D-Day +1 (Koblenz- Dresden)

Upon arriving in Koblenz yesterday evening, we popped to a local bar as advised, to register our safe arrival. Duly done, we left the bar in question for another bar, for two reasons. Firstly, the bar where we registered didn't serve Guinness. One member of the team only drinks this vile liquid Tarmac, so we have a habit of seeking out the nearest Irish pub in order that he can coat his innards in the stuff. Secondly, it became clear to some less sociable members of the group that other rally competitors might also turn up wanting to register. This inevitably placed us at risk of being introduced to complete strangers or worst case scenario, a full-on social interaction. It was decided by a minority vote that such an outcome was too bitter to contemplate and a remote bar serving pints of Celtic gravy should be sought out immediately. 

The remainder of last night was mostly spent drinking beer and arguing what time we ought to get up to arrive at the rally start point. Two of us (including me) decided 'on time' would be appropriate. The other two decided a nice lie-in would be a better idea. Partly from sheer laziness, and partly to mitigate against meeting 'other people'. This debate lasted approximately three hours with no firm conclusion. In the end, I set the alarm for a time of my choosing and we managed to bundle the sleepy twins into the car a mere fifteen minutes behind plan. 

People

Still all fine. We've been cooped up together inside a large washing machine for two days solid now and any harsh words have been reserved for the new leader of the Labour Party, the Right Honourable Jeremy Corbyn, Adolf Hitler (both in separate conversations by the way) and the current lead designer at Alfa Romeo for turning such a coverted and distinctive marque into a Fiat 'me too'.

The suggestion has been put forward that we might be a bit more sociable this evening and say hi to the odd fellow rallyist. This proposed initiative received a frosty reception from our resident hermit but we'll see. In fairness, the mob that confronted us this morning at take off was Bob-on what you'd expect from this kind of affair, lots of beards and ample paunches. ...And the men weren't that much.... No, too obvious. Besides, there's something about pots and kettles in all of this. 

Most cars and competitors were in costume. Some a little obvious, some highly creative. I'm glad we joined in. The two (yes two!) U-boats were controversial and fun. The Dutch monkeys confused but appeared to be enjoying themselves. The Henry Hoover was simple but effective. The Red Baron was an interesting idea. And the hearse almost stole the show with its classy interior. I have to admit though that the pirate ship, for all of its obvious flouting of the £200 spend rule, took some well earned plaudits for design and execution. Complete with sail, Jolly Roger and water balloon broadsides, its slightly delayed entrance was magnificent. The A-Team, with theme music Dopplering comically as they cruised around the start point clearly had a similar 'big bang' arrival in mind which sadly for them fell a little flat after the drama provided by the buccaneers. 

First pic of us in full effect. 

Conning tower and propeller were nice additions. 

About £3000 worth of effort perhaps? Worth it though. 

Vehicle

Well we made it. Power is down and the clutch is taking a hammering that is slowly eating away at our ability to pull away from a standstill. 

Conditions

Not bad today! Cloudy but nice driving weather. 

Culture

There was meant to be a stop off at Castle Colditz (Google it) on the way to Dresden but we've all been there before. So instead we stopped at Weimar, birthplace of the Weimar Republic (Google it) for a lovely posh lunch. Nice place!

Previous trip to Colditz (don't want anyone to think I'm a fibber)

Car Interior Smell Rating - Musty with a touch of feet.