Well, let me tell you...
This was actually my first proper Hograost! In 2007 I came only for the Saturday to join the Plain fun with Paul, and after that the good intentions of attending the whole event fizzled out year after year due to holiday plans, injuries, lack of disposable income, etc, etc. And if I'm absolutely honest, the idea of a meeting centred around a roasted pig didn't really appeal to me as a veggie...
But this year Steve asked me if I was willing to contribute to the participants' entertainment and I was - who could ever say 'no' to our favourite bakerman?
Like many others, I arrived Friday after work, pitched my tent in the 'Pogo only' zone - forsightly pyloned off by Timpo - and immediately got the opportunity to practise my Spanish. Four guys from Santander on their way from Scotland and the Isle of Man back to the ferry had heard of the Hograost by chance and popped around to see what it was all about.
Maybe Oso can help me with the names? From left to right: Eduardo (?), Timpo (not Spanish), Michael (neither), Oso (welcome to the forum!), Juan and Mario (?)
Unfortunately they had to carry on to Salisbury but I hope we will see them again in Andover next year - or on the Ruta de la Plata...
Juan knows how to treat a lady...
And Oso left me speechless when he gave me his piglet (that had travelled around the world with him!) as a talisman. Muchísimas gracias...
Then it was time for dinner - that's what I call a serious Paella pan!
Following up on the food theme - guess what Timpo had for breakfast on Saturday morning?
Here's a clue - SkyGod was having the same
Fed and watered, people gathered on the car park for the ride-outs - Timpo's hardcore gang
Even the royalty turned up to give their blessings - Bakerman, The Boss and Paul
Now I have to confess that I was behaving antisocially for a change. Due to time contraints during the last few weeks I still hadn't got round to do a recce for a trail riding event in Wiltshire the following weekend. Being so close to Salisbury Plain was a great opportunity to ride the route that I had only been able to plot on the map so far. And so I set off on my own (yes, I know what you're saying now - never go trail riding alone - and I feel guilty... ).
You see what happens to byways that are not ridden on a regular basis - this lane near Collingbourne Ducis needs some proper lawn mowing 'Dirty Girls' style...
Our national heritage...
But the byways around Stonehenge are under serious threat of being closed to motor-propelled vehicles forever
The public enquiry was supposed to start on 22nd June but due to Wiltshire County Council being badly prepared, has now been postponed until September.
In memoriam Ben "Motörhead" Jones...
Decisions, decisions...
Don't we just love The Plain?
Alright, alright, I won't then, Sir!
More national heritage - Devizes White Horse
Coming down the Wessex Ridgeway
Our friends the 4x4's were here - nearly got stuck on this trail near Avebury...
Idyllic place for an excursion into the bushes
Approaching Barbury Castle
Aha...
The Ridgeway near East Kennett
Gates can be a bit of a nuisance when you're on your own...
Pewsey White Horse
Back at Andover Rugby Club it was too late for me to enter the competition for the dirtiest bike - the trophy had already been given to Horse1200.
Here's runner-up SkyGod
A striking head, that hog...
Oh dear, Becky starting with the booze...
For Timpo it was the first proper meal in over four weeks...
On a flying visit: Hans, Berin and Dr JM
Well, they had been here since lunch time - only I was late... Toni, Rosi, Dr JM and Berin
Another far-travelled Spaniard!
A glimpse of the fabulous Brief Case Blues Brothers and the amazing crowd before it got too dark
Finally I understood the true purpose of MrIFan's distinctive hairdress!
Sunday morning - the remains of the weekend...
The left-over raffle prizes - how do you transport a gargoyle on a small X-Challenge?
Some people even stayed to listen to my South America talk - thanks for your time and interest, guys!
Around midday the field was almost cleared... Hope you get better soon, Trev!
Sean 'Sir Fixalot' from the AA with his 30-year old beauty
And the last of the tireless busy bees...
What a brilliant weekend! Thank you so much, Steve, Becky, your kids and all your helpers for your hard work and for making the Hograost such a fantastic event!
I thoroughly enjoyed myself and will be back next year.
THANK YOU - and well done on the fundraising front!
Ela
This was actually my first proper Hograost! In 2007 I came only for the Saturday to join the Plain fun with Paul, and after that the good intentions of attending the whole event fizzled out year after year due to holiday plans, injuries, lack of disposable income, etc, etc. And if I'm absolutely honest, the idea of a meeting centred around a roasted pig didn't really appeal to me as a veggie...
But this year Steve asked me if I was willing to contribute to the participants' entertainment and I was - who could ever say 'no' to our favourite bakerman?
Like many others, I arrived Friday after work, pitched my tent in the 'Pogo only' zone - forsightly pyloned off by Timpo - and immediately got the opportunity to practise my Spanish. Four guys from Santander on their way from Scotland and the Isle of Man back to the ferry had heard of the Hograost by chance and popped around to see what it was all about.
Maybe Oso can help me with the names? From left to right: Eduardo (?), Timpo (not Spanish), Michael (neither), Oso (welcome to the forum!), Juan and Mario (?)
Unfortunately they had to carry on to Salisbury but I hope we will see them again in Andover next year - or on the Ruta de la Plata...
Juan knows how to treat a lady...
And Oso left me speechless when he gave me his piglet (that had travelled around the world with him!) as a talisman. Muchísimas gracias...
Then it was time for dinner - that's what I call a serious Paella pan!
Following up on the food theme - guess what Timpo had for breakfast on Saturday morning?
Here's a clue - SkyGod was having the same
Fed and watered, people gathered on the car park for the ride-outs - Timpo's hardcore gang
Even the royalty turned up to give their blessings - Bakerman, The Boss and Paul
Now I have to confess that I was behaving antisocially for a change. Due to time contraints during the last few weeks I still hadn't got round to do a recce for a trail riding event in Wiltshire the following weekend. Being so close to Salisbury Plain was a great opportunity to ride the route that I had only been able to plot on the map so far. And so I set off on my own (yes, I know what you're saying now - never go trail riding alone - and I feel guilty... ).
You see what happens to byways that are not ridden on a regular basis - this lane near Collingbourne Ducis needs some proper lawn mowing 'Dirty Girls' style...
Our national heritage...
But the byways around Stonehenge are under serious threat of being closed to motor-propelled vehicles forever
The public enquiry was supposed to start on 22nd June but due to Wiltshire County Council being badly prepared, has now been postponed until September.
In memoriam Ben "Motörhead" Jones...
Decisions, decisions...
Don't we just love The Plain?
Alright, alright, I won't then, Sir!
More national heritage - Devizes White Horse
Coming down the Wessex Ridgeway
Our friends the 4x4's were here - nearly got stuck on this trail near Avebury...
Idyllic place for an excursion into the bushes
Approaching Barbury Castle
Aha...
The Ridgeway near East Kennett
Gates can be a bit of a nuisance when you're on your own...
Pewsey White Horse
Back at Andover Rugby Club it was too late for me to enter the competition for the dirtiest bike - the trophy had already been given to Horse1200.
Here's runner-up SkyGod
A striking head, that hog...
Oh dear, Becky starting with the booze...
For Timpo it was the first proper meal in over four weeks...
On a flying visit: Hans, Berin and Dr JM
Well, they had been here since lunch time - only I was late... Toni, Rosi, Dr JM and Berin
Another far-travelled Spaniard!
A glimpse of the fabulous Brief Case Blues Brothers and the amazing crowd before it got too dark
Finally I understood the true purpose of MrIFan's distinctive hairdress!
Sunday morning - the remains of the weekend...
The left-over raffle prizes - how do you transport a gargoyle on a small X-Challenge?
Some people even stayed to listen to my South America talk - thanks for your time and interest, guys!
Around midday the field was almost cleared... Hope you get better soon, Trev!
Sean 'Sir Fixalot' from the AA with his 30-year old beauty
And the last of the tireless busy bees...
What a brilliant weekend! Thank you so much, Steve, Becky, your kids and all your helpers for your hard work and for making the Hograost such a fantastic event!
I thoroughly enjoyed myself and will be back next year.
THANK YOU - and well done on the fundraising front!
Ela