98 SITTING ON THE DOCK OF THE BAYwww.volkswagencamper.co.uk
Dock of the Bay...
Sitting on the’m not sure how long
something has to
occur for it to be a
tradition, but I’ve now
been to four Early Bay Campout’s
and so I’m now calling it one. Held
in early May on a quiet campsite in
Oxfordshire, the recipe is simple;
early bay window buses, barbecues,
music, a drink of your choice and
plenty of chat.
After a bumper event in 2017 to
celebrate the fiftieth year since bay
window production commenced,
the campout has settled into a
steady state where a hardcore of
long term early bayers create a hub.
New and occasional owners are
welcomed to create an interesting
mix of company where the old and
wizened can advise and bore the
inexperienced and excited newer
owners in equal measure.
Music was provided by Karle
form the STFU crew who created
an eclectic mix of punk, soul, ska
and dance music that was just
right for the occasion. A communal
barbecue for those who want both
an easy life and a sociable cooking
experience was provided, and
helped to create a point around
which ice could be broken. This
year also saw Pete Bryant set up a
chilli tent. Pete was depended upon,
during past freezing editions of theFreddyfiles event in Ninove, where
he would serve hot chilli from his
bus. Helping out fellow bus owners
who had convoyed over, so, as the
event had created a mini, ‘Class
of 2010’ Ninove reunion. Pete had
organised a mini Mexican Cantina
in his awning. I can report that I
over indulged in that awning and it
was delicious. Thanks Pete!
On the journey there I got my
spotlessly clean bus filthy as I drove
through a torrential downpour
along country roads, but by the
evening the sky had cleared and
it was a beautiful evening. Crisp,
bright and absolutely freezing! I
spent the whole evening sat by a
fire-pit, but did then spend what
was surely the coldest night ever in
my bus. Although whether falling
badly prepared into bed after oneWORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS; MIKE CLEMENTS.Mike Clements is
a long term Bay
window owner,
http://www.earlybay.
com administrator,
and DIY mechanic.
“I love setting off
in our ’68 Westy
Campmobile for
weekends away
or on European
road trips... as
long as my wife
has packed the
kitchen sink.”I
too many Corona’s created that
situation remains open to debate.
Sunday morning brought with it
some wonderful sunshine for the
line up, before attendees began to
set off home. Feeling tired, wood-
smoked, slightly wind burned, but
essentially happy.
Of the buses there, it’s always
nice to check out new arrivals on
the scene, from another brilliant
orange 1967 Westfalia that has been
unearthed and remains currently
in an ‘unrestored’ state. To the 1968
Westfalia that Jon from Custom and
Commercial was camping in, for the
first time since he has overhauled
and detailed the bus throughout.
Despite the overall ‘calming’ on the
bus scene at the moment, it’s lovely
to see these new, old buses breaking
cover and being put to good use, and
in such good company. Thanks, as
usual go to Graham and Jenny from
Midland Early Bay, for putting on
the event, STFU for the music and
everyone else for coming along to
support.Camp Fire Gathering