Stormin' the Castle

Witton Catsle

It's now a few years since I've been to the 'castle and I'd forgotten how much fun it can be.

Friday 8th September

The weather has remained good and Friday evening sees Lindsey and I off to the Castle, her on a lightly loads ST, me on a thoughly overload Tigger.
The place is very busy and we end up at the bottom end of the second field before we find any space. We eventually find Andy, Jo, Dav, Denzil etc etc etc camped about 30m from us and totally landlocked. Or should that be bikelocked?
A pleasant evenings party followed complete with fish and chips for Lindsey ...

Saturday 9th September

Lindsey isn't feeling too well - all those fish and chips you see - and wants to head home. There been nowt better to do, neither of us feels like sitting in the convoy to Newcastle, so we go for a ride.
Out along the A68 then turn off to Hamsterly, through the village then over towards Wolsingham and up to Stanhope for a brew. This followed by a mad thrash down Weardale to Durham and home for coffee and a quick clean cos I'm feeling well grubby.
Later I head back to the site to see what everyone else is up to. I eventually catch up with Jo and Andy at the diner on the A68. As we settle down to chat with an old biker on his Honda we notice smoke rising from down the hill.
It's a barn on fire as we find out later when we ride past it. Back on the site a gentle rain of burnt bits settle on the bikes and tents causing many "Oh my god, it's coming this way" kind of comments.
Later, and pretty wasted, the smoke is still rising as we wander down to the marquee and stalls.
A fun evening follows featuring some very good bands, a lot of beer and, inevitably, donuts.
By the time I'm wandering back to my tent the smoke and flames are still visible from the barn, but I'm too knackered to care.

Sunday 10th September

I awake quite early to the gentle patter of raindrops on my tent, not too impressed by this I go back to sleep.
Later I try again. The weather man on the radio is telling me is dry and warm everywhere except Scotland and part of Ireland, meanwhile it continues to rain on my tent.
After several hours I emerge and head off in search of breakfast and coffee. By the time I get back various people are awake, except of course Dav, Sue, Andy and Jo. I gossip for a while after which I pack up and head off site, through the swamp and homewards.