Wow, just wow. It doesn't feel like five minutes ago In was rolling down a muddy field in the Camper in driving rain on friday afternoon. Technically I was first in and nabbed my usual spot by the tree at the bottom of the hill. Worries about getting back up the lake of mud would wait till sunday morning. I sheltered in the Camper with nothing but cider, pies and copies of Octane to keep me company.
After a couple of hours of downpour it eased and finally stopped, time to venture out and see what conditions were like. Not brilliant was the answer, but with it draining fast and sunshine promised fingers were crossed.
Slowly more people arrived and the first of the "bottom of the hill under Speedmans gazebo crew" turned up. It was lining up for a great weekend. We pitched and drank and ate and wandered and generally arsed about.
Mrs Blown-Imps illuminated duck was a hit!
The Werthers Original Vodka was too. This is the last photo of the night, it was messy.
Saturday dawned bright and warm, the rain long gone it was going to be a scorcher. Most of us had survived the night, Arkle hadn't and would be seen here several times during the day!
People were off on day trips, some to nearby Shelsley Walsh, some on scrap hunting. I chose to hang around the campsite and chill some more, it was also a chance to catch up with old friends and see who else had arrived under the cover of darkness.
I consumed far too much (all) of my scrumpy so decided to walk it off over the fields nearby and watch the GWR steam trains chugg past.
Before the lure of meat stirred inside and the BBQ was lit.
A quadruple decker cheese burger cured all.
Normally I'm happy to sit around and natter by the Camper, but fancying a walk and utter those words that can make group of people stand and move as one. " I'm going to the bar, who wants a drink on me!" We headed to the club house for a bit, passing the hillclimb paddocks, already filling up with guest cars.
Following some very random talk and more cider it was time to hit the R'n'R bed for some kip, tomorrow was show day.
Sunday, blue skies and scorching sun greeted me at 7am, it was wake up time, pack up time and relocate to the show field time. Lots of weight, little power and a steady right foot saw me out of the mud with no problems. Dumping the Camper and gazebo on SE stand I hung around for a while before heading up to the hairpin on the hillclimb for the first runs.
As ever a stunning selection of guest cars had been arranged, the Napier Bentley the star for me.
Having seen everyone run once I headed down to the club stands for a bit. Some really nice cars, these are just a handful of my highlights.
I walked over into the race paddock and got myself a passenger wristband, I was in the mood for a bit of a climb but in what? Seth suddenly appeared grinning like a kid in a sweetshop in the mighty Healey.
More of the guest cars.
I watch 24litres of aero engined beast leave the line.
Then Seth was back, he'd loved his run and introduced me to Mr Frankenhealey. His last run of the day was in a bit but the seat was promised elsewhere. I hung around to see the other cars run and chat with a few people in the show area before returning to the paddock, as I did the Healey was sitting there waiting to go, the passenger seat empty. The grin was answered with "get in and belt up" Thanks to Bastardchild for capturing the moment.
It was a whirlwind of noise, speed and heat as we tore up the hill. An amazing ride I will never forget for a long time. As the lunch break arrived I nabbed a burger and more water and listened to Bryns interviews. The commentator at events can make or break sometimes and you did a cracking job chap. Soon it was the all important awards. Worthy winners all of them including car of the year for the air ride Lotus Esprit.
I was all set for another wander when Ian and the Monza were due out with the guest cars for one of his last runs of the day and the cars last outing before being stripped and sent over the bridge. Again right time, right place as the seat was empty, its intended recipient busy elsewhere. A very different experience to the Healey, but equally as memorable.
There was just time for a bit more hill action and walk around before starting the trip home.
And a bit of Seth papping too.
And that was it, a load of goodbyes were said and I loaded the Camper for home.
But not before slapping on the all important sticker.
It was an amazing weekend, there are far too many people to thank, from the whole bottom of the hill crowd, the BlownImp massive tent posse, the people that made it all happen and the drivers kind enough to give me a ride. I'm tired, tanned and grining from ear to ear. Bring on 2013
You can see the rest of the photos
here
Steve.
