View Full Version : A2OC Camping Social 2007
A big thank you to everyone who came to this years camping social at Waterside Farm Camp Site, Pooley Bridge.
The site was on the shore of Lake Ullswater and, being at the bottom of the valley, we were surrounded by simply wonderful scenery.
I think it's fair to say that everyone enjoyed themselves, even those novice-campers who were not put off by the weather on Friday.
We had the opportunity to see the lakes, have an A2 convoy and get to know each other better (sometime for the worse - the snorers know who they are!)
This will be the first of many annual camping trips with the aim to rotate the location each time so we get to see more of the countryside we often take for granted.
I hope these pictures are a good remider for people, and a nice apetiser for those who would like to try it next year - details to follow.
Alan (Pamanal21), Carl (Wooly A2) and I arrived on the Thursday (Carl bringing his brother-in-law and domestic partner Ricky, and I came with Marie, my wife) so we took the opportunity to stretch the A2's on a drive - here we are at the top of Hardknott pass, after which we took a trip on the Eskdale and Ravenglass railway, Ricky getting a quick lesson in track gauges...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v371/christodd1/IMG_1612.jpg
Would you buy a car from these men? (L-R: Me, Alan, Carl and Ricky)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v371/christodd1/IMG_1615.jpg
One everyone had arrived, we looked like a nice little reservation - another camper, one of the lairy 'Langley Boys' was curious enough to point out we all have the same cars; no s**t Sherlock...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v371/christodd1/IMG_1673.jpg
On our travels we incredibly managed to keep in a convoy - here we are round the back of Thirlmere, my favourite lake. It's a beautiful location; by now, Johann and Toby were preparing for their epic round-Ullswater bike ride...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v371/christodd1/IMG_1708.jpg
Getting close to nature, Carl (Wooly A2) couldn't resist the temptation!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v371/christodd1/IMG_1712.jpg
Magical.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v371/christodd1/IMG_1701.jpg
Off to Grasmere for the best Gingerbread in the world and then onto the Kirkstone Pass Inn where Mike (Skipton) and Robin (...er...robin) tried to start a fight with a bunch of Bikers!
In the afternoon some of us took a boat trip on Ullswater - for some people the excitement was simply too much (robin)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v371/christodd1/IMG_1734.jpg
Finally, it was down to the quiz - despite a late entry from The Flying Dutchmen (Johann and Tobi), the quattro's took the prizes home (Skipton and his wife Angie, Robin and his wife Maddy). Despite walking back at 11:30 from the pub, there was plenty of light in the sky to see the Lake from and the occassional Bat, it really is wonderful.
Skipton01
08-07-2007, 08:39 PM
by now, Johann and Toby were preparing for their epic round-Ullswater bike ride...
To be continued....
My photos will follow shortly, but thanks go to Chris and Marie for organising this fantastic weekend and the Saturday night quiz.
Angie and I had possibly the shortest journey to make, unlike Richard, who came from Portsmouth for the weekend!
It was great to see the 'usual suspects' again (Carl(Wooly), Chris(ULP), Alan(Pamanal21), Ian(Driveforward), Mike (TDIman - in 2xA2s, otherwise known as an A4!) and Robin. It was great to see new 'old' faces Johann and Tobi (your secret about the round the lake cycling is safe!) and new, new faces Alex and Richard - thanks for helping to make the weekend the success it was and for popping your 'social' cherry!
Roll on next year, although some changes will be made to make camping more agreeable to me!
CHeers,
Mike
Today as we departed, the A2's were lined-up for pictures:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v371/christodd1/IMG_1808.jpg
And here we are (I tried to photoshop names onto the pictures but my computer had a fit...) in the order of our cars behind
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v371/christodd1/IMG_1821.jpg
L-R
Mike (skipton) and his wife Angie
Richard (richard-)
Ian (driveforward)
Tobi (need to get yourself a username, Tobi!)
Alan (pamanal21)
Johann (Johann)
Carl (wooly A2) and his brother-in-law/ domestic partner Ricky
Robin (robin) and his wife Maddy
Marie and I (ULP)
Alex (alexwharton) - A Chinese-burn is owed to my brother-in-law for missing Alex's car from the picture... (sorry Alex)
Off the picture it must be noted that Mike (tdiman), his wife Debbie and two daughters also joined us despite no longer owning an A2. However, if there was a competition for the heaviest, longest, widest, most powerful, only car with a rear wiper at the event, then Mike's A4 would probably have won!
I hope everyone who attended enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed organising the event. The turn-out was excellent and I'm thoroughly chuffed that it went so well. If you have enjoyed it this year, come back next year and if you think it looks like fun (rain and all) then join us next year.
Over the coming months a number of events will be advertised for the club - please keep an eye out for the opportunity to meet fellow enthusiasts and new friends; I know I have this weekend.
It only remains to be said the combination of donations after the quizz, the sale of some Stealth Racing Stickers and the campsite forgetting they had given me the deposits back then also taking them off other people's bills (ssssshh) means the club now has an additional £94 in its account - with the money also raised to 'guess the horse-power of Tank 'this month we are really keeping the club going and that is a credit to all.
alexwharton
08-07-2007, 08:50 PM
Found the end of the rainbow on are camp site
http://img104.mytextgraphics.com/photolava/2007/07/08/p1000547-472v9q43n.jpg
The camp site
http://img101.mytextgraphics.com/photolava/2007/07/08/p1000550-472vb1ms1.jpg
Stopped at the side of the lake on the way to the pub
http://img103.mytextgraphics.com/photolava/2007/07/08/p1000563-472vcg4fi.jpg
A2's offroad going downhill
http://img104.mytextgraphics.com/photolava/2007/07/08/p1000566-472vdpyfs.jpg
alexwharton
08-07-2007, 08:52 PM
Side of tank
http://img106.mytextgraphics.com/photolava/2007/07/08/p1000568-1idzsa52.jpg
Darren C
08-07-2007, 09:41 PM
I am really pleased to see the pictures - as I stated before the event it looks and sounds like a success from start to finish.
Shame I missed out - there is always next year I guess!! :p
pamanal21
08-07-2007, 09:59 PM
Hi all,you lucky campers, just a short line to say a big 'thank you 'to all those involved in the planing etc of of this event, I had a great time (remembering that Im the original 'Victor Meldrew' in this club) look forward to the next outing! you lot are quick off the mark with the photographs,and very prof' if you dont mind me saying so, Congratulations all round,Cheers Alan, PS, just for Ian, Southend not far from Greece/Close!!
Skipton01
08-07-2007, 10:21 PM
Attached are my first contributions to the photo file of this weekend - I hope it inspires others to join us next time round.
Cheers,
Mike
driveforward
09-07-2007, 11:31 AM
A superb weekend, and I'll echo the thanks made above! Even as a non-camper I had a great time and as ever it was great to see the usual faces along with new ones. As a note to anyone reading this who didn't attend this weekend, is thinking about coming along to other events this year (more details soon..!), or fancies the camping next year; it is worth mentioning that the atmosphere is very welcoming and there are no clique's etc so there is nothing to worry about if you haven't attended a meet before!
Alan - I think I'll take a look at an atlas..!
The location was superb, trips out excellent (despite the parking charges and extortionate boat trip! :p ), and there were some brilliant expressions on the faces of onlookers as we convoyed to, around and back from the lakes!
I'd better take a look at my pics later, will post up if there's anything worth seeing!
tdiman
09-07-2007, 11:43 AM
I can only say a really good was had by me and my tribe! the other half was a bit worried we'd spend all weekend in the pub talking Audi, how wrong was she fellow campers!
The kids enjoyed it as well, just a pity there weren't any others there too, you never know next time, come on fellow A2 club members, it's a good FAMILY meet as well.
Quick point, don't let your wife take the kids on a rowing boat in high winds, you end up going to row it back for them!
Hopefully I'll post some pics later tonight.
Cheers
The Simpsons!
wooly A2
09-07-2007, 10:31 PM
Well i can only echo what everyone has said ...
Toddy and Maria have done us proud ....
Chris has been completing his masters so god only knows how he has found time to make this trip happen ......
I Can only add that Chris and his other half must have put in an endless amount of research on this as the whole weekend was packed with fun and enjoyment for everyone who attended the Social .....
Im sure that after the success of this event it can only be bigger next year
although i think the Location will take some beating .....
It was great to see the same old faces once more along with some new ones, it was also nice to see some kids there enjoying themself i will never forget what TDimans daughter said at the quiz
(dad should i pull the face know )LOL!!! (Mike Tdiman knows what i mean)
The Camping Trip for Ricky and Me also gave us a chance to climb some of the Fells which i had wanted to do for a long time ,
although it was a like a monsoon by the time we got to the top it all added to the adventure of doing the climb .......
If Chris and Maria can organize another camping trip next year half as good as this one my names already on the top of the list ......
Its GREAT to see that we can have such an Amazing time we are all very very different in our own ways but we all got on extremely well like Tdiman said a real family atmosphere....
We all have one thing in common we all Love The Car which
brings us to this Website ......
As has been mentioned before its GREAT to put names to faces and all that I Think its so much nicer that We can exist not just as a virtual club ...The Pictures from the camping trip Say It All ..........
So Watch out for some more Socials in the nr Future and if you have any suggestions or trips in your area let us know .........
wooly A2
09-07-2007, 11:01 PM
Call me Sad but this pic just reminded me of a scene from Teletubbies
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b359/gpcracer/tubbyland.jpg
This ones for Team Kindergarden they no who they are LOL !!!!
driveforward
09-07-2007, 11:06 PM
Haha!! Excellent Carl - but why do I get to be the goofy yellow one!? The Teletubbies thought had crossed my mind too.. seem's you owe Lisa some credit for our quiz teams name!
One slip and it's a long way down - Ricky's face says it all!!
http://www.a2oc.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=925&d=1184018279
robin
10-07-2007, 07:10 AM
Well we have to say, the weekend was FAB,a truley good time had by all,
it was nice to meet new faces & everyone got on great,
loved the location & the trips were entertaining,robin enjoyed his snooze on the steamer (nice one marie),the quiz night was fun (again thanks to chris & marie),
looking forward to the next trip,
well done to chris & marie for all there hard work putting the weekend together & to everyone that came along, we could not have had such a good time without you all,
ROBIN & MADDY
Will post pictures later.
The important thing is regardless of how much organisation goes into it, if nobody turned up then it'd be just Marie and I twiddling our thumbs - the support of members and everyone joining in, impressively for novice campers, makes all the difference. We were extremely forunate with the location and I'm going to struggle to get as good as this for next year but the search has begun. However, the great turn-out and good time everybody had has made all the work worthwhile.
For the first time in a long time I forgot all about work and anything outside of the Lakes, which is magical. Slightly ruined yesterday to find some none fixed-abode people had been into one of my listed buildings and stripped-out copper piping flooding the place and shorting the power... :(
Mike is right, it would be great to see more families at next years event.
Shame I missed out - there is always next year I guess!! :p
It is a shame Darren but there is indeed always next year. I feel confident we will get a similar turn-out if not larger!
And a quick note - as we have raised £94 it would be nice to increase this to £100; if somebody promises to put another £6 into the club I will post a picture of Mike (Skipton) running - likewise, if Mike donates I promise it will never see the light of day on this forum :) First post promising a donation wins...
Skipton01
10-07-2007, 10:56 AM
if somebody promises to put another £6 into the club I will post a picture of Mike (Skipton) running - likewise, if Mike donates I promise it will never see the light of day on this forum :) First post promising a donation wins...
You scoundrel!
I'd hardly call it running either, more a fast hobble.
You should see the photo taken on a 10 second delay from the table - I only reached halfway!
Well, in the end, you only have your conscience to live with if you do post!
Cheers,
Mike
richard-
10-07-2007, 11:10 AM
Interesting every one is pointing my way...
I have picked out a few of my photos that you can find here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/8021242@N03/) - slideshow (http://www.flickr.com/photos/8021242@N03/show/)
I really enjoyed the trip next time I will remember to bring munches but*
I hadn't been real camping before ! really..
wooly A2
10-07-2007, 08:56 PM
You scoundrel!
I'd hardly call it running either, more a fast hobble.
You should see the photo taken on a 10 second delay from the table - I only reached halfway!
Well, in the end, you only have your conscience to live with if you do post!
Cheers,
MikeI Will never forget this moment CLASSIC ,
now i dont feel nearly so bad as the pic
which sees me answering natures call LOL !!!!
WELL DONE MIKE ;)
tdiman
10-07-2007, 09:49 PM
Well I finally got round to sorting my pics out, here they are, we called at the Alpaca centre on our way back, hence the wooly mammal,
If we go again can you put our names down we may even own an A2 by then if I can talk the missus into having one that is. Even so it was nice to have a 'quiet' nights sleep, fellow campers will get my drift on that one he he he
Mike
alexwharton
10-07-2007, 10:01 PM
Some great pics guys.
Richard did you take a liking to my pink bbq?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8021242@N03/768209792/
richard-
10-07-2007, 10:07 PM
Yeah I found one in homebase today the same colour was thinking of buying it ... ;)
Skipton01
10-07-2007, 10:09 PM
Yeah I found one in homebase today the same colour was thinking of buying it ... ;)
Judging by that photo and your avatar, you have a bit of a problem taking a straight photograph!
Constantly drunk eh?
Cheers,
Mike
alexwharton
10-07-2007, 10:21 PM
ours was £7 in argos the other week when they had there offers on. did you get home in less than the 10 hours it toke you to get to the site?
Johann
11-07-2007, 12:04 PM
Tobi (need to get yourself a username, Tobi!)
LOL: Tobi is Dutch71 on here!
Great trip guys. I have not had the time to upload my pictures but will as soon as I get the time.
Can't wait for the next camping trip. Was my first time out in a tent and if that rain during Friday night could not dampen my spirits nothing will I think!
:-j
LOL: Tobi is Dutch71 on here!
Apologies to Tobi, I didn't realise :o
If we go again can you put our names down we may even own an A2 by then if I can talk the missus into having one that is.
Good hunting - I'm sure Deb's knows it makes sense.
For what it's worth, I've now had my A2 for 2 years and I can't ever imagine selling it now, there is nothing I'd prefer to have and we have a great little club with a burgoining social scene. I was most impressed to learn Johann had owned his TDI SE from new in the exact specification he wanted. All the cars looks cracking over the weekend; there is no such thing as an A2 'pup'.
Travelling in convoy with Richard, Carl and Ian all the way to the M6 Toll Road was incredibly gratifying - other people must have thought we were all unhinged! I did notice a Q7 come past us and the kid in the passengers seat was giving a warm smile... :)
bretti_kivi
11-07-2007, 06:52 PM
you've inspired me, i have to say. And the one photo fits perfectly in the Calendar i've been putting together for the German club - check it out at http://www.23hq.com/bretti_kivi/album/2202202
Thanks for the permission to use it.
Bret
driveforward
11-07-2007, 07:50 PM
Here's a selection of my pics from the weekend.. please take note of the one of everyone standing on the grassy bank.. shortly after the photo was taken everyone ran off as Chris went behind the foliage to water the evergreens...
shortly after the photo was taken everyone ran off as Chris went behind the foliage to water the evergreens...
Somewhere there is a 2yr old boy who can hold 8 pints of Stella - he has somehow managed to swap my bladder for his. As Carl, Ricky and Alan (and a few startled sheep) would testify, a regular toilet break is an essential part of the Chris diary!
wooly A2
11-07-2007, 09:56 PM
Ricky got a new name for you and its something like P****r !!!!! LOL !!!!:)
malcolmoc
12-07-2007, 03:00 PM
Great to see all the photo's and reports. Brings back many memories when two mates and I went every year to the lakes mainly to Was****er to climb Scarfell Pikes and Hellvellen and Great Gable etc. Glad to hear you had a good time and I can assure you I was with you in spirit and thinking about you all.
Cheers
Malcolm.
wooly A2
13-07-2007, 12:05 AM
Just to let you know that if you would like to upload any more pics to the site
there is a seperate catergory for the Camping Trip in The Gallery section ............;)
wooly A2
14-07-2007, 07:33 AM
Come on people
we have now got a new catergory in the Social section
http://www.a2oc.net/gallery/browseimages.php?c=52&userid=
lets see them pics .....
Johann
14-07-2007, 11:15 AM
OK guys. Finally got around to uploading my pictures. They are from two cameras hence you go through the entire trip and then you start at the beginning again!
http://www.photobox.co.uk/album/6022908?c_album=6022908&page=all
http://snap29.photobox.co.uk/37487027de08f14a60d87edb0d908d37d8543c08197b24f60e c67c6f.jpg
http://snap26.photobox.co.uk/9103072117fa7e952b9a411baaa81a21b62a6d5c2f53e4c0cd eb9c52.jpg
These two are my favourites:
http://snap29.photobox.co.uk/6148787780a6f24a78dfb1d5cd6aefcccfcc49b2dec90fd172 b06261.jpg
And this one, showing the difference between an FSI spoiler and a TDI:
http://snap29.photobox.co.uk/57704408fad366c8b433089a36d0b61b7e400c3ed63a2645e9 7500d9.jpg
wooly A2
14-07-2007, 08:37 PM
OK guys. Finally got around to uploading my pictures. They are from two cameras hence you go through the entire trip and then you start at the beginning again!
These two are my favourites:
http://snap29.photobox.co.uk/6148787780a6f24a78dfb1d5cd6aefcccfcc49b2dec90fd172 b06261.jpg
And this one, showing the difference between an FSI spoiler and a TDI:
http://snap29.photobox.co.uk/57704408fad366c8b433089a36d0b61b7e400c3ed63a2645e9 7500d9.jpg
I Love these 2 pics i never knew the FSi spoiler was bigger , bUt i do know....;)
Johann
15-07-2007, 10:58 AM
LOL Yes it is longer and it has little supports on each end. So side on it looks thicker but these are in fact only the supports...
:-j
Dutch71
15-07-2007, 11:50 AM
My first trip with the A2 gang and it was brilliant, we had a great time. Thanks for the mention of Johann and my round trip bike ride...! We deserved the pint or two after that one....:)
See you all on the next one!
Tobi
PS: How about those 3 second tents then, you were all impressed right?
chucknaldo
15-07-2007, 11:52 AM
Looks like you all had a goood time. Nice shots too!!
wooly A2
16-08-2007, 01:12 AM
There are some great pics on this thread and i have just noticed that none of them have been put in the New Gallery section i think it's probably because the Gallery was having a makeover just after we got back from the camping trip ,it would be a shame for so many pics to go down with the thread as people are more likely to see them in the Gallery section .......
http://www.a2oc.net/pictures/showgallery.php?cat=52
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