DECEMBER 2008

Feb  2008

It's Christmas Day and I have gorged mightily with a view to going to the South Atlantic as large as possible!! Ideally I would go with such a vast waist that a 'spray deck' would be unnecessary!! I figure that 6 weeks paddling on basic foodstuffs will ensure a waif like return!!!

The Bags are being packed, I am trying to do all those things that one tries to get done prior to going away for 8 weeks. See loved ones, ensure enough 'logs' are stacked to keep the family warm in my absence. Complete Tax return etc etc.Some quite dreary and mundane in reality, others more emotionally fraught than one would like!

However what I would really like to say, on behalf of the whole team, to all those who have helped us, sponsored, pledged and supported us to get this far is a MASSIVE thank you. Without you all and what you have done / donated/ and promised is a tremendous gesture of support and we could not have done it without you. To those who are on the brink of sponsoring us, YOU STILL CAN its never too late!!!  Happy New Year to you all. Chris, Richie and [Tim]

Happy New Year to all from The Falklands !! Welcome to our World. We are all safe and well and awaiting the arrival of Richies Boat with baited breath. Our departure was a little eventful as one of our number decided to bring his wifes Passport to Brize Norton at about 4.30pm rather than his own (which was languishing at home) !! Which meant for his good lady and my own, a frenetic few hours driving at obviously beneath the National speed limit to put the correct Passport in the Correct hand prior to check out !!! Obviously 'No names no Pack drill'.

We had a quick refuel at Ascension then headed on down South. We travelled in a 'mature' 767 which for those of you who are interested in these things was quite a rattly old beast. Into Stanley and we were welcomed admirably by the staff of 'Hillside' Camp, yes an Army Marches on its stomach and we will do well to be able to even move after a few days here.
 
All is good otherwise the activation of the Spot messenger would give us a little reassurance, though am not sure why we are not enjoying that luxury. The other Teams Spot has activated finally though it was not initially. We will download a few Photos please 'Feedback' any needs / wishes. Thanks for now and love to all at home.
[Tim Richie Chris].

{Ed: SPOT now working, see maps page. Also see photos page}