A day out to sunny Brighton . There were 2000+ Land Rovers there to look at as well !!!

Being an owner of several Land Rovers . I always enjoy the London to Brighton Land Rover run . This year however it has been spoilt by the fact that you can no longer leave from Crystal Palace ,due to the new regulations on the London Emmision zones . This means that most Land Rovers can't drive through london , without paying silly amounts of money for the privelage !!! So this year the start point was moved to Epsom . So the run went for Epsom to Brighton  .

This year , having two dogs and no one to stay at our house to look after them . We realised that we wouldn't be able to do the whole event . As you can't fit two Doberman's   and the wifes electric wheelchair in the back of a Defender 90 !! Plus i had some goodies to collect from a friend . I was lucky to get my hands on a set of genuine side steps for my 50th Anniversary Defender  . The image of the 50th in front of the mountains on the link is  my actual vehicle :-) . The previous owner had taken them off for more clearance when out Green Laning and sold them on to fund buying other bits for the vehicle . I have been looking for a set for some time . But the ones i had seen were either battered and bent or way to expensive . I was offered a set from the guy who runs the 50th forum . At a very reasonable rate . So to killl two birds with one stone , we agreed to meet up in Brighton to exchange the cash thatwas burning a hole in my pocket , for a set of shiny side steps .

We set off in very foggy and horrible driving conditions . But as we got closer , the weather got better and better . And when we arrived in Brighton the sun was shining !!!

As there was only 385 50th's made for the UK market , you don't see many at shows . This year however 15 made it to Brighton .Which is a record for the forum .

Money was exchanged and shiny sidesteps were placed in the boot of our car . Then it was off to meet up with friends  old and new . For a cup of tea, some food and an ice cream .

We wandered around looking at all the vehicles that had made it down . Took some photos and let the dogs loose on the beach for a good run . But a word of warning !!! Dobermans will happily steal food from people who are sitting on the beach !! Yes one of mine stole a mouthful of someones fish and chips !! Luckily they had finished eating them , otherwise i would have had to get a replacement meal for them .

We sat down by the beach for a good while with some friends and watched the people go by . There are some great characters in Brighton . And some interesting fashions as well !!

One of our dogs , the youngest one spent about an hr jumping in the air trying to catch the Seagulls flying overhead !! Everyone was looking and laughing at her :-) Typical Doberman , stupid and dopey .

I left my wife chatting to friends for a short while and wandered off with my camera to get some pictures around the Pier .

 View from above the beach .

 Enjoying the beach .

 Relaxing on the beach in the sun .

 The new attraction at Brighton . A smaller version of the London Eye .

 Mabel being happy on the beach .

 Maya looking dopey , as usual !!!

 Underneath the Pier are these doors . Which were used to unload the daily fish catch . Sadly these ones are now derelict and unused .

 A well used Series 1 Land Rover .

 Another Series 1. This one from 1949.

 Close up front view of a Series 1 Land Rover .

 Series 3 Land Rover , trying to hide amongst the trees in the background .

I hope you have enjoyed the photos and the few words i have put together . When i have fitted the side steps , i will post up a few pics . Then sadly the vehicle will be for sale !!! Needs must when you are starting out on your own in business !!!
View more of my images on my website http://www.eternityimages.co.uk/Home.aspx

All the best Mark