Final Approach

Blimey, has it really been that long since my last blog update ? So much going on, not all Windy 500 related. But here I am again, counting down the days (22 !) until we are off again.

Team Jezebel is taking shape. Last time, the team numbered 6. Never all at once of course, Jezebel only had 4 seats. We started with 4, sent 2 home after a few days, gained a rogue Team 12 and gained and lost another team member every week. Well, we have an extra seat this time. No ordinary seat either, more like an interrogation chair. A sinister black leather seat. I just need a spotlight to shine in to the occupants eyes. There's still 3 weeks, you never know....

So, 8 team members. 5 of whom came last time for all or part of the trip. The numbers include my wife, two offspring, mother-in-law and my future son in law. A real novice camper who has been bullied in to it by his mate Pete. All part of Pete's stag do apparently. Number 1 son, who is at that annoying age where he likes drinking beer but isn't quite old enough or affluent enough to buy his own or buy his long suffering father one yet. He will almost certainly be in for the long haul, draining the alcohol supplies in the process. Number 2 son is flying out with his grandma for the last 5 days to add to his impressive list of countries visited. He'll be ousting his cuckoo of a big brother from the nest, but there is apparently a space in the back seat with Team Milly. Better food and a fresh beer supply I expect.

Team George and Dave's work van

We have some fresh teams joining us this time around too. Team 007, the Lotus has now morphed in to two teams. John is still taking the Lotus, but Steve, his passenger for the last week of last year's is bringing a van. Sarah, formerly of Team 12 has defected to join John, whilst Raquel, who nearly came last time, has linked up with Steve to form Team 8. Team 33, or Team George, are another new team.
Gary and Dave are travelling in Dave's work van. Hopefully they will have removed the tools and will be bringing barbecue and tents.

Limo wars. Olly has competition this time.

So, together with the new limo of Team Just-Ice Cool, that makes 3 new teams. Team 12, the Mobile Brothel, has a new look with Clare joining Marc. New faces, nice to see. I'm sure they'll get in to the swing of things pretty quickly.

Of course the down side is that we are losing a few teams from last time. Team Red 5 have family and 50th birthday commitments. Team Chameleon also cited family issues, delighted to have done it once, but can't commit again. Team Nightmare have gone their separate ways, selling LaDiva and finding other ways to spend June. Team Swannie were hoping to come along, but work got in the way. Team Wessex likewise, just ran out of time to organise anything. Team Trauma ummed and ahhed about it for many months, but finally pulled out. Team Swanners want to join up again next time. Hopefully we'll see several of these pioneers back for another go next time.

But, only 22 days until we are off, so sights firmly on June 13th and the departure. Still a fair bit to sort out, a few van related issues to resolve. The under vehicle lighting has a dodgy connection and she seems to have a money spider infestation around the cab. Got to get my spotlight sorted for the interrogation seat too. See, told you I was busy....