Landed

Hi All,

We landed yesterday evening around 7pm after around 30 hours of travelling and met Conrad at Heathrow.  After some mucking around with cars (according to the manager of the car hire company, "there are no roofracks in the UK), we strapped the oars on as best as possible, Shane and I set to arguing about which way was west whilst Conrad regaled a comatose Hatsy with his adventures of the last 3 days.  Arriving at the farm around 10pm, we were shown to our cottage which is small but extremely comfortable.  A fry-up of eggs and home-made burgers preceded collapse and good sleeps for all.

This morning we have (obviously) attained internet access and are halfway through a leisurely breakfast (which may last for some time yet).  Our hosts are extremely friendly and run a full working farm, the extent of which we will investigate in due course.  I can see cows, geese, tractors and dirt from where I sit amidst a surrounding garden and lawn.  Photos will follow. 

Plenty of good news on the rowing front, our Irish connection Conor Walshe has come through with the goods and our boat awaits us at the course.  Entries are all in and there are exactly 32 entries in the Wyfold four, our event.  This is slightly unusual and down from 57 last year.  Other events are, as usual, over-subscribed, we are not sure yet what, if anything, this signifies.  One happy consequence however, is that with 32 spots available, there is no qualifying required.  So we can settle in and commence training without that possibility hanging over our heads.  As yet we know nothing about our competition.  There is a crew from Banks RC entered, although we don't know which crew as yet.

After breakfast, we are off to the course for a gentle ergo and to put the boat together.  We'll have an evening paddle on the course to shake down the boat with our first proper water session to follow tomorrow.  Last year has taught us not to expect too much from ourselves in the first couple of days - rest and recovery is the main focus. 

Thanks to all those who've sent messages and comments of support so far, it's all much appreciated!

Cheers, Drew