Ange

What a shame RJ didn't find us - especially after riding from Burnley! There's two entrances to the marina and I can only think that he went to the wrong one, because we certainly weren't lying low (impossible with more than a dozen people enjoying Dave's dad's cider and Dave's raspberry vodka, two children and three dogs!) We had a lovely day - I was really worried the weather would scupper our plans as it's been really grim all week but we had a glorious sunny day. We were all tucked up by 1.00am I'm afraid - the festivities started in the early afternoon and we were done in by midnight. Stuart & I, being a couple of forum addicts, couldn't resist logging on for a quick peek before we turned in! Photos to follow later - can't be arsed to bugger around with photobucket at the moment - today's for chilling out! New friends have been made and old ones reacquainted - all in all a very successful banter. Thanks everyone who came along and Tanis for organising it

That sounds great! Just whatever you want cooked on the barbeque (veggie sausages / burgers?) and beer / wine for yourselves. Whoop whoop!

Six different vintages of Kentish home brew cider - Dave & I had to sample them this evening to rank them from sweetest to driest. It required several sips to be quite sure. It's a tough job ...... <hic>

Excellent! I'm thinking of making Eton Mess with the alcoholic raspberries - I've only made it with strawberries before but it should work, shouldn't it? Looking forward to meeting you too x Only two more sleeps Stuart

Aww - a shame neither of you can make it - now we're going to have to plan another banter! The weather forecast is looking good (fingers & toes crossed). And the delightful aroma of freshly spread manure has definitely gone

This pic gives an idea of how the entrance to the Link should be approached - we thought the boats in front were going right past, it seemed that late that they turned towards it:-

OMG there's a muck spreader in operation in the field next to our mooring! I hope the smell goes by Saturday Edited to add - phew - the smell cleared very quickly. It was very potent for a short while though!

We had a try of the raspberry vodka this evening - yum! We had to hide it so we don't drink it all before Saturday! Now we've got to decide what intoxicating dessert to make with the raspberries that have been liberated - any ideas?

Eek - we did that crossing a couple of weeks ago and "there but for the grace ...." springs to mind! Dave & I can't remember the channel marker the news item refers to and I can't see it on any of my photos (I took 122!) I hope they recover their boat without too much damage.

Thank you so much Hefferlump - Dave & I thoroughly enjoyed reading your posts. We both sighed with disappointment when we realised we'd read the last one.

Excellent news! Look forward to seeing you on Saturday

Just a thought - it'd probably be a good idea if everyone brought a folding chair for themselves - we've got six we can contribute if anyone can't. Praying for sunshine on Saturday - is there a sunshine dance?

We're moored up on the mooring rings just before the BW block - I can see your boat - wave ... wave ...

We're a tad early - moored up in Galgate already! We're going to stroll over to the Plough this evening to test the beer. If anyone's in the area please join us - maybe we can break some records and make this a week long banter!

"....Ay, there's the rub, For in that sleep of death what dreams may come, When we have shuffled off this mortal coil, Must give us pause..." Sorry - I memorised that soliloquy so well when I was 18 it pops out every now and then (must admit I had to google it for the precise wording though!)

did you bring a spade hmm - can't tell what sort of pizza yet - haven't got all the carpet fluff and treadmarks off it yet Don't forget the curry sauce ...