D Day - Fri 01 July 2011

The day has finally arrived.  And what a glorious day; we could not have asked for better weather.  We're off!  After a farewell chat with the Commanding Officer in the morning, the crew gathered at the Guardroom, Middle Wallop and left the camp at 1500hrs.  Picking up Pete on the way at Porton Down we began the slow drive down to RAF St Mawgan, Cornwall.  Very cosy.  The back of the van packed to the roof, including all four bikes, and six hot sweaty men in the front.  Jamie got a very good deal for the van - it was free, but top of the range Mercedes it was not.  At times reduced to first gear to get up hills, the drive was slow and long, avoiding holiday traffic when we could.  Still the banter was great, Squaddie humour, and all were in high spirits.  The average age of the six is well into the late 40's, so many toilet stops later, we finally arrives at St Mawgan at 2100hrs.  Typical RAF camp on a Friday.  Lots of RAF Police and MPGS, with a fleet of RAF Police cars, but no one actually in camp.  With an hour left until it got dark we quickly checked over the bikes and equipment and after a cup of tea/coffee from the back of the van (nothing open on the camp), finally made it to the accommodation for 2230hrs.  We all had our own rooms, of a good standard, but even then Phil and Jamie did not go to bed, but stayed up until midnight checking all the IT equipment and cameras.  A good nights sleep by all, less the wake about 2 in the morning by some unthoughtful RAF personnel coming in after a night in Newquay and slamming all the doors.