May 21st - 23rd 2004
As anyone will tell you, it's always sunny in County Durham :-)
I hadn't been too well and it was a close thing whether I'd
be going - however, with the miracle of the NHS and some
very powerful (and quite nice) drugs, we headed off up the A1
Incredibly, the camp site welcomed us back!
(This place scores 101/101 in every respect)
We parked Grumble in a quiet corner next to Kevin and Jacky
I got comfortable on the roof... Notice the Yellow 101?
I have to admit to having spent far too much time crawling over this
really remarkable conversion (Thanks, by the way to owner John!).
It has a TDi, been converted from LHD to RHD, has a custom dash,
110 axles, custom engine cover, custom body (note the lift up roof
which John has nearly finished), custom wheel steps - and a prototype
wind-up window system that - along with a few other ideas,
I shall nick, shamelessly - but with due credit :-)
The usual campfire antics - with some rather unusual fire juggling
from Frazer (don't worry about those eyebrows, they'll grow back...)
The next morning - remarkably 'hangover free' we all set off at the
crack of Noon, to head North for the very scenic drive to the Weardale
off road centre and some serious dirt-plugging (not too much mud...)
About half way we saw a biker wip it out on a corner
due to the loose road surface. fortunately he was 'alright'
although an Air Ambulance with a Doctor was sent just to be on the safe side.
I however, felt myself failling fast, so upon arrival at Weardale
Charlotte went off for a long walk with Max whilst I spent the rest
of the day sleeping in the back of Grumble before driving back to Sheffield!
Notwithstanding, a smashing gathering - as ever. Many thanks to Graeme Wood.
Good to meet up with the usual suspects, best wishes to Andreas and Ron :-)