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ASH NOMAD TRAVEL
Welcome to ASH's Nomad Travel, a labor of love and a reflection of my wanderlust. Here, you'll discover a treasure trove of captivating content that stems from my deepest passion - travel. Whether you're an avid globetrotter or simply seeking inspiration, my blog is your gateway to a world of adventure, culture, and unforgettable experiences. So, grab a virtual passport, sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in the fascinating stories and insights I have to share. Who knows, you might just find your next journey waiting to be explored.
About Me: Embracing the Nomadic Spirit Through My Travels
For as long as I can remember, the allure of the unknown has beckoned me. The thrill of venturing into uncharted territories, exploring different cultures, and chasing the horizon has become the heartbeat of my existence. Welcome to my nomad travel blog, a digital canvas where I paint the vibrant tapestry of my journeys. My wanderlust was kindled at a tender age of sixteen, when I embarked on a daring escapade from London to Portsmouth. Armed with nothing more than £100 and my trusty 50cc Yamaha Scrambler, capped at 30mph, I set forth on an adventure that was part reckless, part exhilarating. The memory of that journey, daunting and electrifying in equal measure, has become a cornerstone of my spirit. That initial voyage was just the tip of the iceberg, a mere whisper of the stories I would gather in the years to come. Undeterred by challenges and fueled by curiosity, I charted my own course through life. Achived my HGv Class 1 Licence in 1999 and From military deployments that spanned the globe to backpacking escapades that delved deep into the heart of cultures, I've left no stone unturned. A stint in the police force, while providing a semblance of stability, didn't quench my thirst for the extraordinary. My solution? Obtaining a European driving job, a decision that opened up new horizons. With the road as my canvas and the world as my palette, I embarked on a unique blend of part-time truck driving and full-time adventure seeking. England and Wales became my playground, Scotland a distant call, and soon, the vast expanse of Western and Southern Europe beckoned. Yet, my journey doesn't pause here. The horizon continues to call, and my spirit of exploration remains unyielding. The next chapter? Taking to the skies, a new avenue of exploration that promises to unfold endless stories and perspectives. My aspiration to become a pilot is poised to add an exciting new dimension to my narrative. As I weave my way through destinations, cultures, and experiences, I am compelled to share the mosaic of my life with you. This blog is an invitation to be a part of my journey, to walk beside me as I traverse mountains and valleys, cross oceans, and navigate cities. With each step, I'll unravel tales of awe and introspection, offer insights into the cultures that have embraced me, and paint vivid pictures of landscapes that have stolen my heart. So join me on this digital caravan, where every post is a passport to a new perspective. Together, we'll embrace the nomadic spirit, as I chronicle my adventures, share my reflections, and perhaps even inspire you to heed the call of the unknown. The journey awaits, and I'm thrilled to have you by my side as we embark on this chapter together.
Eurotunnel - Trains
Boarding a freight train is a challenge that I never really thought much about until I experienced it firsthand. Initially, I heard others talking about it and thought, "How hard can it be? I've been driving HGVs for 25 years, jumped out of airplanes, and served in Afghanistan and Iraq." But, when I faced it for the first time, I'll admit, I felt a strong urge to use the toilet. Here's how I managed it: You board an empty flatbed carriage at an angle, positioning your rear wheels closest to the cone. Keep your front wheel off the flatbed on the opposite side, then return and line up with the train's yellow lines. Stick your head straight out of the window and keep your eyes on those lines. As long as you keep the front two wheels within the yellow lines, the rest of the vehicle will follow. Go slow. While there are videos demonstrating different methods, I found my own approach worked just fine, and I never once collided with the train. Here's a brief overview of the process: Arrive at the terminal, use the automatic booth to get your ticket, and declare your load. Your vehicle and company should already be pre-registered with Eurotunnel, so there's no need to pay. Proceed to the vehicle check-in, switch off your engine, provide your GMR paperwork, get scanned, and receive clearance. Go through X-ray and French passport control, where they'll stamp your passport. Receive your lane allocation, and head to your lane, following the procedures in place. Depending on the situation, there might even be sniffer dogs around during these checks. Once you're cleared, follow the green arrows to board the train. It may seem daunting, but with the right steps and a bit of patience, it becomes just another part of the journey.
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