Categories: uncategorized
Date: 15 April 2007 20:31:11
From the start this weekend was never going to be "just ordinary". As we left Waterloo on a sardine can, with Third Party sat in the toilet until somebody used it (and left it in a most unhygenic state), the party began. We were assisted in our frivolity by South West Trains finest conducter (a man whose badge proclaimed he was named Kevin Smith). On an overcrowed train, on a reasonably hot day this man seriously went well above and beyond the call of duty, finding seats for old ladies and having a laugh with a bunch of wierd people off the internet. As a result we were able to resist resorting to the use of table evangelism in order to find seats because standing or perching upon cases was much more fun.
Once we arrived on the island we headed to the gorgeous houseboat and having settled ourselves in what is now becoming our regular cabin headed off to the village hall. Upon arriving I immeadiately recognised and was recognised by somebody who I had been at college with many moons ago. Whilst my memory is not good the other person (with whom I don't actually recollect ever properly chatting to even at uni) remembered my name 15 years(ish) on - I don't know what that says either about their memory or my behaviour at uni ;)
A wonderful evening was had by all though, particularly as upon arriving back at the boat it was warm enough to sit on deck and become reaquainted with some old friends and make some new, aswell as having a relaxing drink (or several).
Yesterday morning Rosamundi, Smudgie, I and a very normal non-wiblogger were a team for the treasure hunt (Smudgie though was just the silent driver after all we might have been at a huge advantage otherwise, although she wasn't too silent upon discovering she was sending everybody the wrong way). Still it was a really enjoyable way to spend a few hours. Highlights included a visit to an English vinyard, and seeing some of Englands finest views.
The afternoon saw us playing trains and finding out third class Victorian passangers still had far more leg room than a South Eastern Trains commuter does.
In the evening it was off to The Blacksmiths Arms for a wonderful meal. Gorgeous food; wonderful company - what more could I want from life.
Today you could tell who the teachers were; we had to leave a day early to get to work tomorrow. So after church and saying goodbye to Auntie Doris , Sophs and a range of other truly beautiful people it was back to real life and replacement buses. With just the memory of this year to hold onto until next years expedition. So thank you again Smudgie, it was wonderful (and thank you aswell to the range of Wibloggers and other assorted Ship people who helped to make the whole experience, yet again, so enjoyable).