Ebized

We set out on Tuesday 1 September and 10 days later were back home with an extra 2500 miles on the clock which included some glorious roads and enjoyed great company. The ZED ran faultlessly as ever and gave June & I a really memorable time - so much so we are already planning another Scottish trip for next May or June. Having dug ourselves out the inevitable M25 traffic jam (just 10 miles from Epsom ) on the 1st, we travelled up the M6 to Moffat for an overnight stop at the Best Western Hotel, having met Chris and Amanda at the Charnock Richard services on route. Ricky and Karen had arrived before us and Chris and Tracy arrived later in the evening - all of us battling through the rain at one time or another. The Wednesday morning we set off for Fort Augustus but having heard about the road through The Trossachs via Brig o'Turk, I couldn't miss that and thoroughly enjoyed the hairpins, the 4 cars arriving outside this amazing converted villa. Not sure I was flavour of the month after that little bit of rallying The rest of the drive along the A84/A82 via Fort William is a spectacular drive although the one time we got stopped by roadworks it decided to pee down just after I took this pic We had missed a visit to Skye on last years Hoon so had planned to do that on the Thursday with Chris and Amanda for company. Although much of the journey there and back was wet there was a weather window in the afternoon that allowed us to see some of the island and an interesting look round a sheepskin place - fortunately got out of there with the excuse we had no room for rugs but that didn't stop leather gloves being bought Friday was Harry Potter day so with other keen train spotters we made it to the station at Fort William in the nick of time left and the ZEDS for quite a fun day, albeit I think a little traumatic for Stew when he could see the trian getting up steam but did not know where the station entrance was Anyway, for the train enthusiasts on the way to Mallaig: and on the return trip, including some spectacular scenery: Saturday was shopping and car washing day (in the rain ) but then all those that had arrived at FA met at the chalet park for a rather wet BBQ, or should I say a Martinmac special from the oven and hob keeping us fed and watered. Felt sorry for Stew who raced off to Inverness to get another Gazebo only to find it sieved rain more than it kept it out Sunday morning we assembled in the local car park for the start of the 350 mile run: Drove out towards Skye on the A87 (that is a great road) to Eilean Donan castle for the first stop but some little Hitler there thought coaches should be parking where we parked the ZEDs so we didn't hang around The next section took us towards Applecross, via a little tunnel (hmmmmmm like the Nismo exhaust just fitted ) The following pics taken on that drive: Arrived at the Inn and squeezed in some parking After a truly excellent lunch (the Applecros Haggis with Drambuie cream is to die for) we set off on the next leg to Ullapool - some pics on the way and the weather really turned for the better - even sunglasses came out Having stopped for tea in Ullapool and a necessary fill-up we then headed out around the A835 and back along the A832, down the infamous road to Kinlochewe where we urned around and came back up - you have seen the drive by video well here is tail-end charlie bringing up the rear and straightening the bends in true Lomoto style Arrived back at the Eilean Donan castle well into the evening And for me one of the best bits was the drive in the dark back along the A87 - that road is simply awesome for night driving

Oh, this train spotting can be so tiring

Don't worry about Andrew - he won't take crap from anyone

..........and just overtaken by a Fiesta I'd go for the 2nd pic - that's nice you sods, wheres the pics of you on track I'll have you know i overtook the fiesta (he span out ) but i got round ok, the volvo was a loon tho. no mention of the 205 - or did he just go past in a blur only kidding - as you say, you put those of us to shame who have not ventured on track - well not yet in the ZED in my case but the warranty is fast running out

..........and just overtaken by a Fiesta I'd go for the 2nd pic - that's nice

Anyone wanting to be certain of accommodation at Moreton Park Lodge needs to book now - the reserved rooms I secured but not taken, will go back on general release in the next few days so if you need a bed for a night or two or three - send me a pm for the booking reference

+1 the silver version works a treat to clean off all the crap and being a pad means there is absolutely no scratching. But I did use some NXT as well to really bring out the shine

Great vid Andrew - I have one to post up bringing up the rear of that group - thread of our Scottish jaunt and the Hoon soon

I have one now and boy, does it sound good - getting one s/h means I also save on the handbag compensation front - result all round So one off your list now Martin, - as you missed my new trumpet on the Hoon you will just have to get out to hear it in Wales on the 10/11 Oct

result - if only we could now wind back time to see your car on the Hoon, but the stand-in stood the pace well - just shows what a simple mod or two can do to a van - aided by some good driving, of course

Welcome to the forum This thread might help you: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=7389&hilit=my07 and the FAQ section will give you info about the previous MY03 and MY06 models

Best bit was finding the collaspible bucket in Fort Augustus £3 cheaper than Chesterfield paid for the same item from the internet - and he bought two Will come in handy at Wales on 10/11 having found it works and does not live up to its name when full of water

Brilliant - and thanks Stan for coming all the way to support us only for us then to lose you after the start As we found, keeping tabs on our respective whereabouts was not easy with the limited mobile coverage in them there Highlands but good to hear you enjoyed your trip out to Skye and hope your visit to Edinburgh and Aberdeen, and the other very good reason for leaving the Zed at home this year, helped to make up for not doing the full Hoon

Flat piece of wood under the scissor jack to spread the load Might also have to do the same under the trolly jack if the tarmac is really soft, with some wedges under if on an angle - but try to avoid a slope if that is what is causing the jack to lean over

Anyone who needs the accommodation details over the next 2 weeks, please pm martinmac. Thanks Colin

Maybe R35LEE Glad you and (the rest of) the car are in one piece - so what happened to lose the other 8 lives Look forward to seeing you next Sunday

I also see that it seems to sit partially under the strut and not at the front edge like the OEM, so the useable boot space, and where you want to keep things out of sight, is reduced. The OEM can also be removed in less than 10 seconds - not sure about the version shown though

Hey, didn't realize you are a ram too Our b/d's are so close

We will be coming by on the M6 so what about a meet at say the Charnock Richard services just after after junction 27, mid afternoon Edit: Not going to on here much before June and leave on Tuesday morning (bloody last minute work issues - and when I'm trying to spruce up the car too ) So Chris, or anyone else on here for that matter who is going, please call me if you need to confirm times etc. Colin

Yeah, hope all goes well and we see you out and about Hope this pose on the last Hoon wasn't the cause Hall of mirrors time

I just try to always go in the shopping trolley (that has rubber bits along the sides) ........ ............as the other 'alfs Jazz is affectionally known

Hope the attached helps us foreigners who don't know the locations

Me and the G/F totally cracking up at this mike, top draw why thank you Should we be revealing Sarnies location on a public forum

Might not - see here viewtopic.php?f=32&t=25040&hilit=clear+reflectors