think we need a party!! how about a canal trip?

I'm working tomorrow. As I only have 2.5 days in April and one in May! I'm not giving them up. I need the money!

It will be an evening cast off as I am at WI in the afternoon and I am helping with the teas and yummy cake.

Am I teleporting myself to your area Bikergran or are we starting in my area the Thames Valley ?

I can keep the boat moving/afloat (hopefully) until the weekend and then someone else can take over. This might be how the virtual trip goes.

It should be such fun.

P.S. Hope there is a ship's cat.

I sense that launch-day is fast approaching. Bottles breaking over the front end... I name this ship...and all who sail in her... abide with me....for those in peril...where's the bar?

Fortunately the floods have now gone where I intend the launch tomorrow evening in Marlow.

Good-Oh! Pop in and share a snorter or two with Sir Terry, perhaps, then off down to Skindles at Maidenhead for Sundowners, or are you planning going the other way, in which case the old Catherine Wheel at Henley would fit the bill. White ducks and blazers, of course, and appropriate yachting colours. Have to watch out for pirates, though!

I will keep you up to speed Paposcar and other seafarers.

I wonder if we will see 3 Men in a Boat ?

I trust another Captain (which I assume I am) will be ready to take over from me on Saturday morning.

I might have to have a wee glass of Grog tonight to get me acclimatised.

ok now then lets..see...we must make sure that all can come aboard....so perhaps we need to hang fire...but!! NanKate you could always set off ahead in the Kayak! make sure there are no obstacles/rowdy demonstrators to block our path of adventure! there may be a possibility of the Olympic swimmers practising so we need to manoeuvre round them, also I believe the Fireman often put their Hoses in the water to test their equipment so lots to look out for...and we cannot possibly set sail without Galen as Captain she would never speak to us again so maybe a vote on the sail date (must get going before all the tourists arrive though..adios amigo

You're the boss Bikergran - tell me when I can don my nautical outfit.

Perhaps I could whistle Galen aboard. Can I do the Hornpipe or would that be a bit too over the top ?

I will as instructed do a kayak check around the boat and towpath.

Splice the main brace whatever that means.

A Norse, A Norse, my kingdom for a Norse.

Oh sorry getting carried away with the thought of big muscled Vikings boarding our sloop.

Must stop eating cheese before bedtime.

Sorry biker, I'm back to doggy sitting.

I can see trouble ahead oh it's going to be idyllic

I have been having swimming lessons. Will there be any opportunity for me to practice my skills ?

Flag is almost finished and I am making a cosy quilt for the 'porthole' to keep our nether regions from freezing should the weather turn nasty. Could also come in handy to hide behind too if border control guards want to check passports. I am afterall coming from Yorkshire and will be in foreign fields on foreign waters. Do I need a visa ?

Vodka jellies are setting in the fridge. Will I be able to transport them to wherever we're embarking on my supersonic broomstick? I've always managed it before - just as long as they aren't too wobbly.

BTW where ARE we embarking?

Bikergran how are we going to vote for the day we 'cast off' or are you going to consult your diary and give us a date ?

tiggy glad the flag is almost done I wonder where we can position it anno vodka jellies wonder how many anno has sampled so far and how many there are left for the journey

cooler box should be ok to transport, fixed to broomstick with no nails,

NanKate maybe Friday? hows Friday for anyone (ha ha it feels almost like we planning a real meat)!

Has someone been here and stolen borrowed my broom? I used it on Friday to sweep the front doorstep and have not seen it since. If you have it, take care if trying to fly it to the canal trip, it is a muggle broom and does not get airborne

I have been getting a chimney reharled and new gutters out up. I have a suspicion that it has joined the ones the workmen used to clear up - they were very thorough..

Friday suits me, but must leave the boat on Monday as we are looking after the 2 GSs again. I hope I don't catch anything from them like I did last time!

I might have to go easy on the drinkiepoos on Sunday in readiness for Monday. Can't be found inebriated with a 3 and 1 year old.

The Piña Coladas are bubbling nicely on the Aga and the cheese straws are waiting to be snapped up. It's anchors away soon! Just dusting down the old grass skirt and sponging off my favourite Bowler. The Ladrador had promised to on his best behaviour. This is going to be a right rave-up. Can't wait for the underwater line-dancing to get started!

ok anyone that can make Friday...see you at the Barge (just jump on anywhere ) there will be Vaulting Poles at various locations whoops forgot to mention that was the only way to get on board
pick up your lifejackets before you board (there will be no need to wear lifejackets for those who have had boob enhancements) anyone got a spare cat? I have 2 but they are reluctant to leave the house. See you all there, I will be the one wearing black thong and the pirate hat

Can't make Friday sadly, we are going to my Goddaughter's wedding. Will send the bottles of champagne in my time machine and hope you all have a good time. Will offer a toast to you but there may be a few raised eyebrows when people realise they are drinking to a Gaggle of Grans who are 'doing' every canal and lock they can find. Have fun

hmm...well we could postpone for another time..half the fun is organising the virtual parties we can put it on the back burner for another day..it has kept me occupied lol and stopped me walking the streets ..and making the tea and hovering up and doing the washing..and.......................................

I trust you won't be walking any canal paths Bikergran, that sort of behaviour might not go down well in the Thames Valley ! However if you are discreet you can invite paying guests to join you in your cabin.

I must warn you the boat will be passing by Cliveden (national Trust now) and you know what Christine Keeler got up to there in the 1960s!

oooh yes!!!! C Keeler...tut tut!! and yes I am afraid I often frequent the canal paths "paying guest"! whatever do you take me for (I always! give them change) cheers oh well! going on then I'll have another ta ta

I've been sitting in the pub all night waiting for you all to turn up.

And now I'm quite pissed merry. Oh well, another day.

What a shame rosequartz but good to be getting into practise.

I think you should go ahead with the plans bikergran. As this trip could take several days those who can't make Friday may well be able to join in en route as long as someone stays sober enough to transfer thoughts so we know the route.

I'll jump aboard on Friday but you'll have to drop me off around Oxford next Tuesday for granny duty. I will have to let the GSs play quidditch with my broomstick.