We joined the Anoraks last trip to Battle on the Sunday, the others having spent the Saturday and night on site. After tales of the previous day's fun and the night run, we were more than ready to play ourselves.
Daisy hides in the trees |
As always our first destination was the ruts after the teahut. They were as extreme as ever and it wasn't far before we decided it was time to escape. Fortunately, we were following Pete in his Rangie, so he was on hand to rescue Daisy if the ruts swallowed her. Some mutual towing was required to get the group through. |
Pete examines the ruts |
Is Daisy in there somewhere? |
Save me! |
We moved on to the first bomb hole for a bit of a play. While there we found a very tippy SIII being 'balanced' by an interloper. Nearly an ouch. After rescuing the child passenger (also known as 'ballast') the SIII was towed to a slightly more acceptable angle. Rescue complete we all took some time to play up and down the steep sides. |
MPEG Video - Daisy goes in - 768KB |
MPEG Video - Daisy comes out - 266KB |
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MPEG Video - Pete plays - 374KB |
Meanwhile, Daisy was feeling a little warm. She assumed the position she is most comfortable in (bonnet up) while I delved. The Kenlowe was failing to start, which was diagnosed as some dodgy crimp connections. These were fixed temporarily - no matter how many tools I carry I still end up using the Swiss Army knife! Just in case, the ultimate wiring repair was putting the mechanical fan back on. I couldn't rely on the connections until I returned home and fired up the soldering iron. |
Going, going... |
...not quite gone |
Bonnet up... |
...pen knife out... |
...wiring fixed! |
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MPEG Video - Daisy needs help - 562KB |
We then moved on to the second bombhole. The journey between the two used to be easy but Battle had become more challenging as the years passed and it was getting harder to find a route. Daisy needed a tug to help her through. Once we got there a young Anorak was debating whether or not his Rangie could make it through. I think everyone knew he couldn't but, knowing we could always get him out again, encouraged him to have a go. |
Don't go in... |
MPEG Video - In he goes - 244KB |
Not going anywhere |
A text book slow and careful descent resulted in the Rangie becoming well and truly stuck. A bit too slow and gentle! It took what seemed like hours, about 4 ropes (one snapped!) and two vehicles to get him out. Oh, and about 5 Anoraks shouting advice. As we watched news came over the CB that someone else had fallen victim to the mud between the two bombholes. We took Daisy over to help out the stricken bobtail, somehow managing to sink myself up to the knee in mud and tearing my trousers in the process! |
...you won't get out |
MPEG Video - Daisy to the rescue - 929KB |
So that was our last trip to Battle, and Daisy's last trip off road (in my hands, at least.) The second of my favourite Anorak haunts now gone (remember Thamesmead?).
*Sob* :(
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