.

[Paultrol]

Just to make things clear, he will not need studded tires unless he don't have good M + S tires already. Bring snow chains and keep your speed. If you don't have good M + S, invest in some but don't go and buy studded tires just for this trip. I live in Kiruna, we have snow here most time of the year, down to -40C. There is people here who only use "all round" tires. Especially with 4wd. Of course studded tires are better, but if you are not going to spend the whole winter here, don't sweat it.

Thanks for that. I didn't want to pay for studded for a one off trip. I'll have decent M+S and a pair of chains when I travel.
Thanks for the clarification, I was starting to sweat.
Cheers Paul.:thumb2

[Paultrol]

Hi, update from my Norwegian contact below, her home town is Hamar

Hi Dave,

If he is driving there between November and April, he will need studded tyres or chains. If he is following E6 up north he will not need to go to the west coast, as the E6 runs through Hamar, which is on the East side of Norway. It runs through Sweden and into Norway.


Cheers for that. We will follow E6 pretty much all the way with the ferry crossing at Bognes, unless thats a bridge now.

[kitchenman]

My friend spoke to her brother who lives in Norway, below is his reply

Hi Dave,

Have spoken to my brother and he confirmed what I have already said. From 1st Nov to 1st Monday after Easter Sunday you MUST have winter tyres. The fine for not having them is 5200.00 NKr, around £500.00. Chapter and verse can be found on www.vegvesen.no
(http:// www.vegvesen.no)
All pages can be translated, I just had to click on an icon next to the star in the upper right hand corner of Chrome once I was on that site. Translation is good, except they do not know how to spell tyres! They spell it ‘tires’ on the web site, (or is the translation through Google?) There are separate rules for North of Norway, but that is only that in that region they can use studded tyres and chains for longer into spring due to more severe road conditions. Studded tyres are not compulsory, but recommended. Winter tyres ARE compulsory.

Vidar said that he would not attempt a trip to Nordkapp without studded tyres in Feb. He should know, he has lived in Norway all his life. Although I left Norway a long time ago, I would not even dream of going without studded tyres. You remember how good they were when I got some for my Fiesta before we spent Christmas in Norway.. They even came in handy here in Southend when we had snow for long periods.

Hope this will clear things up.  xx

[Paultrol]

My friend spoke to her brother who lives in Norway, below is his reply

Hi Dave,

Have spoken to my brother and he confirmed what I have already said. From 1st Nov to 1st Monday after Easter Sunday you MUST have winter tyres. The fine for not having them is 5200.00 NKr, around £500.00. Chapter and verse can be found on www.vegvesen.no
(http:// www.vegvesen.no)
All pages can be translated, I just had to click on an icon next to the star in the upper right hand corner of Chrome once I was on that site. Translation is good, except they do not know how to spell tyres! They spell it ‘tires’ on the web site, (or is the translation through Google?) There are separate rules for North of Norway, but that is only that in that region they can use studded tyres and chains for longer into spring due to more severe road conditions. Studded tyres are not compulsory, but recommended. Winter tyres ARE compulsory.

Vidar said that he would not attempt a trip to Nordkapp without studded tyres in Feb. He should know, he has lived in Norway all his life. Although I left Norway a long time ago, I would not even dream of going without studded tyres. You remember how good they were when I got some for my Fiesta before we spent Christmas in Norway.. They even came in handy here in Southend when we had snow for long periods.

Hope this will clear things up.  xx

Thanks for that. I'm keeping an eye on eBay I've got a
Couple of months to find some.
I've got the 17" wheels so not so common. :thumbs

[Barrbeast]

If it's a help Paul, I've still got my 16" alloys sitting unused :nenau

[Paultrol]

If it's a help Paul, I've still got my 16" alloys sitting unused :nenau

SOLD
Cheers Rob I'll have them if that's OK.
Will make things easier.
But what are you going to use when you finally decide to go for it?

[Barrbeast]

SOLD
Cheers Rob I'll have them if that's OK.
Will make things easier.
But what are you going to use when you finally decide to go for it?

If you're coming to Yorkshire I can bring them with me and you can get them then, there's 4 alloys and a steel spare so you'll have a full set. They could do with a refurb but they hold air fine :thumbs

I'll not be going this time bud, diesel cost from Scotland will be a bit high for me to manage :(

[Paultrol]

If you're coming to Yorkshire I can bring them with me and you can get them then, there's 4 alloys and a steel spare so you'll have a full set. They could do with a refurb but they hold air fine :thumbs

I'll not be going this time bud, diesel cost from Scotland will be a bit high for me to manage :(

Yea I'll be going to Yorkshire so I'll grab them there. :bow
Cheers for that. It will be good to see you again.


Remember it's down hill from Scotland, the expensive parts getting back up! :thumbs

[Paultrol]

The Trol's getting Winterised tomorrow.
Full service all oil changed and antifreeze to -50.
Got most of the food and clothing sorted.
Just need chains and a camp bed.:thumb2

[Paultrol]

Morning.
My beloved TROL is Winterised :thumb2
Should be good to below -50.
Getting excited now. :)

[Paultrol]

Morning.
We not leaving until Saturday 6 th February. The ferry is booked for 12.05 Dover to Calais. Then as many miles as possible.
Got some snow chains they come off some bloody great tractor unit, had to cut them down about 18'. Bloody big links and weigh a ton. But they now fit.
I also got some maxtrax well affordable copies and they seem pretty good.
We have no real plan or route. Get off the boat, type Nordkapp in the phone and follow Google maps till it loses its signal then use the map. But we do want to follow the Norwegian coast, but we'll see how it goes.
The Trol's getting excited. :thumb2

[Davey Boy]

So am I, it's a trip I would like to do in mine.
Will you be using the bridge to cross over the sea?
All the best anyway!:thumb2

[Paultrol]

So am I, it's a trip I would like to do in mine.
Will you be using the bridge to cross over the sea?
All the best anyway!:thumb2

Cheers, Yea I think it will be the bridge in to Sweden. :thumb2

[rustic]

Where are you stopping on the way, is it all prepared, or take it as you find it?

I must admit, it's on my wife's and my bucket list, but only if we can get decent travel insurance, :augie
Would prefer a cruise though... take all your facilities with you, and on the bad days, I wouldn't need to leave the cabin lol.

[Paultrol]

Hi Rustic,
Nothing apart from the ferry planned. Drive till I get tired then find a quiet spot,pich the tent light the woodburner and off again in the morning. We just take each day at a time. My wife wants northern lights, I want snow. We got enough food with us so hopefully the only outlay is fuel and maybe the return ferry. Insurance and breakdown cover is by the Nationwide +account at only £10 a month you can't go wrong.

[jims-terrano]

Good luck and not really jealous :augie

Have a great time and remember a full write up with pics when ya get back.

[Paultrol]

Good luck and not really jealous :augie

Have a great time and remember a full write up with pics when ya get back.

Cheers.
There's still time, I'm not leaving till Saturday :thumbs

[jims-terrano]

I'd love to come but got my own little adventure planned in the Yorkshire Dales but on foot.

[Paultrol]

I'd love to come but got my own little adventure planned in the Yorkshire Dales but on foot.

Have a great time on the Dales, but watch out for Patrolman he goes astomping round those parts.

[solarman216]

spied him in the town today roof rack loaded with fuel cans etc about midday looking for parking, impossible in Bexhill, good luck, Rick

[Paultrol]

spied him in the town today roof rack loaded with fuel cans etc about midday looking for parking, impossible in Bexhill, good luck, Rick

Yea that's us,dropped the wife in the bank every one and their dog in there on Saturday.

[Paultrol]

We were a bit late and got on the 3.30 ferry no waiting around straight on. We got a deal from the Mirror, day return + bottle of wine £15.
Stopped in an aire in Munsterland Germany for a couple of hours the first night. It was a case of pull over doze then go. No snow till passed Oslo. Third night in a beautiful cabin, we had our own room own bathroom with fantastic shower and shared kitchen but no one else there. All for 400 NKr.
In the morning we hit the Arctic and that night we camp 4 hours north of the Arctic circle. Nice and toasty with the woodburner going. The kettle was put on the ground and frozen sold in the morning, it had to be freed with hammer and bolster.
We got to Nordkapp on 12/02/16.

[Paultrol]

I'll write some more later.

[don simon]

Cool stuff.
Where are the photos? :augie

[Paultrol]

Cool stuff.
Where are the photos? :augie

I don't use photo bucket so can't post pictures.
Sorry.

[jims-terrano]

Enjoy amd stay safe, you can post one photo per post just look at the manage attachments at the bottom of the screen when you are typing.

[Paultrol]

Enjoy amd stay safe, you can post one photo per post just look at the manage attachments at the bottom of the screen when you are typing.

I've tried this but each picture has to be under 14.5 and all my pictures are over 20 and I can't find a way of reducing them.
I've tried for the past 3 days and have no success. Tomorrow I will have one last go using the laptop.

[don simon]

Tomorrow I will have one last go using the laptop.
Do you not have the option to open as and a photo editing program that they'll open to.
Another option might be to down load something like http://www.faststone.org/FSResizerDetail.htm that'll alow you to resize in batches too. Appreciate that it might not be too good an idea if you're on a limited internet connection though ( definitely worth it if you're emailing friends and family).