Day two saw us take both Jeeps on a tour
to the coast to the West of our site. The first stop was the 'Musee 39-45'
at Ambleteuse. There were many displays of mannequins in period clothing
from all sides, and strangely, the faces all looked typical of their
country of origin. A Sherman and a Halftrack stood outside the museum, but
behind a fence out of easy reach. After leaving the museum, we headed down
to the sea front for our packed lunches!
|
|
|
|
|
From there, we headed North up the
coast towards Cap- Gris- Nez, and the site of the Todt 39-45 Coastal Gun
Battery Museum. The gun opening in the Block House has now been glazed to
protect the exhibits within, which included a nicely finished Kettenkrad,
complete with two trailers in tow. Outside the museum, is one of only two
280mm Rail Guns in existence, the other being in the USA. The gun is
covered in surface rust, 'though the ladders propped against the barrel
and a couple of workmen suggest some work is being carried out. While not
clear in the picture along the barrel of the gun, England's White Cliffs
could just be seen from here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
After leaving this museum, we headed
to the coast at Cap-Gris-Nez and found further concrete emplacements,
some still in place, others fallen from the eroding coastline. A shelter
down a set of steps was in complete darkness, but the camera flash
illuminated the scene well enough for a good picture. Along the dirt track
at the cliff tops, we also found a part exposed concrete ring and rusting
mounting bolts, although for what I don't know.
|
|
|
|
|
From here we headed back to the campsite
ending the day having covered 73 miles. Noel's Jeep had been having some
starting problems, and the battery was suspected as not holding charge.
While checking this and other things, we also found that the points gap
had slipped since last being reset, so this was also re-adjusted.
|
|
When
it came time for the evening BBQ, coals were supplemented with dry dead
wood from the nearby trees, 'though Noel was a little reluctant to use
his axe at first as it would chip the paint!! The BBQ was a little slow
to kick off, so Malcolm helped it along with a small cap full of
petrol!!!! |
|
|
|
|
|