Hi all,

First off, I'll say a big thanks to all that parted with their hard-earned money in aid of Wales Air Ambulance. A big thanks to our corporate sponsors also. We were asked by a few people just how much of the money raised would go toward charity, and were glad to respond that ALL moneys raised by competing parties will go to this great cause.

THANK YOU!

Saturday Morning: Doesn't look good, the little pig is protesting strongly, the starter is refusing to engage. Still, like the big bad wolf I persist, YES, it starts, filling me with confidence for the forthcoming miles that lay ahead. Over to Swffryd and onward to Abercarn. (With an even load now I hasten to add).

It's a good start, Bacon rolls, (plenty of supplies, all them pigs parked just outside!), and amendments to the route, plus plenty of people to send us off, Dad's, (Richard to some of you, though believe me it was shortened to Dick plenty of times over the weekend), off to a good start. We manage to get to the first control without hiccup. (Just a little skid on the ice whilst visiting Markham Common). The day doesn't go so well from this point on. We miss a turn, causing a lot of sighs, and words like, “That was a silly thing to do”, until finding the next control. This in turn causes overheating. (Actually, it just brings on the inevitable, but hey, I've gotta' blame someone).

The day gets slower; closing car has had to move on, (after replenishing burned oil and water - big thanks to James and Zoe for taking the time to help). Off we go, but soon realise that some of the checkpoints are going to have to be missed.

We catch up at Walters, (to those that do not know of the place – Walters is used on the Wales Rally GB. It's no place for the faint hearted). And on to morning coffee. Stories are told, but none to many, as it's soon time to make tracks (all three of them). At this point, we had a decision to make; (A), go all out to catch up and risk the whole event, (B), miss some of the checkpoints, take our time and do our uttermost to complete. To some we took the easy route, to others the sensible, either way you look at it, we still made it difficult on ourselves by doing as much as possible, causing us lateness throughout the day. We miss lunch but meet with other rear markers. At this point we decide to admit that the car is just not going to catch up, and make a decision to stick with the “Pink Pig” to afternoon coffee, and on to Beddgelhert

After a long and hard day motoring, as you can imagine, lots of alcohol was consumed, and plenty of laughter could be heard. The atmosphere was one that I cannot describe with mere words. All were chatting ‘till late and The Royal Goat accommodated by keeping bar open until midnight.

The morning came, and all but 1 made it to the start. Our little piggy was protesting once more, but after a threat of being hurtled down a hill for a bump start she finally gave in and started. We made it to Caernarfon airport to visit the red ambulance that the event was in aid of, had our card signed, and even a photograph of most of the little pig's was taken, (not by us unfortunately). Still our little pig was loosing water, so a decision to take off some of the checkpoints had to be made. Most of the day was spent making slow progress, although after lunch the go-cart track was great fun. Even if we had to come off early, as the by now, haemorrhoids, or pain in the bum! Over-heating problem struck once more. From this point, we stuck once again with the “Pink Pig”, (thank you ladies). The home leg went well.

The engine survived, and will be re-built as soon as pos. (should have done it before we set but it's easy to be wise after the event).

Official Sponsors of our Pig:

  ACE Engine services – cylinder head recondition services.

1 st Supplies – For all your compressed air and hydraulic needs.

Meadowlands Industrial Saw and Tools – Suppliers and sharpeners of industrial saw blades.

Galen Herbal Supplies – Manufacturers of liquid herbal extracts and tinctures.

Not forgetting all the friends, family, work-mates etc . that we also received personal donations off.

A big, big Thank You to you all.