Trying to Track Down A Book

B

BigVern

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I'm not actually a Commer owner but registering at the forum seemed the best means of answering a question that has been vexing me for some time.

Quite a few years ago (probably early to mid 90's) I remember borrowing a book from the library which was a travelogue written by a couple who had used a Commer camping van to travel the length of South and Central America (including a short airlift across the Darien Gap).

It was a fascinating book and I would love to read it again, but for the life of me I cannot recall the title or name(s) of the authors. Google or a keyword search on Abebooks, Amazon etc. has been no help.

So if any of the Commer experts out there can point me in the right direction...it would be much appreciated.
 
Hi Big Vern, Welcome to the forum :)

You've started something with this one - don't know the book at all but what a superb sounding story - perfect for a commervanfan:p:p a holy grail of travel writing - are you able to ask library where you borrowed it from if they have any ideas of what they think it could be? even if book no longer in circulation they might have a record of what it might have been, hope so as would love to read it:)

Bessie - four star commerdation
 
I think the book you mention is about a BMC 250JU Cotswold, not a Commer. Title is; 'Where Angels Fear to Tread'-Travels through Mexico by Bill MIller. There was a copy on Amazon last week for a couple of quid.
 
I think these people ended up in Mexico but they definitely started down in Argentina, up through Patagonia. Then across a gravel road pass into Chile or Peru then on up to Bolivia.

Ad I'm certain it was a Commer!
 
Hi vern :D[}:)]:D you don't have to own a commer to be welcomed to the mad house [8D]
I have a few articles from magazines on test drives,I will dig them out at some point see if it mentions any books.

"SYBHIL" & N0.1
 
Sorry for the huge bump but thought I would post this story finally has a happy ending. I eventually managed to trace the book which is called, "Driving To Heaven" by Derek Stansfield. ISBN is either 095 1567004 or 9780951567005. I actually found a brand new copy on Amazon ( http://www.amazon.co.uk/Driving-Heaven-Wheels-Central-America/dp/0951567004/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1279390885&sr=8-1 ) though that was the last one they have in stock a couple of indie sources are listed and copies were listed on other book sites though at variable pricing.

I'm not sure if Derek is known to your community but he describes the vehicle as a 1973 Commer Sun Tor Major.

I'm now looking forward to a thoroughl fascinating read!
 
That looks like a good read.... or even better we should do a Commervoy to follow the route[8D]

Moley and Brian the Snail :)
 
Thanks for this bump BigVern, i'd never have known about this had you not bumped. I shall go in searchery;)

Album010-1-1.jpg
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHA!!!
 
BigVern,
I think you've just beat the living encyclopedia there - mr. Watts !
That must be a first. Congratulations! :)
And more importantly: Congratulations on your book! Must be particularly exciting finding it after such a long search.
 
John,
My comment was a reference to the "carcamper" comment towards the top of the thread - which I believe was Martin Watts', and I was simply impressed that someone knew about a book on Commers which has escaped his (Martin's) eagle eyes :D
 
I forgot how addictive a read this book is!

Up to Page 92 - misadventures trying to ford a Bolivian River.

The difference now is that reading all these exotic locations you just call them up on Google Maps for a looksee, though some have obviously changed in the 30 years since the tour was taken. What the authors described as hairy single track dirt roads with 1 in 5 hills now appear to be sanitised surfaced highways. Except for Bolivia...
 
It's OK Jostein, no offence taken:); I never did claim to know everything there was to know about classic campers, they is just what others assume! Book sounds great though

I started with nothing.....and I still have most of it!
 
... and no offence intended! :) , rather a testament to your knowledge on campers, really, as we are all impressed about how much you seem to know !

Will you head towards Commerland for the Commerfest next weekend, by the way, Martin?
 
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