Isle Of Wight 2001

As I had the luxury of a 64mb card for my camera, I was rather snap-happy on this rally.  I've therefore split the photos into separate pages.  The story on this page just contains a small subset of the many photos on the pages below :

Blazing sunshine accompanied the journey to Portsmouth and then on the ferry.  Rich and I enjoyed a bag of cherries as we sailed over, followed by a cherry-pip-spitting competition, which he won.  We checked into the B & B and headed to the King Lud for some much-needed refreshment, where we met a few old friends....

We alternated between Hipshaker and VFM, meeting more friends along the way.  It all started to get a bit hazy, with much drinking, dancing and photographing going on.  The highlight of the evening was Thick As Thieves, accompanied by air guitar as demonstrated by Steve Bone and his merry crew (no photos of it, thank goodness!).

Saturday was more subdued - tiredness and hangovers ruled.  Off to the custom show, which got rather chilly in the ice rink so I escaped outside to top up my tan. 

More people had arrived at this stage...  After a quick drink in the Lud we headed back to the B & B for a siesa - via the Thatched House pub where we caught up with Gary and Lin, who'd had to resort to buying a tent as there was not a bed to be found on the island, despite a major search attempt.  

Saturday evening came, with the greatest double-whammy possible - Pompey won and Scummers lost.  Managed not to gloat too much to Gary Todd (guest Hipshaker DJ, who's a Scummer) as he didn't look too overjoyed about it.  Hipshaker was really kicking - great atmosphere and fantastic music being played.  Also popped into VFM and took yet more photos.

Sunday.  Dragged myself out of bed for the rideout, which turned out to be a washout.  Got as far as Shanklin before the clutch temporarily burned out (or something similarly technical, caused by going too slowly up too many hills).  I was hungry anyway, so we headed back towards Sandown.  Didn't get far before the heavens opened so dashed into a handy pub, which luckily was serving food.  Then, back to B & B for more kip before heading out in the evening.  Started off in Wetherspoons (had a 'duck wrap' - nice!) followed by Hipshaker.  Molly was guest DJ and he played loads of my favourites - cheers mate! 

Monday.  Up very early much to Rich's surprise.  Arrived at ferry port at 9am, straight onto the ferry - what a result!  Quick ride home, time for a quick gander at photos before jumping back on scoot and heading back to Pompey for the footie.  What a match!  The most stunning Pompey performance in years, inspired by Robbie Prosinecki - we won 4-2. 

Conclusion : Great weekend, made lots of new friends, mainly good weather.  A good rally....