We had agreed to meet Gino at Ewloe services on the A55 after he finished work . So we left home at 11.45 to be there fuelled up ready to go for 13.00. Gino was fairly prompt so we headed down the A55 into England for the M56 then the M6 to meet Phil at Charnock Richard services at 14.00. The three Drifters then continued up the M6 over Shap in glorious sunshine the route was mostly very picturesque and for Friday afternoon the traffic was moderate. We found the route with moderate ease with me only taking one wrong turn as we came off the motorway. Fuel in that neck of the woods was only 89p per litre so we filled up ready for the next days run. We hit the military road at Greenhead and continued on to find the camp site and the early arrivals waiting for us. We exchanged greetings and left Phil to set up his tent whilst we set off for the Twice Brewed Inn to check into our room for the week end . The facilities at the Inn were good and the room clean bright and airy . A quick change of clothes and it was back to the camp for the BBQ and a few beers. Gino Chris and Lesley were the catering team and a most pleasant and entertaining evening was enjoyed by all. We retired fairly early having had a long day.

Rising to a glorious morning with the birds singing in the garden just below our room. We sauntered down for breakfast joining the rest of the group who appeared , some a little more worse for wear than others. As we expected the food was delicious and the company entertaining. The leisurely breakfast was followed by a look round the hotel garden and a few photos were taken.

Soon the time arrived to mount up for the big ride and we headed off to Corbridge to collect Mrs Captain America. We then fuelled up (completely clogging the local fuel station ) Then moved off to meet the intrepid sign boy and his chum. Signboy was accompanied by his daughter who though surrounded by middle aged bikers remained demure and unfazed. The other gentleman who joined us rode a Valkerie with a superb custom paint job. Our numbers complete we set off riding through some of the most beautiful countryside I have ever had the pleasure of travelling through. I cannot remember every part of the route but the impression remains of glorious rolling hills, stunning vistas across green valleys, tinkling brooks and wayward sheep! We enjoyed a brew stop and then continued to a little café for a late lunch . Finally returning to the campsite and the Twice Brewed Inn.

Getting washed and changed we swiftly headed down to the restaurant for the evenings entertainment. The Northumberland ale was delicious the food good though the service was slow. The `craic` was in full flow and company splendid. Whilst out on the run Lone Wolf appeared at the camp site and joined the merry band for the evening. All to soon closing time came around and those of us who keep pensioners hours retired to our slumbers, Others of sterner stuff regaled the landlord to keep the party going at the camp for a while and not lock the late revellers out.

All too soon Sunday morning dawned and after another good breakfast we headed to Vindolanda roman fort for a final look around before leaving this most beautiful part of the U.K. This was only my second visit to a fort on Hadrian’s wall and most enjoyable and informative it was. Finally we had to head home so Edward, Gino and I headed back to the M6. The scenery along the motorway as we left the north was again stunning, even along the motorway the vistas were good the sun shone and no untoward incidents occurred. We left Edward at one of the services to head off to his friends and we continued uneventfully back to North Wales. After a super week-end I foolishly said I would organise another in North Wales me and my big mouth so see everyone again in spring for the "Baby Dragon"

With grateful thanks to Bongo and Signboy, Dave and Robin for all their hard work organising this excellent week end. Well done chaps.