OSD in 2004

[MD-Daddy]

Anyone OSD'ing this coming year?  If so when and what are expectations for visiting the area?  Weekend trip?   Few days in Sweden?  Few weeks in northern Europe?  Mad Dash to Greece?   Whats the plan?

[ORGramps]

We are scheduled for a March 12 pickup of a XC 70 (crystal green w/DSTC and load leveler system).  At this time we are awaiting the "trip" packet from Volvo.  Planning on going through London with the winter special deal.  Other travel plans there are in flux at this time.

ORGramps

[ORGramps]

OK, I am in the middle of planning for my wife and myself for and XC 70 pickup on March 12.  Time is running short, but thought I might rest on MD-Daddy's initial start of this thread to document some of the things I am seeing and learning. Hopefully it might be of interest to someone who is also planning a junket like the one we are planning.

Do begin with, when the envelope arrived from Volvo with all the travel info and our order document, we found that there were two errors in the order.  First, we did not order a sunroof and second we did order a trip computer.  The former was included and the latter was not.  The documents say that the order cannot be changed.  I called the 800 number on Thursday and got a call back the following Monday.  The man in California who is responsible for making any change was out until Monday and the order apparently was firmed up on the Friday before.  So no changes could be made.  That's the bad news.  The good news is that they didn't charge for the sunroof (we didn't want one, but won't turn down a free one).  I was also told that when you order DSTC (and we did), the trip computer is automatically included.  Well, I don't understand that, but it had better be there when I check the car out in Goteborg!

Now with all that, let's get into itinerary planning.  I'll keep this brief.  We have decided that we will take the three day trip to London, then go to Goteborg to get the car.  We'll take a short trip south into the glass country, stay over one night and then go onto Stockholm for three nights.  We'll then return to Goteborg for one night and then head north along the coast to Oslo with a one night stop enroute.  We'll stay three nights in Oslow then leave the car and take the Norway in a Nutshell train, boat, bus, train ride to Bergen.  Three nights there, then train back to Oslo for one night and then drive to Goteborg one night and then drop the car off and head for the airport.

This itinerary reflects some of the ideas I've gotten from reading on this message board.   Thanks Spud, Automonkey, barrysharp, bigtomhammer and Kayaking (Saltsjobaden at the Grand Hotel-it appears we can really get a great rate there&#33http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif.  We're working now on making hotel arrangements through Expedia.com that I haven't used before, but their rates are very good vs. dealing directly with the hotel.  Interesting, the Radisssons in Goteborg both have an "ole folks" rate that is good and includes breakfast!

By tomorrow I will have the itinerary planned and then will call to get the air reservations set.  Hopefully the dates we want will be ok with SAS and the feeder airline, so I can then go ahead and firm up the hotels.  This is a fun exercise for about a three week trip.

One thing that still has me puzzeled is that the car will come equipped with all weather tires (I requested Michelins).  I understand that Swedish law requires that in the winter time all cars have studded tires.  Is the latter true?

All for tonight.  More tomorrow or next day as this all unfolds.  We are beginning to get excited and there still may be a surprise or two.  A trip to Tronheim? http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[XC70Viking]

One thing that still has me puzzeled is that the car will come equipped with all weather tires (I requested Michelins). *I understand that Swedish law requires that in the winter time all cars have studded tires. *Is the latter true?


No, there is not a law requiring you to have studded tires. You can not however be out driving in snow/ice with summer tires, then you could get in to trouble with police.

I will have Nokian Hakka Q studless on my car...

[kayaking]

When in Saltsjobaden...go to the "J" club ....(bar/restaurant)..it's on the water by the ferry at the Ericsson complex...great spot.
At the Grand Hotel...get a harbor view room.

[XC70Viking]

Mad Dash to Greece? *If you really want to do a "Mad Dash";, how about driving to North Cape and drop of your car in Narvik? You would get to try out your XC in the type of surroundings it was made for, see Fjord's, glaciers, go fishing (ocean, lake or river), pass thru stunning scenery, pass the artic circle, visit Lofoten etc. etc. Could go on for ever.

And by the way, I managed to meet ORGramps on his OSD for a few hour's in Oslo *http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif

[MD-Daddy]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (MD-Daddy @ Jan. 08 2004,10:57)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Anyone OSD&#39;ing this coming year? &nbsp;If so when and what are expectations for visiting the area? &nbsp;Weekend trip? &nbsp; Few days in Sweden? &nbsp;Few weeks in northern Europe? &nbsp;Mad Dash to Greece? &nbsp; Whats the plan?[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Its on order&#33; &nbsp;&quot;Ruby&quot; will be delivered some day in April to her new owner(s) at the factory.

&quot;What are the plans?&quot; &nbsp;Dunno yet... still in process of determining who will be joining me and the duration of the visit.

More as I know it...

Thanks to all&#33; &nbsp; http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif

[BSK]

My wife and I will be picking up an XC90 in Gothenburg in June. &nbsp;We&#39;ll be cruising down the coast, across the &quot;Kingdom of Glass&quot; to Kalmar and Oland, and up the east coast to Stockholm, and then cutting across the Lake region back to Gothenburg. We looked at the OSD tour packages, but decided to plan our own trip (Countryside Hotels is a great resource of small select hotels and inns throughout Sweden). &nbsp;Now, we&#39;re just counting the days.

[MD-Daddy]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (XC70Viking @ Mar. 21 2004,10:15)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">If you really want to do a &quot;Mad Dash&quot;, how about driving to North Cape and drop of your car in Narvik? You would get to try out your XC in the type of surroundings it was made for, see Fjord&#39;s, glaciers, go fishing (ocean, lake or river), pass thru stunning scenery, pass the artic circle, visit Lofoten etc. etc. Could go on for ever.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
How long would you think such a &quot;Mad Dash&quot; take in late April early May? &nbsp;Would we be able to see the Fjord&#39;s along the way?

[XC70Viking]

How long would you think such a "Mad Dash" take in late April early May?
That depends on how "Mad" you want to be! *http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/alien.gif

From Volvo Factory to the westcoast of Norway about 2 days,then to Bodø another (2)-3 days, Tromsø 2 days. Then you have to chose if you want to continue north (I have to check if North Cape is accessible at that time). Then Narvik 1 day. 7-9 days would give you time enough to seightsee and relax a little (but still a fairly tight schedule). Add 2 days if you want to go all the way North. You can spend more time (to see more), or you can lessen it by 2-3 days, but not recomended. I have done the trip *(one way) on 24hrs, but only for transport. April-may is still a little early for most museums/gallery and some roads might still be winter closed, but the fjords are still there and you will see plenty of those and be able to drive around, over, under and by ferry. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/hehe.gif

Our national day (like your 4th of july) is 17th of may. BIG event.

There is a cruiseship, Hurtigruta (http://www.hurtigruten.no/index.asp) , frequenting from Bergen to Kirkenes. (It stops many places on the way)This is a great way of lessen the driving, relax and see the country from a different view.($&#036http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

Usually there will be plenty of opportunity to ski, hike etc., and weatherwise it could be anything, but often pleasant around 10-20 Celsius.

[MD-Daddy]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (XC70Viking @ April 06 2004,01:33)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">That depends on how &quot;Mad&quot; you want to be&#33; &nbsp;http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/alien.gif[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Common Sense has won out... we&#39;ll not do a Mad Dash this time. &nbsp;Thanks for the data.

We&#39;ll likely set off for the western coast of Sweden for three days of touring with a family friend living in Gotenborg. Several folks have hinted at jet-lag and exhaustion as resons to stick around the area for shorter trips, so we&#39;ll head over to Lysekil and base out of there for three days. &nbsp;Seems like just about everything we might want to see on the coast is within an hour.

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/bohuslancoast/3229028521.html

AutoMonkey and XCRuby had seeded these points of interest, followed by an old family friend that popped up on the radar that lives near the FDC&#33; &nbsp;We plan to not Plan...to relax and enjoy the &nbsp;area along the Bohuslan Coast. &nbsp;I&#39;ll pass along my notes and pictures in May when we return.

Basic Itenerary:
[DAY ONE]
Leave Thursday night (April 29th) IAD at 5:30P
Arrive Gothenburg 10AM
Head straight to the FDC April 30th
-find coffee-

After the tour/lunch/and more coffee head north on E6 for the Kungälv area.
Head for [insert hotel name when booked] in Lysekil

[DAY TWO-Saturday]
=National Holiday May 1st=
Find Coffee
Relaxing morning taking in Lysekil town center and possibly Eco-Tour as not much will be open.
Maybe drive over to ferry heading to isle of Marstrand for the day depending on levels of energy.
Return for nice relaxing early dinner in Lysekil followed by walking around the hotel/inn area.

[DAY THREE-Sunday]
Refill Coffee
Head out for isle of Marstrand for the day if not already been there. &nbsp;If so, skip ahead.
Return to Lysekil for dinner and relaxing evening.

[DAY FOUR-Monday]
Drive up towards Tanumshede visiting several little points of interest along the way.
Sunset in Fjällbacka of course&#33;

[DAY FIVE-Tuesday]
Find more Coffee
Head towards Gothenburg via ferry
Tour Gothenburg&#33;
Drop off the XC70, give it a HUG and a SMOCH
Volvo transport to Raddison

[DAY SIX-Wednesday]
Find Coffee
Arrange for transport from Raddison to Airport
Fly home connecting thru CPL leaving GOT at 8AM
Arrive Washington Dulles at 2:45P

All comments welcomed&#33; &nbsp;If you all have a suggestion of a shop or an eatery please reply&#33; &nbsp;Thanks again you all, would not have known about or ever considered taking such a wonderful trip without you support.

Guy

[ORGramps]

Guy,

Hope this still catches you before you leave.

We got back from FDC the end of March. &nbsp;Had a great trip that I will report more on separately. &nbsp;Saw XC70Viking - he&#39;s a great tour guide/advisor on Norway travel&#33;

Since your route up the Sweden coast follows what we did, I wanted to give you a hotel name (in case you still need one): Tanums Gestgifveri (Phone: 011-46-525-290-10) in Tanumshede. &nbsp;Web page is www.tanumsgestgifveri.com, email is: [email protected]. &nbsp;Linda at the front desk was very helpful to us and she responds promptly to emails. &nbsp;The hotel goes back to the late 1860&#39;s. &nbsp;It has several ceramic stove/fireplaces. &nbsp;The food isn&#39;t bad either&#33; &nbsp;http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

By the way, the ferry ride to get to Lysekil is free&#33; &nbsp;http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

ORGramps

[MD-Daddy]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (MD-Daddy @ April 10 2004,14:24)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">All comments welcomed&#33; &nbsp;If you all have a suggestion of a shop or an eatery please reply&#33;[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
We arrived&#33; &nbsp;WOW, what a trip it has been too&#33;

We lost my early posted &quot;itinery&quot; somewhere over Iceland and instead choose to hang out with some friends from the area.

We headed over to a small island called &quot;Doran&quot; (correct spelling later) and have had the time of our lives.

More as I knw and document it...

P.S. &nbsp;Fofr OSD&#39;ers make sure that you request an &quot;invitation&quot; from the SAS gate agent or ticket agent at the airport in order to save some walking. &nbsp;The VIP lounges require such a peice of paper.

P.S.S. Connecting fliers have the advantage over locals in the Newark and Dulles areas in terms of seating. &nbsp;Those that connected thru Dulles got upgrades, those that live in the area got seats in the cattle cars. &nbsp;Oh, they are not that bad, just *noticably* diffent/worse than &quot;Economy Plus&quot; seats. &nbsp;Recommendation: Upgrade&#33;

P.S.S.S. &nbsp;The FDC people are the BEST&#33; &nbsp;And the coffee is AWESOME after 26 hours of no sleep.

Guy

[MD-Daddy]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (MD-Daddy @ May 02 2004,14:17)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">More as I know and document it...[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Couple Pix; more when we return.

GuyH


P.S.S. &nbsp;106.3 is a Rock Station with an American DJ &nbsp;104.8 is soft jazz; that only works in non-US radios thou&#33;

P.S.S.S. Stick around Gothenborg, its a great town with loads of things to do and see&#33;

http://www.Hadsall.org/OSD/lighthouse.jpg
http://www.Hadsall.org/OSD/boatyard.jpg
http://www.Hadsall.org/OSD/xc70.jpg

[Art]

Great photos Guy&#33; http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Heads up on the sticker....might want to apply a bit of pressure on that puppy before you remove the clear backing paper. Would hate to see you lose it after all of that effort. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[MD-Daddy]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Art @ May 03 2004,20:13)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Great photos Guy&#33; &nbsp;http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Heads up on the sticker....might want to apply a bit of pressure on that puppy before you remove the clear backing paper. Would hate to see you lose it after all of that effort. &nbsp;http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Thanks Art. &nbsp; Rather &quot;Tack&quot; Art. &nbsp;All set as of this morning.

GuyH

[MD-Daddy]

Some of the sights from our Oddessy; I&#39;d still recommend buying a Volvo for anyone that is willing to travel to a country where they are warm and welcoming and to take delivery of a fantastic car.

Here are some images you will likely see if you take delivery at the FDC.

Dulles VIP Lounge (Northwest Airlines Club) FREE BOOZE&#33; &nbsp;NOTE: &nbsp;Ignore teh signs that say &quot;No Food Allowed&quot; as several people around us chowed down on BK burgers.
http://www.hadsall.org/OSD/IAD.jpg


Arrival into Gothenborg, baggage claim before leaving Customs
http://www.hadsall.org/OSD/Arrival.jpg


As you are driven to the FDC you might see these images
http://www.hadsall.org/OSD/Brand.jpg
http://www.hadsall.org/OSD/Factory.jpg


COFFEE&#33;
In the FDC is a small refreshment (free) area where freshly brewed coffee/Hot Chocolate is dispensed. Also had fresh fruit and water.
http://www.hadsall.org/OSD/Coffee.jpg

Where you car will be displayed/teased/delivered after about 15 minutes with your FDC represenative.
http://www.hadsall.org/OSD/Delivery.jpg

David (FDC Guy) Delivering Our New XC70
http://www.hadsall.org/OSD/David.jpg


A sight you could see just about anywhere along the coast of Sweden as you drive oyur new car; The Dyron Boat Club in case you were curious
http://www.hadsall.org/OSD/Dyron-YC.jpg


And SADLY, the departure area (before security) in the Gothenborg Airport (or the area you will enter as you arrive and pass customs). &nbsp;NOTE: &nbsp;For those that drink (or know others that do) the alcohol is cheaper is Gothenborg airport than CPN, SAS Airlines, or Dulles Duty-Free.
http://www.hadsall.org/OSD/Depat.jpg

[hd70]

We are scheduled to pick-up our xc70 (silver) on June 10th .... and we are very excited :)

[AWD*V70XC]

I don't think the poll came over to well, I think it might be missing some more polly bits

[MD-Daddy]

We took delivery of our XC70 for the second and final time this afternoon in Fall Church, VA. It was not as quick as I'd expected, but not difficult either...it was a busy Saturday for them. No worries, we've home and happy now.

I've been working on the offical Trip Report and will post it soon... until then I'd tell anyone thinking of buying a Volvo to GO EAST! Its worth it!

[hd70]

Well, here it is. Our 2004 XC70. It was a nice trip, unfortunately the weather was not too good at the day of the pick-up.
As you can see, David has a trainee.
All went well except they didn't put in the ordered rubber floor mats.
At home I realized that the mats they put into the car were the wrong one; too short in the back. Got them exchanged on the spot at our local dealer.
As some other people mentioned before, the reflection of the dash board is bad - and we have the dark dash (During the test drive the sun did not shine).

http://www.webdesign-dorsch.de/Pic/06110009.JPG

http://www.webdesign-dorsch.de/Pic/06110012.JPG