Chuck, I hope to be at the farmhouse on the evening of Thursday, 7th June, which is the first night its booked by John for our group. You are very welcome to stay from night 1 onwards if you so wish. The house is booked, so no further action needed on your part. We will split the accommodation costs amongst however many of us are there. Regards, Pat
So... If the Glider Tour is sorted date wise for Saturday, 9th June, we should next look at formalizing activities for Sunday 10th June. Anyone any preferences for day 2? Regards, Pat
sounds good. I will finalize my flights ect by the end of Feb. How do you suggest I handle my share of the money. Will I need to get sufficient Euros from an ATM? Will we do community meals and split those costs too? I am assuming it would’ve best for me to have a rental car. For some reason I am no longer getting notification of new posts although I think I have the correct boxes checked. Thanks Chuck
Chuck, I'm not going to worry too much about the money ... So if you want to wait till the end of the trip or even after, and just send me a check when we are both back in the states, that is fine too. I will have a rental car during my time there so I can get around... I understand it is a 3 1/2 hour drive from Paris to Carentan... I have no idea how the train system works there.
Chuck, If you choose not to rent a car, then I can pick you up at the train station in Carentan when you arrive, and drop you off when you leave. I feel strongly that I need a car to get around during my time there to see everything I want to see.
John. Thanks. I probably want a car too. My primary interest is glider landing sites but other things as well. I hope to spend the 7th with Neil Jones who I know from the NWWiiGPA. When do you arrive in and depart from Paris? I plan to visit Upottery before arriving in France by ferry to Cherbourg. When I did the trip from Paris I took the train to Cane and rented a car there. Did not know that train stoped in Carentan.
For those wishing to travel by train within France, The French National Railway (SNCF) site (in English) is here. Regards, Pat
Hello all Something just came up which reminded me..... if you're coming here please be prepared in terms of footwear and clothing. It may be absolutely fine, but it may be (or recently have been) raining. Lightweight waterproof jacket (and trousers if you wish) and decent shoes/boots. Might seem obvious but you'd be surprised... Cheers Sean
Hi Pat, I was thinking about some of the locations we are visiting during the glider field tour, and when we are doing that, does it include visiting the towns at that time... Such as the McCarthy site, Pratt site, pond field, do we include time in Hiesville, Vierville, and the Chateau Colombieres. And when we visit the Holdy crash site are we also visiting the Holdy battery? Just wondering what we might eliminate for the next day Airborne tour... John
Hi John, Apologies for late reply. I don't see a problem in fitting in other sites on the glider tour. Kinda hoping that we will be delayed by farmers wanting to show us some 'stuff' in their barns though A lot will depend on how much access Sean is able to acquire for us. In a worst case senario we could spend the tour on the public roads looking over hedgerows and we would then certainly need to fill in time with other sites. Regards, Pat
Hi All, Just booked William's and my own passage on Irish Ferries We arrive Cherbourg at 11:00 on Wednesday, 6th June; an auspicious day! Unfortunately work dictates that we have to return on the evening of Tuesday 12th June. Looking forward to meeting as many of you as possible during the week. Regards, Pat
Hi John, No, not yet...hoping to gain an authentic D-Day experience and sleep in a barn for the night I am sure some kind soul will take us in... ....
Hi Folks, Sean is currently working at gaining access to fields in our areas of interest and is meeting some concerns regarding our intentions, most especially the use of metal detectors. I know in general people are well meaning and will abide by the rules of courtesy, but I do want to emphasise that our reputation as a new researcher group has yet to be established with the good people in Normandy. Consequently its important to state that while T&Cs of participation in the Forum's activities are pretty relaxed, two aspects must be borne in mind: Under no circumstances will we carry metal detectors or shovels while on either public or private property during this trip If access to private property is refused by the owner, we accept that decision and respect it. Its very important that we make a hugely positive impression as good will has to be earned and can be very quickly lost if its not nurtured properly. End of sermon. Thanks, Pat
Hi Pat, I completely agree with your statement. I don't think anybody attending had an intention of metal detecting or digging. If they did, maybe this will put that thought to rest. Maybe we can encourage the property owner to come along as an escort when we are on their property. Both to monitor our good values and intentions, and so that maybe they learn a little bit from us about the history that happened on their property. John
Is Mark Bando still intending on being in Normandy during the same period? I believe the intention was to do a joint tour with him for at least one day around 101st Airborne sites.
Neil, In an email exchange over information learned on the topic of the possibility of an unknown battery near Audouville La Hubert that I had with Mark on February 5th, he stated that ... "if I make it over there this June. I still haven't made reservations, but will let you know when/if I do." I expect to follow up with him as things get closer... I am hoping he makes it, and I have even invited him to stay with us if his plans for his group fall through. John
Hi John, Just curious; what airport are you flying to near Paris? Looks like there are two. Is one better than the other? Charles