Our first memory of the trip would probably be Father at the wheel, and Mother handing out sandwiches as we 'went for a drive'. We played games to battle against boredom; distances seemed endless, and we probably would have preferred to remain at home.
As we grew we learned how the car worked, and eventually took the wheel ourselves. In time the original driver left us, along with the sandwich maker. Now we drove alone, the car suddenly became a very lonely place.
In time friends joined us, some would be with us for the duration; others would fall by the wayside. Some would abuse our friendship, and would be ejected; others would treat the car as if it was their own, leaving their unwanted detritus strewn around, and damaging the contents. They would show no remorse and would also be asked to leave.
Over the years the car would be changed many times; rather like the travellers. Only a few would remain constant company. We never know at what stage the car will break down or run out of fuel, so we are kind to our fellow passengers; never knowing when we will need their assistance instead of them needing ours.
In time, others will come to take the wheel, and we will wave them goodbye and wish them well. It was good having those few fellow travellers who remained constant friends, and on whom one could depend; they made our lives richer.
As we ourselves depart, we can but hope that the new drivers will also find a few long term travelling partners. Life without them can be tough.
43 comments:
Well said.
A bit too heavy for me first thing in the morning. Are you having courgettes today?
Maybe. I'll have to see if there are any! I shall buy some nice sausages, then think about it. Gorgeous morning here, with thin low-lying mist.
Thank you. Just checked my online banking. £108 still not debited.
This was lovely written!
Nice one Cro!
Nice....
If I may say, this must be the shortest comment you have ever made.
Dumbstruck.
Lovely sunny morning here. Heavy dew, always a good sign.
I think your post has left everybody lost for words!
It pulls up a lot of memories funnily enough. My grandfather fleeing Belgium with his Belgium wife in the second World War. On top of the car a mattress to protect, the little pekinese dog carried in the coat of Catherine as they left the dock on a boat to sail to England and a different life...
Navel gazing, I suppose.
Our lives are all so different. I know someone who lives for 'conflict'; he loves it. I am totally the opposite.
I love the wording of your second paragraph, it's a great post.
I was feeling a bit 'maudlin'.
My dream car.
Well written.
Not maudlin atall.
Just proving that we are all in this life together in one way and another...and working together is the best way.
Enjoy your day,both of you xx
Well done, Cro. Lovely writing.
A real memory jerker. Automobile Association men beside their motorcycle combinations would stand to attention and salute us with gloved hand as we passed in our first car, a Ford 8, with its gleaming AA badge on the grill. We felt like royalty.
Why did they ever stop.... madness.
Thanks gz. You're right, working together, instead of against each other, is the best way.
My mother had the Mini version. Not quite the same, but still fun.
Thank you SO.
That's our car! We have a cream Morris Traveller that is over fifty years old. We have had it for just over a year and it is my husband's pride and joy. He has been restoring it to it's former glory. I know that's not what your post is actually about but when I saw the photo I told my husband you had our car on today's post and he had to take a look.
Brings back many memories. Both my Mum and Dad drove ..... first car we had was a Standard 8 !!!! Always breaking down ..... we often had to frantically chew gum to temporarily mend a hole in the radiator which used to be bubbling by the time we reached our destination .... had to use one of my mums stockings to replace a gasket and we always crossed our fingers going through the hilly woods ! My sister and I loved the RAC Itineries that my Dad got when we went on holiday and I always had an I Spy book with me. XXXX
I hope the 'woodwork' is OK on your car, I believe it's almost impossible to buy replacements. Of course you could always make them.
My mother used to turn the engine off when we went down hills. We used to mark the spot we reached until the next time.
Thank you Wendy.
Reminds me of our old ford prefect but our trips usually ended up with four arguing kids threatened with ejection.
Well written
Your dad must have been clever Jack; it was a stocking for a fan belt with us, much easier.
Good runners like that need a lot of love and maintenance.
Actually parts are readily available and really cheap and you can get new wooden frames. Although you can replace the wood my husband has sanded it down and re varnished and it looks great. He bought new back lights which are glass and had the bulbs and were £9.00. We are members of the Morris club and found a supplier that delivers next day free of charge. My husband was attracted by the fact that he can get all the parts and they are cheap. We also have a garage near us that restores old cars for any works too big for us.
That's excellent. The last time I saw anything about restoring a Traveller, they had terrible problems; but that was several years ago.
The gasket was an empty Cornflakes packet.
"Right, I'll stop the car, and you lot can walk home!"
The engines are very simple, not unlike an R4, 2CV, or R Express.
I think I might have got the gasket mixed up with the fan belt Rachel ! I remember when the head gasket blew, it was a bit of a problem !!!!! Considering everything went on that car at some point, stockings seemed to come in handy many a time 😂🤣😂 XXXX
Our first car when we were married was an old split-screen Morris Minor. We paid £75 for it. The little indicator wings kept jamming and you had to thump on the sides of the car to get them to work. We 'modernised' the car by changing to indicator lights.
It was the only car where we could lift the bonnet and actually understand what to do! We went everywhere in it. I'm sure it will still be going strong somewhere or other.
I would kill for a car like that......adorable
A great trip, Cro. I especially miss the sammies.
Those little 'indicator wings' were wonderful; they had lights in them too for night time. I really miss those cars where there were only a few things to do. You filled them with petrol and oil, made sure the plugs were clean, and (if necessary) cleaned the inside of the distributor. Then, as long as it had a good battery; it went. Why can't some forward thinking manufacturer make one again like that?
You old romantic!
There was a ritual around car journeys, and the sandwiches played a big part.
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