Tiki

Johnny the Wasp came round with a Tiki he specially carved for me. It's based on my own design, includes elements of Von Franko and the rest was left to his artistic devices. I love it. I'm going to seal it to better survive in our northern latitude and find a quiet corner in the back garden for it to watch over. I think he's going to have quite an industry on his hands once it gets out he carves tikis to order.

Emergency Barbecue #1

I threw the tarp off Ol Blue and sent a text to Johnny the Wasp- down tools; weather's too nice to sit inside so lets get out for an emergency barbecue. Quick pitstop for meat and fizzy pop and we went to an out of the way place to stoke up some embers and fry some flesh. Rapidly ate far too much so lay around bloated for a bit before jumping back in the van and heading home.
It seems the boy just can't help himself; not content with creating some Andy Goldsworthy style art he's creating more photo art from it. Nice.

Mountain

Couldn't go to the Hotrod Hayride for one reason or another so spent the day doing some wholesome stuff. Climbed Blencathra. It was one that I had said for a long time I needed to walk but so far have only been up it on my bicycle. It's a different beast when you walk it. We didn't take the scariest ridge but it's always a challenge to scramble these ridge-lines. The descent pumped my thighs til my kneecaps nearly exploded but left me feeling nicely worked out. Who needs hotrods, booze and rock and roll when you have mountains? Don't answer that.

Sound

Once again my tiny little PA strode into action like "The Little Engine That Could" and performed faultlessly despite my own lack of confidence. The power amp is a MOSFET, which is almost indestructible- so I'm told. You could cook a meal on it by the end of the gig and the thermal fan still hadn't kicked in.
The main band was eventually defeated by sub-standard guitar strings which was a shame because they were pretty good. I was a little disappointed that the crowd let them off so easy but I obviously don't understand the stresses on the modern-day touring band or for that matter the stresses on the modern-day mid-week music audience.
The band had made the Mercury Music Prize long list and as such had some kudos. The sound-check could have been easier if the musicians had a clue about what they wanted to sound like but I got the feeling they would have rather been anywhere else than right here, right now. Eventually intervention was appropriate and with a few minor adjustments the mix came right; loud does not always equal good. My ears are just about shot to bits from too much loud music and motorbikes but I can still hear the difference between a good and a bad mix.
The band picked up and split like there was somewhere they had to be.
The drummer took a moment to say thanks and that was very cool.
I wished him well on his quest for fame.
He seemed tired.

Airshow

Went for a cycle around the beautiful sunny Lake District on the other side of Windermere from all the tourists to watch a Vulcan Bomber slowly and gracefully dance over-head.

Followed by the Red Arrows weaving their intricate lattice across the sky.


Ending up back at home firing up the home-made chiminea, drinking beer and eating meat.

Speed

After a few hours of spannering I got Ol Blues speedo fixed. I now know how close I am to breaking the law. Sadly not very. Still, 60mph is quite a respectable speed in a 45 year old clunker.

Linkert Attacks UK 2011

If you know where to look then may be we'll see you next time.