July 13, 2013

In The Adventurists words of “Up Yours Dover” – permission from The National Trust was granted & Launch Party #1 of the 2013 Mongol Rally is now at… Bodiam Castle!  Plus side – it has a MOAT!  Down Side – it is roughly 40 kilometers FURTHER AWAY from our campground, the Dover ferry, and our planned route.

After enjoying what may be the last HOT shower for quite a few days, the great pack-up ensued.  Don did a banner job jigsaw puzzling & ratchet strapping 9 folks’ gear up onto the roof racks.  However, when it came time to load up the 2 bicycles Will and Tommy acquired on their adventures around England, Don just BALKED!  NO WAY!!  Jock (center of photo below) became the proud new owner of one, as a thanks for his amazing generosity, kindness, and camaraderie throughout the week!  We made a compelling case that the other one would aid in our filming along the way and then be donated to the orphanage.

With the successful use of the wheelchair lift, Jan settled into her specially crafted seat, and the 9 assembled Dixie Chickens leave Little Switzerland shortly after 10am, radio blasting (LOVE SHACK!) & the Canadian team Bro’s & Khans in pursuit.

Rule of the Road #1 : Don’t Mess With The Bus!  The small British cars are quick to give way on their narrow British roads to our large American bus and give us right of way most of the time.

Road signage for Bodiam Castle is scant, and for the Mongol Rally – non-existent – we’re SURE there is a castle out here somewhere!  We do successfully navigate our way past rolling hills w/fresh bales of hay (reminiscent of Wisconsin), a stop for cherries at a roadside stand, & through small, but very active, English towns.

Giddiness by The Adventurists Staff was clearly evident upon our arrival on the castle grounds.  Rob immediately jumped at the chance to ride in the bus with us on down to the parking area.  We were prominently parked in the middle of the field up towards the front of the festivities  – no chance ANYONE will miss seeing us!

No Camping / Tent set-up until the grounds close to the public at 5p so we quickly set up our sun shade and chairs, pop open the beer and snacks, and meet & greet with new and old friends as teams arrive from all points.  Everyone wants to check out the bus and we quickly become a hot spot of social activity!  Our team also increases by 5 as teammates Dave, Amy, Caroline, Eric, and Cale arrive!  The Dixie Chickens are now at FULL STRENGTH! WHOO HOO!!

 Bodiam Castle  From their website: “This fairytale castle is one of Britain’s most romantic and picturesque, set in the heart of 1066 country. With spiral staircases, battlements and a portcullis, 14th-century Bodiam Castle is the real thing. Windows where arrows were once fired, a tower that was once a look-out and ruins that were once walked upon by knights; this is a place where you can relive your childhood memories and let your imagination run riot.

Tonight’s Festivities include a “Black Tie” party inside the castle!  Team Dixie Chickens  – dressed in all their team finery – are ready to get this party started!

All Ralliers marched en masse up to the castle led by a flamboyantly dressed “disco wizard” – a cross between Gandalf and Liberace. Inside the castle, a stringed orchestra played, wenches served up glasses of Mead, and the party-ing and people watching began.  I felt a bit underdressed in my tux shirt and chicken hat, (there were very few actual “Tux’s”).  They say less is more – but it is not always a good thing –  one team definitely stood out from the crowd –  one team of 4 guys dressed solely in black bow ties and their speedoes!  (Although I think they garnered MORE photo requests than all other teams combined! – YIKES!)

AND – I did finally find my Knight(s) in Shining Armor – Go figure that I had to come to England to find them!

We were all kicked out of the castle and sent back down the hill to the parking lot at 9pm to continue the after party.  We’re not sure the massive jugs of Mead had actually been polished off, but we all obliged and on our end, our team “held court” at the bus for quite some time.

Tomorrow is the launch!