CLSC Summer Freast 2008

Woo hooo!

This was the weekend I had been waiting for. After missing out on two recent weekends away with buggy brethren, there was no stopping me from heading down to Pembrey for the big event of the CLSC calendar - The Summer Freast 2008. It really was a struggle to get all the kit in! I reckon I had packed for a week, and it was only 2 nights staying away.

Friday morning I was up early and set off at 07:30. I reached Pembrey Country Park at 11:00 and there was no one around. Headed to the beach and Boz had just arrived shortly followed by Duc. The whole afternoon was spent tanking up and down getting the best from the 20mph onshore wind and sunny afternoon. I covered 65 miles before we packed up around 5:30pm and headed back to the camp site to set up tents. Loads of people had arrived with a few familiar faces from other trips. The evening mellowed as we chilled, sitting outside in the evening warmth supping a few London Pride's.

Saturday arrived and the weather was very similar. Onshore 20-22 mph. Yes please! Once I had picked up Sandra from the station it was down the beach with a grin for much of the same. This time it was really busy. There must have been nearly 20 buggies bombing up and down. It was excellent. From the set up point it was 5.3 miles down to the estuary and left a bit. The sand was rock hard and smooth. Buggy heaven. Another 55 miles was covered with the occasional break for a piccy or two. The new camera clamp was tried and I think I took 80 minutes of footage. Once it has been viewed, then I am sure there will be some stuff to shout about.

Saturday evening came and this was the big event - The Freast. Nick The Chef and his team had put on a feast for the gathering families and it certainly didn't disappoint. Superb cooking from this genius. Well done Nick. The evening continued with banter and ales until people dispersed thinking of the final session on the beach.

Clouds were in abundance on Sunday morning but we still had the 20+mph onshore winds, and the beach had been cleaned ready for the last runs. Slightly bigger kite was taken out (3.7m Bora II) and this proved to be the correct choice. Cruising along with other 'mates' was what it was all about. The last 2 runs of the day were probably the most enjoyable. Staying close to the water on the hardpacked sand with the kite 'locked in' just enjoying the experience.

If you've done it, you know the feeling!