Hot Hoods on Hayling

It was a dark and stormy night... well not really it was actually a dark overcast morning dodging the rain after meeting friends for coffee. What a shame as, pencilled in my diary was a meet at 18:00 hrs (6pm) down on the seafront around John's Café near the Inn on the Beach restaurant. I had seen it advertised that it was to be held on the 1st Tuesday of the month during the summer. Unfortunately I missed it last month. How unfortunate that I would miss it again. But, as you can see, the sun came out during the late afternoon so I set off on my trusty trike at about 5, stopping at the Pebble Beach for a coffee and cheeseburger. Preplanning see... the event would either be crowded or John's Café would be closed.

I peddled along to the site of the event at about 18:30 hrs (6.30 pm) to find the approach road lined with all manner of custom cars. Arriving at John's Cafe the carpark was full of admiring spectators and a wide range of lovingly restored and prepared vehicles. Many hours of blood, sweat and tears go into this hobby and deep pockets are also required. You will never see two identical vehicles at these meets. No concourse competition here but lovingly thought out and personalised adaptations of what was once a bog standard showroom model.

Don't be mislead, most of these vehicles haven't seen a showroom in years. Shipped over from America, found on farms and old garages the sources are as varied as their owners. This particular vehicle has been lovingly restored by the current owner to reflect the working origin of the pickup truck. Meets like this always provide and interest for young and old alike whether owners chatting about a restoration or adaptation problem, children gazing wide eyed at this magical collection of strange and exciting collection. Or, adults like me who are just "along for the ride" and can still dream that one day...

Of course there is always something for the ladies... plenty of bling here... shiny chrome, throaty roar of the engine... Thelma and Louise eat your hear out.

Come on down browse around, talk to the owners and let the inner child out. Summer is here at last.

I took several photos and will probably add to the album next month too. Follow the link

Hayling "Hot Hoods" photo Album

On the way home I stopped to take a photo of a ship leaving Portsmouth harbour at the extreme range of my telephoto lens. The thought crossed my mind that "Tall ships" used to have masts and rigging and sails. Not any more cruise ships are now floating skyscrapers!