May 2025
And we’re off!
Introduction
As the title suggests, May was busy. And not just the “forgot my anniversary” kind of busy — I’m talking full-throttle, camera-rolling, coffee-fuelled, why-do-I-own-a-tripod-this-heavy kind of busy. The motoring calendar doesn’t so much start in May as it explodes — and I was right in the middle of the blast zone.
Nearly every weekend (and more than a few cheeky weekdays), I was out gallivanting to car meets, filming everything that moved — and quite a few things that didn’t. The result? A mountain of content. Some of it polished and live on the Fuel the Passion YouTube Channel, and some of it still hiding on memory cards, quietly mocking me with their unedited chaos.
If you haven’t subscribed to the channel yet, now’s the time. Seriously — it helps. A lot. Every click, like, comment, and thumbs-up nudges the algorithm gods in my favour, which means I get to keep doing ridiculous car things and justify it as “work.” Plus, it tells me you’re enjoying this — or at least politely tolerating it — which is more than I can say for my neighbours when I start the Vantage at 6 a.m.
So, with caffeine in one hand and the FTP Vantage key in the other, let’s dive into the first stop on this month’s automotive madness…
We Start May with Sports Cars in the Park
The first outing of the month? Sports Cars in the Park at Newby Hall — a stately location with the sort of manicured gardens that usually frown upon people turning up in cars loud enough to scare the fish.
This was my first time at the event, so naturally, I did my homework — which in today’s world means squinting at grainy YouTube videos and scrolling through 14-year-olds on Instagram who apparently think a Vauxhall Corsa on coilovers is peak engineering.
Thankfully, the event did not disappoint. A huge range of machinery turned up — from proper old-school classics to modern supercars, and a fair number of things that looked like someone’s midlife crisis turned into carbon fibre. There were enthusiastic owners, beautiful backdrops, and just the right amount of low-speed posing.
It was a cracking start to the month and a reminder of why these events are such a vital part of car culture. People coming together to stand around cars, drink bad coffee, and nod approvingly at polished exhaust tips. What’s not to love?
FTP Vantage navigating it’s way to its parking space at Sports Cars in the Park Event - May 2025
The Event, the Car Park, and the Petrol Station Philosopher
Sports Cars in the Park? Cracking event. Hundreds of cars turned up — the sort of turnout that makes you realise just how many people are willing to wake up at 5 a.m. on a Sunday to polish a bonnet. Some clubs were grouped together in neat little patches, others were scattered around like someone had shuffled a pack of Top Trumps and spilled them across a field. It was gloriously chaotic.
I opted for secure parking — a tenner well spent, if only so I didn’t have to drag half of Jessops around on my back. That parking area, right in front of the stables, offered peace of mind and a much-needed break from impersonating a camera mule. Pro tip: it fills up fast. If you're thinking of going next year and don’t fancy babysitting your own car all day, book early. Preferably before you’ve had your second coffee.
Now, if you haven’t seen the video, it’s already live on the Fuel the Passion YouTube Channel — and yes, it starts exactly where all great car films should: at a petrol station. Why? Because this is Britain, and no road trip is complete without a bacon bap, the faint smell of diesel, and someone awkwardly complimenting your car while trying to buy Rizlas.
Which is exactly what happened.
A random bloke approached me mid-fill-up, and instead of asking where the toilet was, he launched into a full philosophical discussion about Aston Martins. As you do. We chatted — some of it made it into the video — and he was genuinely complimentary. Not just about the FTP Vantage, but about how people react to it. Because unlike, say, a bright orange Lamborghini that looks like it should come with its own DJ, the Aston Martin gets a very different sort of attention.
In fact, we both agreed: the British public like Aston Martins. You get smiles, waves, conversations. Whereas a friend of mine, who drives a Porsche GT3 RS with a wing the size of a dining table, reckons he mostly gets rude gestures and people deliberately cutting him up at junctions. That’s the thing — some cars scream, “I have money and bad taste!” while the Aston politely whispers, “I’m classy, but I still go like hell.”
That said, not everyone on the road gets the memo. I’ve had a couple of encounters with the kinds of drivers who think a quiet B-road is their personal Nürburgring.
Exhibit A: White Van Man. It’s early, I’m cruising along at the national speed limit, minding my own business, when out of nowhere — FLASH FLASH FLASH. A van appears, practically mounting my rear wing. Now, I assumed something was wrong. Flat tyre? Boot open? Dead badger on the roof? So I gave him space to pass. Did he overtake like a reasonable human being? Of course not. He just sat there, on my bumper, flashing intermittently like an impatient disco.
Exhibit B: A BMW 3 Series. Not just any 3 Series, mind you — one wrapped in matt black, lowered to the floor, with green headlights (illegal) and a windscreen so mirrored it could blind satellites. For two miles, this creature of Halfords’ darkest dreams tailgated me as if trying to fuse with the Aston’s exhaust system. I remember thinking: “You’re trying so hard to look cool... and failing miserably.” Meanwhile, my Vantage didn’t even have to try — it just was cool, in the same way Sean Connery never needed skinny jeans or a vape to get noticed.
But those were rare blips. Ninety-nine percent of people I’ve met through the car — on the road, at events, or in petrol stations while fumbling with a GoPro — have been warm, positive, and genuinely curious. Why? Because Aston Martin is a British brand, it’s beautiful without being brash, and it makes the kind of noise that turns heads without splitting eardrums. In short: it’s got presence without the peacocking.
And if it keeps giving me moments like that conversation at the petrol station, it’s worth every single flash of a high beam from a lunatic in a Transit.
Back to the Cars… and the Mad Max Porsche
Now, back to Sports Cars in the Park — because let’s be honest, if you like cars even a little bit, this place was absolute heaven. Thousands of visitors. Hundreds of cars. And a footprint big enough that even with all that metal and humanity crammed in, it never felt like you were at risk of being elbowed into a bonnet vent by someone wielding a DSLR.
Everyone was relaxed, the cars were gleaming, and — best of all — the owners weren’t the usual grumpy types who panic if you so much as breathe near their paintwork. Ask them about their pride and joy, and you’ll get a detailed history, a restoration story, and probably an unsolicited rant about “how they don’t make ‘em like this anymore.”
One such gem was a classic Lotus Esprit, which instantly transported me to the world of James Bond. And I don’t mean the gadget-laden, invisible-car nonsense from the Pierce Brosnan years. I’m talking proper Bond — Roger Moore. Safari suits. Eyebrows. And a submarine button where the ashtray should be. The interior? Honestly, it looked like someone upholstered a spaceship in suede and 1970s optimism. Glorious.
Then, just when I thought things couldn’t get weirder, I stumbled upon a Porsche straight out of Mad Max — complete with machine guns mounted on the bonnet. Yes, really. This wasn’t someone’s slightly over-ambitious cosplay attempt — this was an actual prop car used in the Top Gear Live Shows. It looked like it had rolled straight out of a post-apocalyptic drag race. It was for sale too, and if you squint during the video, you’ll see the phone number plastered across the front bumper. (Classy.)
If anyone reading this is deranged enough to buy it — firstly, I salute you. Secondly, please get in touch. Because if those flame-throwing machine guns actually work, I’d quite like to film it. Possibly from behind a very large and very solid wall.
Would I recommend Sports Cars in the Park? If you like cars — even if you're just mildly curious about what happens when grown adults obsess over bits of metal, rubber, and fuel injection — absolutely. There was something for everyone: pre-war classics, modern supercars, family saloons with turbochargers the size of dustbins, and whatever that Mad Max Porsche was supposed to be.
A superb day out. Great cars, great people, and not a single moment where I thought, “I could’ve stayed home and done the garden.” Which, frankly, is all the recommendation you need.
A 1977 Aston Martin V8 entering Newby Hall Park, North Yorkshire
An Evening Blitz to Britain’s Booziest Summit
The week after Sports Cars in the Park, the FTP Vantage and I once again found ourselves on a mission. This time? A convoy of sports and supercars from SC:UK, charging across the Yorkshire Dales with one very specific target in mind — the Tan Hill Inn, which just so happens to be the highest pub in the United Kingdom.
And before you ask — yes, that’s elevation, not quality of beer. Although the pints are decent too.
I’d never been before, which is odd, because it feels like the sort of place Jeremy would’ve driven a V8 through a snow drift to reach while shouting “POWER!” at sheep. The whole thing felt like a Top Gear Christmas special, but with slightly more GoPros and slightly fewer budget cuts.
Naturally, I filmed it — the drive, not the sheep. The video’s not quite ready yet, but it’s coming. Think of it as Lord of the Rings, but instead of a ring, there’s a pub, and instead of hobbits, it’s a group of adults driving wildly inappropriate cars up a hillside for a pint.
The route? Glorious. Proper roads. The kind that make you want to downshift just to hear the engine snarl through a stone-walled village where the speed limit is "don’t scare the ducks." There were winding lanes, charming hamlets, rolling green views that practically scream “Visit Britain,” and the odd startled pensioner with a Labrador.
The pub itself sits right at the top of everything — bleak, beautiful, and perfectly windswept. And of course, just as we arrived, the clouds parted like something out of a Spielberg film, and the sun made a dramatic cameo. The FTP Vantage looked stunning parked outside, framed by golden light and general smugness.
Now, the drive back... well. Let’s call it “character building.”
Imagine this: pitch black, no road lighting, twisty lanes narrower than an Ikea hallway, and more wildlife than a David Attenborough documentary. Rabbits darting like suicidal popcorn. Sheep loitering mid-bend like bored security guards. Add in mist, dips, blind crests and the constant paranoia that you're about to wedge your £100K sports car into a dry stone wall, and you’ve got the perfect James May nightmare.
But we made it. No animals harmed. No wheels kerbed. Just a brilliant adventure and the feeling that the FTP Vantage earned its stripes as both a showpiece and a tourer.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. But next time, maybe a bit slower... and in daylight... and possibly with a Land Rover acting as sheep scout.
Video coming soon. Bring snacks.
A Spring Evening Drive, with SC:UK, which ended up at the highest Pub in the UK, where we just about caught the sunset!
The Coffee, The Castle, and The Card I Forgot I Had
So, picture the scene: back in August 2024, I buy the FTP Vantage from Aston Martin Sevenoaks. Lovely dealership. Lots of polished glass, expensive smells, and people who say things like “sir” without flinching. As part of the transaction, someone slides a form across the desk, I sign it — probably assuming I was agreeing not to drift through village greens or something equally obvious — and that was that.
A few weeks later, a tiny box shows up in the post. It looks like it should contain a commemorative coin, or something from a Bond film. But no — it’s a credit card-sized membership to something called HLS – High Luxury Supercars. Fancy.
Naturally, I did the British thing and ignored it.
Fast-forward to early 2025, and I get an email from HLS, inviting me to a Coffee & Cars morning at Gawsworth Hall, near Macclesfield — which sounds like the sort of place where Jane Austen characters go to argue about hats.
And my word… I’m so glad I went.
Because this wasn’t your typical cars-and-coffee meet-up in the corner of a Tesco Extra car park next to the bins. This was elegance on wheels — parked on the historic grounds of an actual stately home. The kind of venue where the lawn is so perfect, you feel bad treading on it. Honestly, if you put a DB5 on the gravel driveway and squinted, you'd expect Sean Connery to appear and order a martini from a butler called Clive.
And yes, the weather — for once — played along. Blue skies, warm air, birds singing, and a light glinting off the bonnets of Aston Martins like something out of a high-budget perfume advert.
The cars? Oh yes. Glorious. A hand-picked mix of Aston Martins, Ferraris, and Porsches, all glimmering in the sunlight like the crown jewels if they ran on V-Power.
Naturally, I made a beeline for the Astons. There was a new Vantage, a Vanquish, and a DBX lounging in the shade like royalty. Now, the Vanquish wasn’t exactly my cup of tea in terms of spec — think more Tom Ford at a rave than Savile Row sophistication — but it was still a stunner. The curves. The presence. The suggestion that, yes, this car could casually outrun a meteor strike while keeping your latte at precisely 68 degrees.
The grille? Yes, still enormous. A bit like a Cheshire cat wearing braces. But slap a plate on it that says D1FTP, and suddenly it starts to work. Confidence does that to a face — and a car.
If the stars align, maybe one day we’ll get one on the channel. And if we do, prepare for a lot of slow, sensual panning shots and me saying things like, “Good grief” in a voice that suggests emotional turmoil and V12 combustion.
In short: the HLS Coffee & Cars morning was a delightful surprise. Great setting. Great company. Great machines. And all because I signed a form and forgot about it for six months. If only all surprise memberships were this enjoyable.
Video’s already up on the channel — give it a watch. And if you’re curious about HLS, there’s a website, of course. But be warned: you may find yourself justifying a second supercar for “networking purposes.”
Club HLS Spring Cars & Coffee Morning at Gawsworth Hall, Gawsworth, Macclesfield
Time to Hit the Runway: Where Cars Become Jets
Imagine the roar of engines, the smell of burning rubber, and a parade of the most spectacular cars you’ve ever seen — all lined up not on some dusty car park, but on an actual runway. Yes, runway. The kind pilots use, but with slightly less turbulence and far more horsepower.
I attended this jaw-dropping event recently, and let me tell you, it was something else. The variety and sheer quality of cars on display made it feel like the automotive version of the Oscars — but with more carbon fiber and fewer speeches.
The photos below? They barely scratch the surface. These machines didn’t just sit prettily for admiring — no, most were driven flat out along the runway. The noise, the speed, the smoke — it was like watching a bunch of missiles with steering wheels. You could almost feel the G-forces through the screen.
The video is out now and when you watch it, you’ll see exactly why this wasn’t your average Sunday drive.
For now, feast your eyes on the snapshots below and start dreaming of what it’d feel like to be strapped into one of these beasts as it rockets down the tarmac.
Runway ready? Oh yes.The video is out now!
The amazing McMurty Speirling all electric fan car at ‘The Runway’ Supercar event at Sywell Aerodrome
A couple of amazing Aston Martin Valour supercars at Sywell Aerodrome at ‘The Runway’ Supercar Event
Say ‘Cheese!’ — A Day Behind the Lens with SC:UK
If you didn’t already know, I’m part of a rather fabulous club called SC:UK — the kind of super/sports car collective where the cars are fast, the company is good, and the parking spots vanish quicker than a Tesla’s battery charge.
Recently, I managed to snag a place on their much-coveted Photography Day. This isn’t your average weekend picnic with a camera phone — no, this is a full-on photoshoot extravaganza, complete with professional photographers, multiple jaw-dropping locations across Yorkshire and Derbyshire, and cars so photogenic they’d make a supermodel weep.
The weather decided to behave — which in England is basically the first miracle of the day — providing perfect conditions for glossy shots of gleaming metal and curves that could cause spontaneous swooning.
I won’t spoil the full story just yet — I filmed the whole shebang and will be turning it into a slick video for the Fuel the Passion YouTube Channel soon. But here’s a teaser: the photo below is so good it might just become my new YouTube banner (with full credit to the wizard behind the lens, of course).
Keep your eyes peeled for the video, because if you think the cars look good here — wait till you see them in motion, and hear those engines sing.
FTP Vantage D7FTP posing at a fantastic location in Yorkshire
When an Email Arrives… And You Just Can’t Say No
So there I was, minding my own business, when—ping!—an email lands from a dealership. They’re asking if I’d like to book a slot to come and gawp at the new 2025 Vanquish Volante. Now, how on earth could I say no? Especially when the Vanquish is basically Aston Martin’s answer to the automotive gods.
If you’ve watched my videos, you’ll know I’m utterly obsessed with this design. Heck, in my YouTube video ‘Time Well Spent’ I even used the Aston Martin configurator to spec out my dream Vanquish. If you haven’t seen it yet—what are you waiting for? Click here!
Seeing the new Vanquish in the flesh? Absolutely thrilling. But what really stole the show was the roof—the way it elegantly disappears to the rear like some high-class magic trick, and then pops back up again like it’s saying, “Surprise!” All of which I captured on camera, naturally.
Now, the big question: what colour would you choose for your Vanquish? I give you my pick in the video—you never know, one day I might just make it a reality. Until then, we’ll keep dreaming.
Dan from Fuel the Passion, attending Aston Martin Leeds to film and review the new Vanquish Volante
Digging into Aston Martin’s Legendary Past
The Aston Martin Heritage Trust does a cracking job of gathering, preserving, and showcasing thousands of bits and bobs — including some truly special cars that make petrolheads weak at the knees. It’s housed in what I’d best describe as a stunningly atmospheric barn, filled to the brim with automotive history.
Now, here’s the kicker: it’s only open on certain days, and none of those days seemed to align with my trips to that neck of the woods. But there’s no way I was going to let a whole year slip by without paying my respects. So, I booked a slot online and made the trek — a proper good few hours on the road.
Was it worth it? Absolutely. The whole day was an absolute joy, like stepping back into the golden age of British motoring. I’m holding back the full story until I finish editing the video (which will drop after the Concours series, so stay tuned). But trust me when I say this: if you love Aston Martins — whether you own one or just drool over them from afar — this place is a must-visit.
If you fancy booking a visit yourself, or just want to learn more, head over to the Aston Martin Heritage Trust website here:
https://amht.org.uk/
Go on — treat yourself.
I attend the Aston Martin Heritage Trust (AMHT) Museum, which is in a stunningly beautiful barn in the beautiful Oxfordshire Countryside
Dan from Fuel the Passion, taking a good look around the AMHT Museum
A number of various Aston Martins from a range of era’s formed up for the Aston Martin Owners Club (Yorkshire) Anniversary drive out
Celebrating 90 Years of Aston Martin Owners Club (AMOC) — And a Bit of Drama
On May 25th, 1935, a legendary motoring club was born — the Aston Martin Owners Club. I’ll probably do a deep dive on the origins another time, because frankly, it deserves its own proper salute.
For the 90th anniversary, the Yorkshire AMOC crew decided to mark the occasion with a lovely meet-up at the Manor Golf Club. Tea, coffee, maybe a bacon or sausage sandwich — the essentials before setting off on a scenic two-hour drive through some of Yorkshire’s most picturesque roads. Around 25 Aston Martins and their equally lovely owners showed up, gleaming and ready to roll.
If you haven’t caught the ‘Marking 90 Years’ film on the Fuel the Passion YouTube Channel, you really should — just click here.
The day was ticking along beautifully. I was out filming the cars, soaking up the atmosphere, when suddenly — smash! A loud crash cut through the air. Myself and a few other owners tracked down the source… and well, let’s just say it wasn’t the kind of souvenir anyone wants to bring home. (See the photo below if you dare.)
Ah, the joys of classic car gatherings — never a dull moment!
Aston Martin DB6 victim of a misplaced golf ball during Yorkshire’s 90th Aston Martin Owners Club drive out day to Wentworth Woodhouse
The poor, embarrassed amateur golfer shuffled over to the cars, hand covering his mouth like he’d just witnessed the end of the world. Muttering nervously to his golfing mate, clutching the offending club like it might bite, he finally approached and asked, “Did I... erm, did I smash a window?”
“Er, yes. Yes, you did,” came the reply — a tad sheepish but honest.
Turns out, he’d struck a golf ball with such enthusiasm and accuracy that it cleared every hole, every bunker, every patch of manicured grass, soared over the access road, and smacked square on the windscreen of a DB6. Talk about unlucky! And if fate has a cruel sense of humour, this was the oldest and probably most valuable Aston at the event — parked right next to my Vantage, no less (my car is the one on the left in the picture above, looking innocent as ever).
The DB6 owner and the golfer exchanged details — with smiles, laughter, and a few knowing nods. As more drivers emerged, prepped for the drive to Wentworth Woodhouse, they were greeted by the spectacle of a shattered window and shared looks of disbelief.
As the Astons began their majestic procession, I hung back to film as many as I could in motion — because nothing beats watching these beauties on the road. Thanks to another generous owner, I managed to strap one of my cameras onto a V12 Vantage Convertible, capturing some fantastic shots along the way for the upcoming video.
The drive wrapped up perfectly at the breathtaking Wentworth Woodhouse — a venue so stunning, it’s almost criminal not to stop and stare. The photos below say it all. And yes, there was a well-earned cream tea waiting for the drivers. After all, even motoring royalty deserves a proper treat!
A group of Aston Martin cars parked outside Wentworth Woodhouse, Yorkshire on 25th May 2025 to celebrate AMOCs 90th Anniversary
The FTP Vantage, D7FTP parked in front of Wentworth Woodhouse, Yorkshire on 25th May 2025 to celebrate AMOCs 90th Anniversary
FTP Vantage D7FTP covered in snow foam at Max Car Care Detailing
Preparing for Concours
In the last week of May, I entrusted my Aston Martin Vantage to Max Car Care Detailing and Valeting Service in York. Although I’m quite confident in cleaning my car myself, I had entered two Concours events—the prestigious London Concours and the Aston Martin Owners Club (AMOC) Spring Concours at Burghley House in Stamford. With no previous experience entering a Concours, I wanted professional help to get my car looking its absolute best.
A few weeks earlier, I met Nick from Max Car Care for an initial assessment. We talked about what I thought my Vantage needed and when he could fit me in. Nick’s diary was packed—jammed full of bookings. Seeing that busy schedule actually gave me reassurance: if Nick was that busy, he must be offering a top-notch service with great results. Having never used a professional detailer before, this was a positive sign, and thankfully it proved true.
Nick struggled to squeeze me in before the Concours dates — and I had only myself to blame for leaving it so late. Maybe it was my stubborn pride, thinking I could clean the car as well as anyone else. But after repeated washes, seeing those inevitable swirl marks, tiny stone chips appearing, and then stepping back after hours of effort only to admit, “Yep, it’s clean — but it’s not Concours clean,” I finally relented and sought out a professional.
In the end, Nick made it happen. He even rearranged his busy schedule and worked a Saturday just to ensure my Vantage would be ready in time. I was incredibly grateful — and relieved — to leave my car in the hands of someone who knows exactly what it takes to restore that factory-fresh shine that Concours entrants strive for.
Drone view of Nick in the process of cleaning the FTP car - D7FTP Aston Martin Vantage
Four Days to London Concours
Just four days before the London Concours—opening on June 3rd, the day my Vantage was to be shown—I set off from my home in West Yorkshire, driving through pouring rain all the way to York. You can catch a glimpse of those weather conditions in the very first of the four-part Concours Series on the Fuel the Passion YouTube Channel, in the video titled ‘Preparation.’
I stayed with Nick, filming as he worked his magic on the car until around midday. Then, a pre-arranged Uber took me to York Railway Station, where I caught a train home. It felt a little strange returning to public transport — especially a train — something I hadn’t done in quite a while. The last time was during my London commute years ago, and it brought back a flood of memories: countless trips, packed carriages, trying to squeeze in reading a book or listening to podcasts, but mostly daydreaming or people-watching. I’d often find myself gazing out the window, imagining one day owning an Aston Martin.
Returning the very next day to collect the car was a special moment. To see my Vantage looking probably its best ever, freshly detailed and shining, felt incredible. Over time, I’ve genuinely come to feel like I’m building a relationship with this car—how it drives, its unique quirks and sounds, learning when to shift gear by ear, how thirsty it gets depending on my driving style, the places we’ve been, and the memories we’re creating together. It’s more than just a car—it’s a companion.
FTP Vantage collection, after detailing completed by Max Care Care
Right, picture this: I stroll into the detailing unit on collection day, and it’s like the grand unveiling all over again — that moment nearly a year ago when I first laid eyes on the FTP Vantage at Aston Martin Sevenoaks. “Wow” doesn’t even begin to cover it. In fact, I actually titled the YouTube video Wow because, frankly, it was spot on. Two reasons for the double “wow”: one, my car looked so good I could’ve checked my teeth in it, and two, the sheer number of jaw-dropping machines at Goodwood Supercar Sunday/Breakfast Club had me drooling harder than a St. Bernard in a butcher’s shop. (If you haven’t seen the video, — click here!)
Now back to my beloved FTP Vantage. The paintwork? Mirror finish. I mean, I usually clean the car myself — no slouch — but this was next-level. I could see clearer reflections than in my bathroom mirror after a steam clean. Honestly, it was so perfect I almost expected to find my own face staring back at me. Big thanks to Nick at Max Car Care, who worked his magic and made my car look like it just rolled off the factory floor. If you’re in Yorkshire and care about your pride and joy, Nick’s your man. Link’s below, you’re welcome.
In the video, you’ll catch Nick and me doing the obligatory car nerd walk-around, even popping the bonnet for a steam clean — yes, even under there. I was ready to hit the Concours circuit... or so I thought. Then reality hit: a four-hour trek south to Surrey, filming at Goodwood, a showcase at Woodcote on the legendary Goodwood Race Circuit, and then a blast through London to display the car at the London Concours. And don’t get me started on the weather — what if it rains? What if the paint suffers? What if the Vantage ends up looking like a drowned rat by Burghley? Was this madness? Maybe. But hey, that’s what makes it fun.
You’ll have to wait for the June blog (coming in July!) to find out if I survived the adventure in one shiny piece.
