Allan

I think it’s all about planning, if you plan your journey and allow time for hold ups then you don’t need to be in a hurry and speed. Common courtesy when passing other boats that are moored I would have thought would be good practise.

Many Thanks Coaster

Many Thanks Allan .

Many Thanks Allan

Why Can't I get on to MAFFI'S Blog page anymore ?

My apologies for my out burst yesterday Gary but I was just so disappointed at missing the launch after watching all this time once again sorry. Allan

Short is not the word that comes to mine, forward planning is, you just dont say oh well lets put a couple of boats on the water too day. We have all been waiting for the Launch, only to wake up this morning to see that we have missed one of the most important parts in a new boats live. the splicing of the mainbrace. Gary how could you not give us more notice to one of the most important occasions in the live of maffi 's boat . That said, i had to vent my spleen as i was so disappointed to have missed the launch nuff said at least we now know it floats . Maffi you now have a boat . hip hip hip hurray hic hic hic

So its full steam ahead now Gary , all hands on deck, well all hands below deck for the fitting out . How long befor we see the end product and get her in the water not that i want you to rush to the finnish line, but just a guess rough est. Keep up the good work.

I like your honesty Gary, and yes i agree with you it is BETTER to build a GOOD boat LATE, than a BAD boat ON TIME. What a wonderfull thing hindsight is, shame we dont all have it. Keep up the GOOD work a Boat of QUAITY is worth the wait. But hey not to long lol Allan

Leptospirosis & Weil’s Disease What it is Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection carried in rat’s urine which may contaminate water in lakes, rivers, etc. The bacteria does not survive long in dry conditions or salt water. The risk of infection is greater in stagnant or slow-moving water but cases have occurred in swift moving streams and lowland rivers. There is an enhanced risk where flash floods have washed out rat runs. The infection is caught by direct contact with the urine or polluted environment. Bacteria enter through skin abrasions or via eyes, nose or mouth. The usual incubation is 2 to 12 days. Usually a ‘flu’ like illness occurs which resolves in 2-3 weeks. There may be fever, severe headache, pains in the back and calf and prostration. A few cases develop Jaundice, when the condition is known as Weil’s disease. The Level of Risk Each year an average of 3 canoeists contract Leptospirosis. It is very rare and it’s deterioration into Weil’s disease even more rare. Weil’s disease is however, a serious ilness and must be swiftly diagnosed and treated. Death may occur in about 15% of Weil’s disease cases (i.e. jaundiced patients) but death without jaundice is virtually unknown. Antibiotics during the first few days help in limiting infection. Many cases recover without specific treatment. How to prevent It Cover all cuts and abrasions with waterproof plasters always wear footwear to avoid cutting the feet Avoid capsize drill or rolling practice in suspect waters Where possible shower soon after canoeing If in doubt contact your doctor early. What to do if you think you may be infected If you think you may have the infection go to your doctor and explain that their may be a risk of leptospirosis. The diagnosis is by clinical suspicion. Blood tests can rarely confirm the illness in time to affect treatment but are needed to subsequently confirm it. Further information is available from The Leptospirosis Reference Unit, Public Health Laboratory, County Hospital, Hereford, HR1 2ER I hope this answers your ? Best regards Allan