Show Time...

It's been a while since anything of note has happened with the petrol carrier (he said reminding himself that the last entry was September 2014!), so a strange turn of events at the weekend probably worked out in its favour!

Having booked the goddess in to the Rushden Cavalcade a few weeks ago, my focus turned to the state of the tyres when I polished it all up for wedding duties a few weeks ago. All was fine, except for the tyres, three of which seem to have deteriorated rapidly over the winter months. The light, tolerable surface cracks have developed rapidly into much deeper cracks 3-4 mm deep which suggests that they'll need replacing sooner rather than later!

So, not wishing to take it out unnecessarily, I thought about taking the petrol carrier instead. It started well although when I tried to get it in gear - no joy. When I did, it wouldn't come out again. Stuck clutch! After a couple of phone calls, I tried to get it outside on the starter, to try and run it up and down to free it off. No joy, not enough power. Where's the charger? 20 miles away, at home. So an hour's round journey. Whilst the battery charged, I tried the clutch again - hey presto, it unstuck! Phew! But annoying all the same. After a quick wash of the cab, I put it back to bed as it was by this time far too late to get down the A1 to Rushden in Northants.

Sunday dawned dark and wet and it was a dreary drive down, heavy rain all the way! But at least I know the wipers work and the cab is waterproof. I arrived in good time and parked up and wandered around the show for a bit, impressed by the size of the show and the range of visiting vehicles. It certainly lived up to expectations and is worth a visit again.

After a wander and a read of my book and a natter, I pitched the tent and retired to the bar and eating area for an excellent Thai green curry and a couple of beers, to listen to the live band playing. After a great night's sleep, bank holiday Monday dawned bright and sunny, so lots of encouragement to leave the tent for breakfast. With the tent away and a few cups of tea and a natter with the team from the K2 Preservation Trust who were close by, it was time for a lap of the show ring with an excellent array of commercials.

All too soon, it was time to go, and after a pleasant run back up to Grantham in the spring sunshine, 32 was put back to bed, although not after the all important new anti bird poo protection was put in place!

Next outing will be the Emergency Services Heritage Show at Newark on the 4th and 5th July.