After relaxing with a few sherbets we were eventually joined by the Tarves chapter, in remarkably good spirits for having to put up with the rain and the dark for a good few hours. Gilfie’s repeated cry of ‘one for the road’ ensured that nuisance statistics in Golspie where at an all time high that week….all right for her she didn’t have to walk back to her digs…..all she had to do was ensure Alfie had all his belongings – doh! Still an ample opportunity to get the baps out for a photo opportunity, harass the local with shavin foam, borrow a local landscape, have a slash in the street and a quick game of ring bang skoosh.

Gaz n Mo – who’d headed over the night before were curiously hangin around the docks and met us off the ferry – after heading for a carry out (well ya got to get your priorities right) we met up with Robbie and Jane and headed for the rally.

A quick blast across the island tents up and the Caledonian Phoenix flag was unfurled for the first time – thanks to Gilfie for her sterling efforts. Alfie insisted spending the weekend wearing his ring-piece on his head…he is a bizarre man….

Friday night was a reasonably quiet affair until the band made the mistake of playin AC/DC….at which point the band went from 4 –6 piece….as Gaz had competition from one of the Saints and Sinners on stage. Still as the S&S guy forgot to pack his bra and fake hair cap – he was no match for Gaz – a seasoned rally entertainer (Morag - I feel your pain).

Saturday night was going quietly (not quiet enough for Robbie who was trying to have an afternoon nap), till the band cranked up…yeah…yeah ya know the story…. (Morag - I feel your pain). The passing of the cog was a notable point, as was the man with no head…..not to mention silly hat wearing and a game of ring toss (ooer missus)…more drink…more dancing…..ya da ya da….

The crossing back to Gills Bay was relatively uneventful – although the sea sky…sea sky view out the window was a wee bit disturbing. And no Mike – the building works in John O’Groats – isn’t the new bridge being built….

Finally a night at the John O Groats Youth Hostel – aka Colditz – not a bad place as long as your in your bed for 11. Apparently, Chris’s bike didn’t get much of a sleep that night either – it needed a wee lay down in the middle of Inverness on the way home on Monday – school children are still receiving counselling but all are apparently doing well… Fortunately the bike and rider are well used to it so no real harm done there…. So endeth Caledonian Phoenix’s first rally and a cool weekend.