BOATS AND CANALS

I am still waiting for the route planner, they have cashed my cheque so it did get there. The organisers had to take over from some one else and said there were some problems to sort out and the planner would be out soon. I am starting to panic!!

Have you heard anything Laurie?

Cheers Graham

The rules have turned up. I think we will have a minor change to our intended route.

Laurie is in too. Will I manage to beat him this year?

Cheers Graham

I expect so

_________________
Laurie Booth
http://www.pamelasalem.net

So with it looking likely that my preferred route is possible, I can take advantage of an easy 8am start on the Sunday.

Does mean 3 hours cruising in the dark though!

Cheers Graham

I was lying in bed this morning listening to the boat in front get going and I had a thought. By the way my wife tells me off for having thoughts. Anyway, I always like the concept of the Le Mans start with the drivers running to the cars, strapping themselves in, starting the car and then racing off. We could do the same, at 8am everyone's alarm clock goes off, we get up, get dressed ( this part is optional), have breakfast, do your ablutions, do the standard engine checks, start the boat and go. Much more realistic I think and assess more aspects of a boater's life.

Cheers Graham

The challenge is getting closer, I wonder if Laurie is in Oosels Street Loop yet. I have a bit of a problem with crew fitness as my sister has done her ankle in so if confined to boat duties. We have decided to use the route via Fazeley to get to Brum to minimize locks.

It is fairly clear that we are going to be a participant this year rather than a serious competitor as we have only 3 crew including sister. I have planned a new route which will be easier on the crew. It currently is planned to take 21 hrs and 45 mins. We have a 7hr 15min stop planned with an hour in hand for delays.

Cheers Graham

The main thing is, to enjoy yourselves no matter what the outcome.

_________________
Maurice

Please click to go to our associate sites

Foxshaw Gardens Online & Boats and Canals

I have received the cruise log spreadsheet. Getting excited now.

Crew is still keen to do original route despite injuries. We will make a decision at Spaghetti junction based on how well we have coped with the locks on the way there. I am also trying to bribe a previous crew member to join us! She is a hippy so responds well to food and alcohol.

Cheers Graham

The crew are planning our route! I have cleaned the inside of the boat and turned it round. Just need to clean the roof and get some decent crew tomorrow and we are on our way.

Cheers Graham

Going to Clarrie tomorrow, hope the weather stays good for the Challenge.



Hope to see everyone at Birmingham.

_________________
Laurie Booth
http://www.pamelasalem.net

Dotterel has left her mooring and is heading for Brum. We are going via Hawkesbury and Fazeley so might bump into Laurie!

Cheers Graham

Not literally I hope.

_________________
Maurice

Please click to go to our associate sites

Foxshaw Gardens Online & Boats and Canals

Now moored north of Stetton Stop, we arrived at 8pm. Planned start is 7:00 am, we aim to stop somewhere near the Dog and Doublet around 8pm tomorrow.

Cheers Graham

We are now moored near the Dog and Doublet.we met two other competitors today. We arrived here 15 mins earlier than planned!

Cheers Graham

We are now 35 mins from our start point. We I'll move there first thing tomorrow. We have chosen as lower scoring route that will be easier on the crew. It is still 21.5 hours long though.

Cheers Graham