Went to see Ben in the lead role of Dick Whittington at the Grove Theatre in Dunstable.
Cast included Dirty Den of Eastenders!
Really enjoyable and fun show and so proud of Ben.
Saturday, 28 December 2013
Panto time
27th December 2013
Went to see Ben in the lead role of Dick Whittington at the Grove Theatre in Dunstable.
Cast included Dirty Den of Eastenders!
Really enjoyable and fun show and so proud of Ben.
Went to see Ben in the lead role of Dick Whittington at the Grove Theatre in Dunstable.
Cast included Dirty Den of Eastenders!
Really enjoyable and fun show and so proud of Ben.
Monday, 23 December 2013
Christmas Presents
December 2013
Tom received his Christmas present from Michel Roux Jr, a signed copy of his new book!
Tom received his Christmas present from Michel Roux Jr, a signed copy of his new book!
Friday, 20 December 2013
Picture
20th December 2013
My picture taken near Langstone Bridge was www.photoforbeginners.com's picture of the day.
Sunday, 8 December 2013
50
30th November 2013
Celebrated my 50th birthday on the Saturday, stayed at the Haven Hotel in Sandbanks. Fantastic weekend with myself, Gilly, Philip & Gaby, Tom, Clare and Ali & Chris. Lovely food, brilliant sunshine and fun time in the pool & spa made for a very special weekend.
A very lucky boy!!
Celebrated my 50th birthday on the Saturday, stayed at the Haven Hotel in Sandbanks. Fantastic weekend with myself, Gilly, Philip & Gaby, Tom, Clare and Ali & Chris. Lovely food, brilliant sunshine and fun time in the pool & spa made for a very special weekend.
A very lucky boy!!
Thursday, 5 December 2013
Iceland
21st - 24th November 2013
Myself and Gilly flew off to Iceland for a 3 night break, we stayed at the Hilton Nordica which was about a 5 minute bus ride from the centre of Reykjavik.
The first night we had a Northern Lights boat trip booked, but this was cancelled due to the cloudy conditions, instead we got the bus into town, had a quick browse and stopped off for a bite to eat in a cosy French restaurant.
On the Friday morning we popped into Reykjavik, we both had a chuckle when we went to the bank to draw out some local currency, we thought we had been into 2 banks to get a comparison but soon realised that it was the same one, we had just used different entrances! Lunchtime we set off for the Golden Circle tour which covers about 300 km looping from Reykjavik into central Iceland and back.
"The three primary stops on the route are the national park Pingvellir, the geothermally active valley of Haukadalu, which contains the geysers Geysir and Strokkur. Though Geysir has been inactive for a long time, Strokkur, on the other hand, continues to erupt at 5-10 minutes intervals. The final stop was the waterfall Gullfoss (meaning "golden falls")." - wikipedia..
The tour was a whirlwind one, what with the lack of daylight hours, but really impressive with falling snow adding to its appeal. We got back to the hotel to find that the cancelled Northern Lights tour was back on for this evening, time for a sandwich and some more warm clothes and back on the transfer bus to the harbour. When we arrived at the harbour we had a choice of two boats, a small ferry style boat or a luxury cruiser. We chose the luxury cruiser and put on our optional winter onesie. The cruise set off on a clear moonlit evening, now I thought that this would be a romantic cruise on calm waters but the sea was very choppy and it wasn't long before people started to change colour and many were sick over the side! The Northern Lights made only a very brief appearance, but the rough seas made it impossible to get a decent photo. After a very long 2.5 hours we pulled back into the harbour, glad that we hadn't had time to grab a big meal before setting sail!
Saturday we set off for the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa where the water temperature averages 37–39 °C (98–102 °F). Once there we upgraded our standard package to the premier package which included robes, flip-flops, spa treatments, drink and lunch in the Lava Restaurant. To say the Blue Lagoon was excellent is an understatement and goes down as a "wow moment". Right from word go, the high-tech lockers, changing facilities, the extremely warm blue water even though outside it was cold and the amazing food in the Lava Restaurant made it a very special day. (Unbelievably we even bumped into an old friend of mine, Graham Wilkins with his wife Sarah, small world!)
That evening we got the bus back into the city and had a very nice meal in the restaurant Kopar, right in the harbour.
Sunday was our last day and we popped back into town for a quick look around.
A very enjoyable and memorable short break.
More pictures here...
Myself and Gilly flew off to Iceland for a 3 night break, we stayed at the Hilton Nordica which was about a 5 minute bus ride from the centre of Reykjavik.
The first night we had a Northern Lights boat trip booked, but this was cancelled due to the cloudy conditions, instead we got the bus into town, had a quick browse and stopped off for a bite to eat in a cosy French restaurant.
On the Friday morning we popped into Reykjavik, we both had a chuckle when we went to the bank to draw out some local currency, we thought we had been into 2 banks to get a comparison but soon realised that it was the same one, we had just used different entrances! Lunchtime we set off for the Golden Circle tour which covers about 300 km looping from Reykjavik into central Iceland and back.
"The three primary stops on the route are the national park Pingvellir, the geothermally active valley of Haukadalu, which contains the geysers Geysir and Strokkur. Though Geysir has been inactive for a long time, Strokkur, on the other hand, continues to erupt at 5-10 minutes intervals. The final stop was the waterfall Gullfoss (meaning "golden falls")." - wikipedia..
The tour was a whirlwind one, what with the lack of daylight hours, but really impressive with falling snow adding to its appeal. We got back to the hotel to find that the cancelled Northern Lights tour was back on for this evening, time for a sandwich and some more warm clothes and back on the transfer bus to the harbour. When we arrived at the harbour we had a choice of two boats, a small ferry style boat or a luxury cruiser. We chose the luxury cruiser and put on our optional winter onesie. The cruise set off on a clear moonlit evening, now I thought that this would be a romantic cruise on calm waters but the sea was very choppy and it wasn't long before people started to change colour and many were sick over the side! The Northern Lights made only a very brief appearance, but the rough seas made it impossible to get a decent photo. After a very long 2.5 hours we pulled back into the harbour, glad that we hadn't had time to grab a big meal before setting sail!
Saturday we set off for the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa where the water temperature averages 37–39 °C (98–102 °F). Once there we upgraded our standard package to the premier package which included robes, flip-flops, spa treatments, drink and lunch in the Lava Restaurant. To say the Blue Lagoon was excellent is an understatement and goes down as a "wow moment". Right from word go, the high-tech lockers, changing facilities, the extremely warm blue water even though outside it was cold and the amazing food in the Lava Restaurant made it a very special day. (Unbelievably we even bumped into an old friend of mine, Graham Wilkins with his wife Sarah, small world!)
That evening we got the bus back into the city and had a very nice meal in the restaurant Kopar, right in the harbour.
Sunday was our last day and we popped back into town for a quick look around.
A very enjoyable and memorable short break.
Wednesday, 20 November 2013
Fireworks & Falcons
November 2013
An attempt at photographing fireworks at Milland was ok as a first attempt, wind didn't help but exposure levels could have been better.
Firework pics here
Myself and Phil went to the Hawk Conservancy near Andover, courtesy of a Groupon offer.
An interesting day with lots of flying and feeding displays, got a few decent pics as well.
More pics here...
An attempt at photographing fireworks at Milland was ok as a first attempt, wind didn't help but exposure levels could have been better.
Firework pics here
Myself and Phil went to the Hawk Conservancy near Andover, courtesy of a Groupon offer.
An interesting day with lots of flying and feeding displays, got a few decent pics as well.
More pics here...
Tuesday, 8 October 2013
Graduation day
4th October 2013
Very special day for us all at Chichester, Philip and Gaby both graduated with First Class Honours in their Psychology Degree.
Day rounded off with dinner at Marcos in Chichester.
Very special day for us all at Chichester, Philip and Gaby both graduated with First Class Honours in their Psychology Degree.
Day rounded off with dinner at Marcos in Chichester.
Tuesday, 1 October 2013
Cutmill
Sunday 29th September 2013
Philips final race of the season was on his favourite Cutmill course, after a few laps things were looking good as he and three other riders gained 1' 30" over the peloton.
Unfortunately they were eventually caught by the bunch and to make matters worse one of Phil's spokes snapped forcing him to pull out of the race.
Looked strong throughout the race and it goes down as an "if only" race.
More pics here...
Philips final race of the season was on his favourite Cutmill course, after a few laps things were looking good as he and three other riders gained 1' 30" over the peloton.
Unfortunately they were eventually caught by the bunch and to make matters worse one of Phil's spokes snapped forcing him to pull out of the race.
Looked strong throughout the race and it goes down as an "if only" race.
Sunday, 29 September 2013
Tour of Britain
21st/22nd September 2013
On the Saturday myself and Phil rode out from home and met Darryl at his house in Haslemere, we then rode out to Cranleigh and then up to Barhatch Lane where there was a KOM, what a brute of a climb that is, probably 25% towards the top, we watched the tour go through here and cycled over to Elstead via Milford. We stopped for a bit of re-fuelling and watched the tour go through and rode home, really knackered after riding a pacey 65 hilly miles.
On the Sunday we went to London and combined this with shopping and lunch. Good to see Cav win the stage and Bradley win the overall.
More pics here...
On the Saturday myself and Phil rode out from home and met Darryl at his house in Haslemere, we then rode out to Cranleigh and then up to Barhatch Lane where there was a KOM, what a brute of a climb that is, probably 25% towards the top, we watched the tour go through here and cycled over to Elstead via Milford. We stopped for a bit of re-fuelling and watched the tour go through and rode home, really knackered after riding a pacey 65 hilly miles.
On the Sunday we went to London and combined this with shopping and lunch. Good to see Cav win the stage and Bradley win the overall.
More pics here...
Tuesday, 10 September 2013
Dorset Tour
30th & 31st August 2013
Myself, Gilly, Phil & Gaby went on a mini holiday down in Dorset, we went down on the Friday to watch the airshow in Bournemouth and stayed overnight at The Chine.
The following day we went over to Sandbanks, caught the ferry over to Studland, stopped briefly at Corfe Castle, paddled at Durdle Door and had the traditional fish & chips at Lulworth Cove.
All this in a weekend!
Airshow pics here....
Dorset pics here...
Myself, Gilly, Phil & Gaby went on a mini holiday down in Dorset, we went down on the Friday to watch the airshow in Bournemouth and stayed overnight at The Chine.
The following day we went over to Sandbanks, caught the ferry over to Studland, stopped briefly at Corfe Castle, paddled at Durdle Door and had the traditional fish & chips at Lulworth Cove.
All this in a weekend!
Airshow pics here....
Dorset pics here...
Thursday, 29 August 2013
Monday, 12 August 2013
Glorious Goodwood
Friday 2nd August 2013
Myself, Gilly, Chris, Ali & Ted all went horse racing for the day, fantastic weather and day only marred by the fact that myseld and Gill couldn't pick a winner, consequently coming away with that fleeced feeling! That feeling was increased by the fact that everyone else had done ok.
Good fun day though.
More pics here...
Myself, Gilly, Chris, Ali & Ted all went horse racing for the day, fantastic weather and day only marred by the fact that myseld and Gill couldn't pick a winner, consequently coming away with that fleeced feeling! That feeling was increased by the fact that everyone else had done ok.
Good fun day though.
More pics here...
Monday, 5 August 2013
Goodwood Flight Experience
28th July 2013
Clare treated myself, Gilly, Alison & Chris to a flight experience day at Goodwood.
Myself and Gilly were up first in a small 4 seater plane flying down to the coast and past Arundel Castle on the way back.
Even got to take the controls for a short time! Very strange experience with the plane moving around a lot, similar in some ways to a roller coaster. Gilly was pleased to get back down on terra-firma.
Day finished off nicely with a late afternoon lunch at the Goodwood Hotel.
More pics here...
Clare treated myself, Gilly, Alison & Chris to a flight experience day at Goodwood.
Myself and Gilly were up first in a small 4 seater plane flying down to the coast and past Arundel Castle on the way back.
Even got to take the controls for a short time! Very strange experience with the plane moving around a lot, similar in some ways to a roller coaster. Gilly was pleased to get back down on terra-firma.
Day finished off nicely with a late afternoon lunch at the Goodwood Hotel.
More pics here...
Monday, 29 July 2013
Summer Sport
21st July 2013
Fareham Wheelers Road RacePhil entered this race with 2 other team-mates on the Portsdown Hill circuit on one of the hottest days of the year so far. He was very active from the off and in several breaks, but unfortunately these didn't stick and on the last lap the bunch came together. Holding off the cramp, he still managed an excellent 7th place.
Race 4 life
On the same day Gilly, Gaby and Clare ran 3 miles for Cancer Research at Southsea, excellent run in very warm conditions for a worthy cause.
Time-trials - 24th July 2013
After missing a few evening 10s I raced our evening open event on the p881r, going reasonably well until reaching the Prince's Bridge fly over when I was faced with a woman sat in the middle of the road screaming in pain, a car had pulled out in front of her, which was also in the road. Luckily the accident had taken place on the fly over and after the woman had calmed down, the injuries weren't too serious and was driven back to the HQ and then to the QA to be checked over.
Fareham Wheelers Road RacePhil entered this race with 2 other team-mates on the Portsdown Hill circuit on one of the hottest days of the year so far. He was very active from the off and in several breaks, but unfortunately these didn't stick and on the last lap the bunch came together. Holding off the cramp, he still managed an excellent 7th place.
Race 4 life
On the same day Gilly, Gaby and Clare ran 3 miles for Cancer Research at Southsea, excellent run in very warm conditions for a worthy cause.
After missing a few evening 10s I raced our evening open event on the p881r, going reasonably well until reaching the Prince's Bridge fly over when I was faced with a woman sat in the middle of the road screaming in pain, a car had pulled out in front of her, which was also in the road. Luckily the accident had taken place on the fly over and after the woman had calmed down, the injuries weren't too serious and was driven back to the HQ and then to the QA to be checked over.
Saturday, 27 July 2013
Roux at Parliament Square
Monday 22nd July 2013
Tom started his new job today as a Commis Chef, working Monday to Friday with weekends off.
However, most days are 8am till 11pm with one 7am till 11pm thrown in for good measure.
Staying at Forest Hill with his mate Alex.
Tom started his new job today as a Commis Chef, working Monday to Friday with weekends off.
However, most days are 8am till 11pm with one 7am till 11pm thrown in for good measure.
Staying at Forest Hill with his mate Alex.
Tuesday, 16 July 2013
Celebration
14th July 2013
Phil & Gaby with a bottle of champagne to celebrate the both of them obtaining firsts in their Psychology Degrees.
Excellent achievements for both of them.
Phil & Gaby with a bottle of champagne to celebrate the both of them obtaining firsts in their Psychology Degrees.
Excellent achievements for both of them.
Dinner at the Langstone Hotel
11th July 2013
Myself, Gilly, Phil and Clare went to the Langstone for a last chance dinner prepared by Tom before he goes on his big adventure in London.
Lovely taster menu of 6 courses.
Wedding
4th July 2013
Gavin and Becky got married today, beautiful warm and sunny day for the happy couple.
Gavin and Becky got married today, beautiful warm and sunny day for the happy couple.
Friday, 5 July 2013
Balloon ride
Saturday 29th June 2013
Went to watch Trevor on his balloon flight from Anstey Park in Alton, he'd been given the ticket as a birthday gift 2.5 years ago.
As they were getting ready one of the organisers mentioned that there was a spare seat for £60 which I snapped up.
Awesome experience with an extremely dodgy landing in Grayshott Spa, clipping a tree and ripping the balloon in progress.
Went to watch Trevor on his balloon flight from Anstey Park in Alton, he'd been given the ticket as a birthday gift 2.5 years ago.
As they were getting ready one of the organisers mentioned that there was a spare seat for £60 which I snapped up.
Awesome experience with an extremely dodgy landing in Grayshott Spa, clipping a tree and ripping the balloon in progress.
Milland Hill
Thursday 27th June 2013
...a3crg promoted this Surrey League handicap race around the Milland Hill circuit. Dull and dreary evening with a mixture of 2/3/4 cats.
Phil entered and started with the last to go 2nd cats, starting approximately 4 to 5 minutes behind.
Over the first few laps the time gaps were consistently falling, although on the 2 laps to go board there was still a gap of 2.5 minutes. Unbelieveably on the last lap the leading group of 3 riders were only 30 seconds ahead and by the end of the dual carriageway Phil and 1 other rider had caught the lead group.
Once they reached Milland Hill, Phil made his move and was well clear for a fine victory.
...a3crg promoted this Surrey League handicap race around the Milland Hill circuit. Dull and dreary evening with a mixture of 2/3/4 cats.
Phil entered and started with the last to go 2nd cats, starting approximately 4 to 5 minutes behind.
Over the first few laps the time gaps were consistently falling, although on the 2 laps to go board there was still a gap of 2.5 minutes. Unbelieveably on the last lap the leading group of 3 riders were only 30 seconds ahead and by the end of the dual carriageway Phil and 1 other rider had caught the lead group.
Once they reached Milland Hill, Phil made his move and was well clear for a fine victory.
Tuesday, 25 June 2013
Africa
We've had some fantastic holidays in the past but this raises the bar, safari adventures, great all inclusive beach, friendly/helpful people and great weather. Icing on the cake though was to have Phil, Tom, Gaby and Clare with us.
Kept a very brief diary of events;
Day 1
Sunday 2nd June 2013
Flight diverted to Nairobi due to a broken down earth-moving vehicle at Mombasa which has been closed. Delayed approximately 3 hours, left Nairobi at 9:30. Arrived Mombasa 10:14. Long queues at visa desk, Gilly felt queasy after taking malarone on an empty stomach. Delays on ferry, arrived at Amani Tiwi at 1:30 ish. Lovely resort and very friendly people.
Day 2 Monday
Day by pool, played water polo, went for a beach walk up to the river. Phil cut his foot slightly playing Water polo. Evening dance.
Day 3 Tuesday
Safari - picked up early by Sajjad and travelled to Mombasa, ferry crossing and a fair drive to Tsavo East park, saw elephants, zebra, goshawk, buzzard, gazelle, baboons and antelope. Ended up at Aruba lodge where we checked in for the night, had lunch and a swim, lots of lizards and a big monitor. Then went for an evening game drive and spotted more elephants, gazelle, giraffe, buffalo and a lion sleeping after killing a zebra. Towards the end of the game drive we got word of a large pride of lions fairly close to the resort by a water hole. Finished off the evening with a beer and a BBQ. Superb.
Day 4 Wednesday
Left the resort at 7:30, Tom not feeling very good. Set off for Kilaguni Serena Lodge in Tsavo West, approx 180 kilometres away. Drove through Tsavo West and arrived at Kilaguni Serena Lodge for lunch, amazing 5* resort and excellent food, view from restaurant was amazing overlooking a waterhole, which throughout the day was visited by zebra, water buck, baboons and elephants. Had a quick swim and set off for the evening game drive, unfortunately Tom couldn't make it as he was still unwell and had been sick, hopefully he'll be ok tomorrow. Early on in the game drive we got wind of a leopard, which we raced to see, this was amazing and very close to the track. We then nearly ran over a giraffe and were nearly attacked by an aggressive lone elephant! Stopped off to see some crocs and distant hippos at mizimo springs. Evening topped off by an amazing meal overlooking the watering hole with a big herd of elephants. Unfortunately Tom was really sick and we had to call out housekeeping to clear up the mess, Gill skating on sick, yuk! Big spider in our room!
Day 5 Thursday
Amazing breakfast with complimentary champagne. Lots of animals at the watering hole. Set off early for Serova Salt Lick across Tsavo West. SSL is in Taita Hills, uneventful game drive. Checked in for SSL at the Serova Hotel and we all went off to plant some trees. Had a very nice lunch in the Serova Hotel and then drove down to the Salt Lick Lodges, amazing /unique place on stilts with its own watering hole and tunnel. Watched elephants, buffalo and baboons drinking at the watering hole. Went for an evening game drive in the afternoon which was uneventful, although in beautiful surroundings. Nice meal at the SSL overlooking the watering hole.
Day 6 Friday
Up early to leave SSL, quick uneventful game drive and headed off back to Amani Tiwi via Mombasa, marathon journey, Mombasa was congested/dirty and hot. Turned into a bit of a competition in Mombasa with the other Polman drivers, with Sajjad taking a lot of risks to get to the transfer point where we boarded a coach for the ferry crossing and final leg. Arrived back at Amani at 2:30 pmafter leaving SSL at 8:00am. Checked back into our original rooms. Knackered.
Day 7 Saturday
At pool for most of day, bit of water polo, also myself and Gill lounged in a hammock on the beach sipping cocktails. Got a coconut gift from our surfing instructor Amos.
Day 8 Sunday
Myself and the boys had a morning windsurfing lesson with Amos, good fun in the shallow warm water. Boys did really well. I had a starfish for company whilst Tom trod on a sea urchin and ended up with about 10 needles stuck in his foot, ouch! Also lounged around with the now usual round of table tennis and water polo.
Day 9 Monday
2nd windsurfing lesson, we all did better but also tired towards the end of the session spending a fair amount of time in water. Afterwards got a taxi with our driver Jamos who took us to Diani village and beach. On the way he showed us the cashew nut tree and mango trees. The big mango trees produce the small fruit and vice versa. Apple mango produces lovely sweet fruit. Had lunch at Diani beach which was very pleasant.
Day 10 Tuesday
3rd and final windsurfing lesson, all much better but choppy conditions made it a hard and tiring session. Stayed at the pool for the day.
Day 11 Wednesday
Hired a taxi and went with Saint Nicholas to the school and orphanage. The standard of school is light years behind ours, orphanage children seemed to fare a lot better. On the way back stopped to give the children sweets.
Day 12 Thursday
Day at pool, myself, Gaby, Phil and Tom went to the art class.
Day 13 Friday
Pool day, also hired 2 x 2 man kyacks, great fun especially into the waves. Gilly also had a quick go. Coconut demonstration on the beach, drank some of the juice and ate some of coconut, not the familiar coconut taste but pleasant. Gaby, Tom and Phil finished off their paintings. Had a meal at the al a carte restaurant, got there late ish and didn't eat till 10:00! Food just ok which was a bit of a disappointment.
Day 14 Saturday
Day by pool, usual feast of food, drink and water polo. Also football on the beach, tom managed to hurt his ankle and is now limping. Evening farewell cocktail party for the leaving guests. Donated flip flops and shorts to various people. Amos shorts, Peter flip flops. Masai warriors tribal dance evening.
Day 15 Sunday
Left hotel at 4am for trip back to UK, rumour has it that they refused entry on to the plane to the brummie drunk.
Safari pics here...
Beach pics here...
Sunday 2nd June 2013
Flight diverted to Nairobi due to a broken down earth-moving vehicle at Mombasa which has been closed. Delayed approximately 3 hours, left Nairobi at 9:30. Arrived Mombasa 10:14. Long queues at visa desk, Gilly felt queasy after taking malarone on an empty stomach. Delays on ferry, arrived at Amani Tiwi at 1:30 ish. Lovely resort and very friendly people.
Day 2 Monday
Day by pool, played water polo, went for a beach walk up to the river. Phil cut his foot slightly playing Water polo. Evening dance.
Day 3 Tuesday
Safari - picked up early by Sajjad and travelled to Mombasa, ferry crossing and a fair drive to Tsavo East park, saw elephants, zebra, goshawk, buzzard, gazelle, baboons and antelope. Ended up at Aruba lodge where we checked in for the night, had lunch and a swim, lots of lizards and a big monitor. Then went for an evening game drive and spotted more elephants, gazelle, giraffe, buffalo and a lion sleeping after killing a zebra. Towards the end of the game drive we got word of a large pride of lions fairly close to the resort by a water hole. Finished off the evening with a beer and a BBQ. Superb.
Day 4 Wednesday
Left the resort at 7:30, Tom not feeling very good. Set off for Kilaguni Serena Lodge in Tsavo West, approx 180 kilometres away. Drove through Tsavo West and arrived at Kilaguni Serena Lodge for lunch, amazing 5* resort and excellent food, view from restaurant was amazing overlooking a waterhole, which throughout the day was visited by zebra, water buck, baboons and elephants. Had a quick swim and set off for the evening game drive, unfortunately Tom couldn't make it as he was still unwell and had been sick, hopefully he'll be ok tomorrow. Early on in the game drive we got wind of a leopard, which we raced to see, this was amazing and very close to the track. We then nearly ran over a giraffe and were nearly attacked by an aggressive lone elephant! Stopped off to see some crocs and distant hippos at mizimo springs. Evening topped off by an amazing meal overlooking the watering hole with a big herd of elephants. Unfortunately Tom was really sick and we had to call out housekeeping to clear up the mess, Gill skating on sick, yuk! Big spider in our room!
Day 5 Thursday
Amazing breakfast with complimentary champagne. Lots of animals at the watering hole. Set off early for Serova Salt Lick across Tsavo West. SSL is in Taita Hills, uneventful game drive. Checked in for SSL at the Serova Hotel and we all went off to plant some trees. Had a very nice lunch in the Serova Hotel and then drove down to the Salt Lick Lodges, amazing /unique place on stilts with its own watering hole and tunnel. Watched elephants, buffalo and baboons drinking at the watering hole. Went for an evening game drive in the afternoon which was uneventful, although in beautiful surroundings. Nice meal at the SSL overlooking the watering hole.
Day 6 Friday
Up early to leave SSL, quick uneventful game drive and headed off back to Amani Tiwi via Mombasa, marathon journey, Mombasa was congested/dirty and hot. Turned into a bit of a competition in Mombasa with the other Polman drivers, with Sajjad taking a lot of risks to get to the transfer point where we boarded a coach for the ferry crossing and final leg. Arrived back at Amani at 2:30 pmafter leaving SSL at 8:00am. Checked back into our original rooms. Knackered.
Day 7 Saturday
At pool for most of day, bit of water polo, also myself and Gill lounged in a hammock on the beach sipping cocktails. Got a coconut gift from our surfing instructor Amos.
Day 8 Sunday
Myself and the boys had a morning windsurfing lesson with Amos, good fun in the shallow warm water. Boys did really well. I had a starfish for company whilst Tom trod on a sea urchin and ended up with about 10 needles stuck in his foot, ouch! Also lounged around with the now usual round of table tennis and water polo.
Day 9 Monday
2nd windsurfing lesson, we all did better but also tired towards the end of the session spending a fair amount of time in water. Afterwards got a taxi with our driver Jamos who took us to Diani village and beach. On the way he showed us the cashew nut tree and mango trees. The big mango trees produce the small fruit and vice versa. Apple mango produces lovely sweet fruit. Had lunch at Diani beach which was very pleasant.
Day 10 Tuesday
3rd and final windsurfing lesson, all much better but choppy conditions made it a hard and tiring session. Stayed at the pool for the day.
Day 11 Wednesday
Hired a taxi and went with Saint Nicholas to the school and orphanage. The standard of school is light years behind ours, orphanage children seemed to fare a lot better. On the way back stopped to give the children sweets.
Day 12 Thursday
Day at pool, myself, Gaby, Phil and Tom went to the art class.
Day 13 Friday
Pool day, also hired 2 x 2 man kyacks, great fun especially into the waves. Gilly also had a quick go. Coconut demonstration on the beach, drank some of the juice and ate some of coconut, not the familiar coconut taste but pleasant. Gaby, Tom and Phil finished off their paintings. Had a meal at the al a carte restaurant, got there late ish and didn't eat till 10:00! Food just ok which was a bit of a disappointment.
Day 14 Saturday
Day by pool, usual feast of food, drink and water polo. Also football on the beach, tom managed to hurt his ankle and is now limping. Evening farewell cocktail party for the leaving guests. Donated flip flops and shorts to various people. Amos shorts, Peter flip flops. Masai warriors tribal dance evening.
Day 15 Sunday
Left hotel at 4am for trip back to UK, rumour has it that they refused entry on to the plane to the brummie drunk.
Safari pics here...
Beach pics here...
Friday, 17 May 2013
Grand Jersey
4th May 2013
As part of Tom's competition win, he was invited to work for a week at the Grand Jersey on Jersey, a Michelin starred restaurant, Tom had a busy but enjoyable week.
As part of Tom's competition win, he was invited to work for a week at the Grand Jersey on Jersey, a Michelin starred restaurant, Tom had a busy but enjoyable week.
Monday, 6 May 2013
Stockbridge Road Race
5th May 2013
After his dads pathetic time trial, I know I wasn't going to mention it again, but boy did it rain!
Anyway, Phil raced the Elite to 3rd Cat Road Race over the Stockbridge course. This featured numerous elites, big teams and was Phil's first race for while in a team*
This was a big boys race on a mans course and Phil didn't disappoint, in a break early on after attacking Magnus Backstedt on the 1st lap on the major climb no less! (Magnus - Ex pro - Only won Paris Roubaix in 2004). This break soon swelled to 8, with 3 of these from Felt Racing.
However this break was being chased and just before the last lap, the breakaway was caught, attacks followed and a break from break formed, unfortunately Phil ended up in the 2nd break.
A Felt rider won, with Phil finishing a brilliant 10th place, plus £15 better off.
Good job!
* Team of 6, soon whittled down to 4 starters, then whittled down to 2 finishers.
More pics here...
After his dads pathetic time trial, I know I wasn't going to mention it again, but boy did it rain!
Anyway, Phil raced the Elite to 3rd Cat Road Race over the Stockbridge course. This featured numerous elites, big teams and was Phil's first race for while in a team*
This was a big boys race on a mans course and Phil didn't disappoint, in a break early on after attacking Magnus Backstedt on the 1st lap on the major climb no less! (Magnus - Ex pro - Only won Paris Roubaix in 2004). This break soon swelled to 8, with 3 of these from Felt Racing.
However this break was being chased and just before the last lap, the breakaway was caught, attacks followed and a break from break formed, unfortunately Phil ended up in the 2nd break.
A Felt rider won, with Phil finishing a brilliant 10th place, plus £15 better off.
Good job!
* Team of 6, soon whittled down to 4 starters, then whittled down to 2 finishers.
More pics here...
Time Trial
27th April 2013 - Hampshire RC 10 on the P881
I don't like to make excuses, but how is one expected to do a quick time when literally 2 minutes after I start, a mini tornado whips up, rain, sleet and a strong head-wind.
It affected a few other riders but not the whole field, consequently, wet, pissed off and slow.
Rant over!
I don't like to make excuses, but how is one expected to do a quick time when literally 2 minutes after I start, a mini tornado whips up, rain, sleet and a strong head-wind.
It affected a few other riders but not the whole field, consequently, wet, pissed off and slow.
Rant over!
Thursday, 18 April 2013
Spring Time Trials
My team ...a3crg promoted a Spring series of 3 time trials, I entered the first one on Good Friday on the Buriton course and posted a 24:01, which faired ok with my fellow competitors.
Event 2 was Hardriders on the old a3, where Phil finished a very good 4th place.
Event 3 was the tough Tour of the Lod Valley, which we both entered, Phil finished an excellent 3rd and I finished 11th.
Results at www.a3crg.co.uk
Event 2 was Hardriders on the old a3, where Phil finished a very good 4th place.
Event 3 was the tough Tour of the Lod Valley, which we both entered, Phil finished an excellent 3rd and I finished 11th.
Monday, 1 April 2013
Milland Hill 2013
30th March 2013
Surrey League
Phil's first race of the season riding for his new team Peter Hansford Racing, cold but dry day saw Phil get in an early break which was caught, but got in another break of 5 which stayed away to the end of the race where Phil finished a very respectable 5th..
Surrey League
Phil's first race of the season riding for his new team Peter Hansford Racing, cold but dry day saw Phil get in an early break which was caught, but got in another break of 5 which stayed away to the end of the race where Phil finished a very respectable 5th..
Monday, 18 February 2013
London lights
Myself and Gilly went up to London for the day and stayed around to get a few pics as at was getting dark.
Wednesday, 13 February 2013
1st Prize
This photo came first in the readers challenge in the Photography For Beginners magazine. Picture was a double page spread plus they also sent me a 16GB memory card. Cool!
Tuesday, 29 January 2013
Friday, 18 January 2013
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