July 2018
And we’re back…!
Hi there, yes it’s been a long while since I have appeared for all sorts of reasons – including undergoing a major operation which sidelined me for some considerable time. But I’m back and, although still recovering to an extent, am raring to go.
In my blog absence I did manage to produce a great feature for Land Rover Monthly on a superb restoration of a 1992 Series One Ten, courtesy of the brilliant team at Gumtree 4×4 in Sussex. You’ll find it in the February issue and I have to say it is one of the most beautiful restos I have clapped eyes on for a long time. In the absence of Defender production for the last few years, many owners are spending decent cash on restoring their rather tired and previous unloved Land Rovers, and the older models seem to be major beneficiaries. Here are some pics of the One Ten and I’ll let you salivate over it.
There are quite a few features on restorations at the moment while we await the much anticipated arrival of the brand new Defender. Plenty of images have appeared online showing how it’s probably going to look. Traditionalists are all ready panning the vehicle before they’ve even seen it in the flesh or driven it, but I think whatever it was they were inclined to be negative.
Modern technology/design and market trends will never appeal to those who love and will always be passionately immersed in the traditional world of the 4×4 (Land Rovers in particular). I love the classics as well as the modern designs, and will take my cue from the Jeep owners who tend to be a bit more inclined to accept some change and a more modern interpretation to the 4×4!
Talking of which, I heartily approve of the new Wrangler that was launched recently. Jeep has produced another Wrangler that looks very like the outgoing model with some bolder tweaks – the American manufacturer will never seriously upset its loyal fan base, but will also manage to keep an eye on the times in the process. I have yet to drive a new Wrangler. But as and when I do I will let you know – can’t wait!
I also managed to go skiing three times recently – albeit rather tentatively at first. But the third time I was getting back into the swing of things. The 2017/8 season has lapped up a bumper winter and the amount of snow that has fallen all over the European Alps has been incredible. So it made sense to make the most of it, even though I was rather below par. I did, however, manage to enjoy some superb powder in Val Thorens on a week’s trip to the Les Trois Vallees with hubby and 12 great mates. We had a blast as these vids of me will show you!
As the snow was so light and fluffy it mean the rather unfit and tentative me could cope fine and it was an absolute joy. Days like this don’t happen that often when you’re not a seasonaire! Wish we could go one more time this season, but sadly it’s not to be. Fingers crossed for great snow 2018/19. Am all ready finding my email inbox full of early bird emails enticing me to book now and ‘save £££££s!!’ Might wait a while before making any decisions…
TTFN
Hils