Well the title says it all, we are both really looking forward to the epic trip that looms.
The big thing we are finding at the moment is how hard it is to purchase a new boat you have a pocket full of the green stuff and you cant get a dealer that has a Boat or Paddle come to that. Is it my age or are we really not that good at looking after customers in this country, not even a phone call to let you know that there is a delay in the delivery day, like a month not just a day or two.
I have had to reasure the Big Bloke that his pride and glory will arrive in time and he will not have to do the trip in his Tupperware boat, which I have to say has never let him down, Ok its a tad on the heavy side but hey he is no Kate Moss. As he is as strong as an OX I can't see a problem.
Baz/Ox has mentioned the little trip in the harbour the other week and it just showed the raw strengh of the bloke in mind and body that he just kept towing with that usual grin on his face it could have been the Condor Ferry and not Jules and the grin would have still been there, well done mate. Good choice of Paddling Partner for the Moose.
Saturday, 29 March 2008
Tuesday, 25 March 2008
Training and Post paddle scoff
Sea Moose on the Moose Mobile
Does my arse look big in this? Jules's boat that Moose loved paddling.
Right on brother!
Cool as a Moose? Leave that one up to you?!
Moose, Jules and I had decided to do a relaxing training paddle in Poole harbour but we seemed to leave the 'relaxing' part in the vans!
It blew an absolute hooley and on the way from Lake pier to the western end of Brownsea island we enjoyed the wind being behind us and surfing the waves.
Jules was in her new Xcite, Moose in his Explorer HV and me STILL in my old faithful the washing up bowl called a Carolina...Grrrrr don't get me started about the delivery of my new kayak!
We paddled around the southern side of Brownsea and we had the shelter from the wind which was pleasant. When we started to paddle around the eastern end of the island we were then confronted by the onslaught of the Northerly winds again. The wind was so strong that no matter how hard Jules paddled the wind got the better of her and began to sweep her across the bay. It was then we decided to paddle onto the island and Moose being the gallant type of chap he is offered to swap boats as his slightly heavier boat might be an advantage to Jules with her paddling.
It was then that seats had to be adjusted and when Moose got back in the boat a freak wave or two decided to join him and got his cotton trousers wet! Remember it is blowing a hooley and not the warmest day! I kept warm by the steam coming out of his ears!
We then took it in turns to help tow Jules back to lake Pier and I was cooking nicely in my dry suit by the time we had got back. Even though it was an eventful paddle and far from relaxing I had a great time! We finished the day with some food and a warm up in Jazzy B's on Poole Quay...very nice. The hot chocolate was impressive. Not only was it full of calories it must of had some skin softening effects as Moose decided to put some on his nose!
A nice warm day in March 2008. Branksome Chine.
Moose and his good lady Jules.
Moose mobile, Moose and Baz
Sorry there were no pics on the water but my compact camera is not waterproof. It would of got a soaking for sure!
Monday, 25 February 2008
Why I chose Rainbow Trust
This report was written for me to explain the commitments that Rainbow Trust have with families from Dorset. This report summarises the important care and support that Rainbow Trust offer and it has made me even more determined to help them in anyway I can. Please spend a couple of minutes reading the update below. It certainly inspires me to complete my challenge. I hope it inspires you to donate some money to this worthy cause. Thanks Baz
DORSET UPDATE FEBRUARY 2008
We are working with a family where a young girl’s condition is slowly deteriorating. She has a genetic condition which means she has gradually become wheel chair dependent, at the same time she has lost her ability to communicate and has prolonged, serious seizures. This is very upsetting for her brothers and sisters, who sometimes feel that she gets too much attention. Our Family Support Worker has been spending time with the well children, taking them swimming, to the park or play areas. She has also spent time at home with them and has introduced workbooks for them to draw and write in, which encourages them to express their feelings. When the time is appropriate, and with the parent’s consent, the FSW will help the children prepare for their sister’s death.
We continue to support a family where a little boy of 4 is unable to breathe unaided. Our main work is with his brother, who had difficulties starting school, and was exhibiting behavioural problems. Our FSW has spent time with the brother, helping him to be independent and supporting him with praise and encouragement. His behaviour is greatly improved and we continue to work with the family, particularly as the sick child goes in and out of crisis.
We help to get a 7 year old girl with leukaemia to hospital appointments. If she is admitted we spend time with her so that her Mum can have a break, or we help at home in order to lessen Mum’s worries.
We spend time at hospital with a teenager who has cancer. She finds it difficult on the ward, surrounded by younger children. When we are there her mother is able to go home for a few hours, to see her other children.
We have been helping in a family where a 2 year old boy has a cancer that is difficult to treat. Our help has been at hospital in order to relieve Mum, so she can have some respite from the ward. We work with his sisters at home who have found workbooks helpful in expressing their fears about their brother. Our support includes the grandparents, who look after the girls during their brother’s prolonged periods in hospital. The grandmother has health problems and has therefore found the help invaluable.
We continue to give support to our bereaved families in Dorset.
DORSET UPDATE FEBRUARY 2008
We are working with a family where a young girl’s condition is slowly deteriorating. She has a genetic condition which means she has gradually become wheel chair dependent, at the same time she has lost her ability to communicate and has prolonged, serious seizures. This is very upsetting for her brothers and sisters, who sometimes feel that she gets too much attention. Our Family Support Worker has been spending time with the well children, taking them swimming, to the park or play areas. She has also spent time at home with them and has introduced workbooks for them to draw and write in, which encourages them to express their feelings. When the time is appropriate, and with the parent’s consent, the FSW will help the children prepare for their sister’s death.
We continue to support a family where a little boy of 4 is unable to breathe unaided. Our main work is with his brother, who had difficulties starting school, and was exhibiting behavioural problems. Our FSW has spent time with the brother, helping him to be independent and supporting him with praise and encouragement. His behaviour is greatly improved and we continue to work with the family, particularly as the sick child goes in and out of crisis.
We help to get a 7 year old girl with leukaemia to hospital appointments. If she is admitted we spend time with her so that her Mum can have a break, or we help at home in order to lessen Mum’s worries.
We spend time at hospital with a teenager who has cancer. She finds it difficult on the ward, surrounded by younger children. When we are there her mother is able to go home for a few hours, to see her other children.
We have been helping in a family where a 2 year old boy has a cancer that is difficult to treat. Our help has been at hospital in order to relieve Mum, so she can have some respite from the ward. We work with his sisters at home who have found workbooks helpful in expressing their fears about their brother. Our support includes the grandparents, who look after the girls during their brother’s prolonged periods in hospital. The grandmother has health problems and has therefore found the help invaluable.
We continue to give support to our bereaved families in Dorset.
Tuesday, 19 February 2008
Monday, 18 February 2008
Pictures which put a smile on your face....Daily!!!
I went downstairs this morning to see a large white envelope from Rainbow Trust on the mat. I knew Louise had sent me something to help with the fund raising but I didn't expect something so special!
Louise explained that these pictures were done for me and they were of the sea. They are now pride of place at home and I look at them evertime I am sat here on the computer updating our blog. A true inspiration.
Artist Madeline
Aged 5
Louise explained that these pictures were done for me and they were of the sea. They are now pride of place at home and I look at them evertime I am sat here on the computer updating our blog. A true inspiration.
Artist Madeline
Aged 5
Artist Madeline Aged 5
Artist Sasha
Aged 13
Madeline and Sasha
Thankyou very much for your pieces of art. They are bright, colourful and it was very kind of you both to do them for me! They are now on my wall and make me smile every day. When I get tired paddling across the sea I will think of your pictures and they will help me I am sure!
I hope that the sun is shining as brighlty as yours' in your pictures when we kayak across the sea to Ireland.
Thanks again and I hope you enjoyed your stay at Rainbow House.
Regards
Barry
Tuesday, 12 February 2008
Training has begun
The start of the training and a return trip from Middle beach Studland to Swanage bay and back. It is not the longest distance but I only had two hours spare which had to include travelling there. It was as you can see a glorious day and it was a maiden voyage for my new drysuit. Sadly the Tiderace Xplore has not arrived so I was paddling my old plastic faithful the Carolina.
The plan is to paddle from Studland to Swanage when I work early shifts. I estimate the trip at anything between 1 hour and 1 and 1/2 hours each way depending on tides, sea state etc. This will be my mid week training and I will have to try and up the hours and distance on the homeward stretch. Moose and I have planned a series of long weekend paddles which include a trip to the Scilly Isles and a circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight when the tides are right! I think the paddle fitness will come but the thought of sitting on my arse for 16-18 hours sounds painful! REMEMBER 'No pain no financial sponsorship gain'
What's that I hear you say, "Sat on your arse for that length of time...Nothing new there then!"
Well on the stretch home I paddled past this buoy with my initals on it. I will take this as a good omen. Thats my buoy!!
The plan is to paddle from Studland to Swanage when I work early shifts. I estimate the trip at anything between 1 hour and 1 and 1/2 hours each way depending on tides, sea state etc. This will be my mid week training and I will have to try and up the hours and distance on the homeward stretch. Moose and I have planned a series of long weekend paddles which include a trip to the Scilly Isles and a circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight when the tides are right! I think the paddle fitness will come but the thought of sitting on my arse for 16-18 hours sounds painful! REMEMBER 'No pain no financial sponsorship gain'
What's that I hear you say, "Sat on your arse for that length of time...Nothing new there then!"
Well on the stretch home I paddled past this buoy with my initals on it. I will take this as a good omen. Thats my buoy!!
Monday, 11 February 2008
Two dodgey geezers fitting a roof rack in Tesco's car park and one with a white light up his nose!
Moose kindly fixing my roof rack to the van
The final touches!
Well Moose very kindly helped fix my Kari-Tek roof rack system to my van which makes transporting kayaks so much easier. I needed to get the rack fitted as I had planned to go to Knoydart in Penrith to test drive a new Tiderace Xplore. Very exciting!
What a happy chappy.... Is that a smile or wind?!
The final touches!
Well here I am with my red pixxie hat on with a white light infront of me.. It's so beautiful!
Well Moose very kindly helped fix my Kari-Tek roof rack system to my van which makes transporting kayaks so much easier. I needed to get the rack fitted as I had planned to go to Knoydart in Penrith to test drive a new Tiderace Xplore. Very exciting!
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