Day 65 - Doncaster to Solihull

After breakfast in the Little Chef next the the Travelodge, we made our way to the house of the chap who has bought the Imp. He came back from work and took us to find a hire car and then we drove back to his house to swap all our stuff from the Imp into the hire car (a Vauxhall Astra).  It all just about fits but its a tight squeeze. For a car that feels like its twice as big as the Imp, it has no more storage room. And so it was time to say goodbye my trusty steed. It was a bit sad but given the mounting problems it was time to park it ready for some love and care. Driving off in the Vauxhall felt most unfamiliar.  It feels too tall but its quiet, soaks up the bumps and even has a radio.

We drove South to Bourne to visit Mike Pilbeam at Pilbeam Racing Designs.  Ros and I had met him and his wife on a visit many years ago. We spent almost two hours chatting about cars and things and Mike bought us all an ice cream when a van ventured past. Unfortunately there was only one racing car in the workshop at the time. The boys would have liked to see a bit more but made do patting the bookkeeper's big black Labrador.

From Bourne the navigator sent us through some small roads for about 10 miles before getting us onto the motorways. These flowed very well all the way to Solihull where we got off into a traffic jamb. However, we were soon at my Great Uncle and Aunt's house and were welcomed in. After a good dinner we put some washing in the machine and got the boys off to bed. The end of another big day.

Day 63 - Aberfeldy to Scone

When I woke this morning my right eye was even worse that it had been over the weekend. I got an appointment with the local surgery but it was for 9:30 and the boys were still asleep at 9:00. This meant they didn't get to eat much of their breakfast before we had to run down the road. I had hoped that the lady at the B&B might offer to look after them for half an hour while I went off but she was not that friendly or accommodating.

The doctor was quite concerned about my eye and referred me to the eye specialist at The Royal Perth Infirmary. So instead of going to the Iron age reconstruction we drove back to Perth. At least it was another great drive. The ophthalmic doctor shared the GP's concerns and wondered if I might have an abscess on my eye. Her colleague thought probably not, so I have got some drops and some cream to put in and have to go back to see if its working at 9AM tomorrow.

This still left just enough time to return to Kenmore to see the Iron age reconstruction. It is a roundhouse made over the Loch with piles pushed into the mud down to the bedrock and a floor, walls and roof built in this. It reconstructs a dwelling excavated underwater further down the Loch. As a reconstruction rather that a theme park, it only shows things they have found in the archaeology and not all the fancy stuff we might associate with the Iron age. It was quite interesting and I think the boys got a bit out of it.

Then it was time to head to the hotel I had booked at lunch time. Its a 4 star hotel on a golf course and very posh but discounted tonight so its almost affordable. We have a bedroom with two single beds, a bathroom with shower, bath and toilet, a second toilet and a big sitting room with a television two sofas a microwave and kettle. Even a trouser press. They still feel the need to charge for the internet though.

Day 64 - Scone to Doncaster

After a rather fancy breakfast at the hotel restaurant we packed up quickly and set off for the Royal Perth Infirmary as we were running late. Or rather we didn't, as the Imp's battery was flat. With a push from the boys we were soon on our way.

I thought my eye had improved overnight but the opthalmologist seemed to think it was no better or perhaps worse. She changed my eye drops and suggested I go to Accident & Emergency when we get to Solihull.

I decided to stop off at Linwood to see the last relic of the factory where the Imps were made on the way down to Doncaster. It took three passes to figure out which building it was and where the entrance was. The building is a 60's / 70's style two story office. Inside there are a few photographs of the factory when it was in production and plaques commemorating its opening. With permission of the very friendly owner we pushed the car back in front of the building to take a photograph of the car. We bad  brief chat before we pushed off to get some lunch.

After lunch we headed to Doncaster. The navigator seemed to take us back Northwards before getting onto the A74. We had a few stops on the way, one for petrol, one just for eye drops and one for drops and sunglasses. One of the drops dilates the pupil and this then let's too much light in and is uncomfortable. I mostly drove with the right eye closed but that is a bit disorientating. After the A74 / M6 we turned off onto the A66 from Penrith to Scotch Corner.

By now I knew we were in a bit of trouble. The oil pressure / coolant temp warning light had come on and as it was cool and there was enough oil I assumed this was a voltage problem. It went out when I disconnected the temp sender.  The fuel gauge was reading near empty when I knew there was at least half a tank left. About half way to Scotch corner we felt the first misfire. Soon there wouldn't be enough charge to run the coil. Spotting the village of Bowes, I pulled off but somehow misread the signs and ended up returning back up the A66. We got to a break in the barrier where we could do a U turn but the engine cut out. There was no hope of push starting this time and the road was busy with fast cars. Luckily we were opposite a lay by where there was a recovery service truck. This was there to do free recoveries from the previous stretch of the A66 where the hard shoulder was closed for road works. The two chaps came over and, after getting the boys safely into their truck, pushed the Imp over the busy road into the lay by. I explained my problem and they offered to try out their charged up battery. However, this didn't do anything so I started wondering what else could be wrong. In the end however, we tried their half charged battery and this fired it up straight away. They then very kindly gave me the batter for nothing. It was too big to fit into the battery tray so I had to tie it in with rope after undoing the air filter to squeeze it in.

So then we were on our way again. I wasn't sure how far this new battery would get us but as things seemed to run well we pushed on almost to Doncaster. There we stopped for a take away and to look up a hotel to stay at. By now it was dark and we needed to turn the lights on so thankfully the hotel was quite near. The Travelodge on the A1 is a bit old and tired but at £36 it was good value.

Day 62 - Perth to Aberfeldy

Monday morning came too early. The boys slept in until after 9AM. When they got up we bought breakfast and then set about pulling down the tent and packing up the car. Its hard to believe that so much stuff fits into so small a car.

Once packed up, we headed into Perth city to buy a SIM card for the computer and to look for the next Harry Potter book for Timothy. It took a while to achieve both but once done and after lunch we visited the tourist bureau to book accommodation near Loch Tay. We ended up with a B&B in Aberfeldy at £109 which I thought was a bit steep.

We had planned to visit the Scottish Crannog Centre near Kenmore but as time was pressing on thought we'd leave that to the morning and take a drive instead. We headed up to Pitlochry and from there along the road to the north of Loch Tummel.  This was a lovely narrow windy road spoilt only by slow German tourists. From the Western end of the Loch we crossed the bridge and headed South through what may be a national park but is moorland grazed by highland cattle. This road is just a single lane and winds its way up and over a small mountain. With no walls or hedges the visibility is better and we could really enjoy a spirited drive. The fastest I think I got to was 74km/he but it was great fun.

Ros and I had done the same route in reverse after the Imp national we attended nearly 15 years ago. Then we did it in a hire car and wished that we had an Imp.

The mountain road leads down to Kenmore on the Eastern side of Loch Tay. We drove West to Killing before heading back on the Southern side of the Loch. We were hoping to find petrol in Kilin as we'd driven further than expected and were nearly out. The road on the South side of the Tay is narrower but there were very few cara on it. There was a moment meeting a BMW mini at a blind bend but good reactions on both sides prevented any problems. We managed to get into Aberfeldy without running dry and soon found petrol and our B&B. We had a cheap meal at a nearby pub and then got off to bed.

Day 60 & 61 - Perth

After arriving in our hotel in Glasgow around 4:30AM I felt bad waking the boys up at 8:30. I wanted to get to thee Imp Club National in Perth by 11AM so as to join the scenic run. With much pushing we left just a bit late and the zoomed along faster than I had trough the whole journey to date. After a bit of a struggle to find the racecourse we came to the driveway just as the convoy of Imps were coming out. I wish I had kept straight on with them but instead I turned into the driveway so as to check in with rally control. However, the desire to join a convoy of Imps overcame me and we made a hasty U turn around a spectator and over the grass and set off after the Imps. Unfortunately we were at the back with a mix of Imps and modern cars.

The run took us to Glen Almond Estate, Scottish holiday home fort the Rootes family. There were around 100 Imps parked all around. Several people spotted us as the loonies that had driven half way around thee world to be there and we were made very welcome. The next stop was the Famous Grouse distillery where we had lunch. Luckily the accept credit cards as we still hasn't had a chance to get pounds from an ATM yet. We made our own way back to the the racecourse stopping to get money and eye drops for my conjunctivitis on the way.

Putting up the tent in the strong wind would have been impossible without the help of Simon and Karen Benoy. After this, we headed to the restaurant for dinner where we sat with ex pat Aussies Mike and Tich Marsh who had visited us a couple of years ago and used the blue Imp for a day. Sadly it wasn't running that well at the time.

After a good sleep we woke and had a late breakfast. After that it was time to take the Imp onto the display field. The Marshall suggested it should be parked right at the front in pride of place. Meanwhile the boys played in the Kid Club. After that they enjoyed watching the juggler and trying out his equipment. As well as looking at the massive array of cars, I met up with Corey Graeme who had made the most fantastic Imp shaped birthday cake imaginable. We arranged to secretly get the cake to the restaurant to cut it at dinner.

I was awarded the prize for furthest traveled in an imp. At 14,500km or there abouts. It might take a while to beat that record.

Some of the organizers suggested we cut the cake after the evenings entertainment. That way everyone could sing happy birthday etc. Unfortunately, Timothy was almost asleep by the time we got to it.  I think he loved the cake though.

Day 59 - Lough Derg to Belfast

Today we woke a little late to a overcast but dry day. This was good news as I wanted to pack up the tent and don't like folding up a wet tent. It took rather a long time but it all fitted in well enough. But that was before adding the sailing gear. We then had to dress quickly in our wetsuits and buoyancy vests, pull the sails up and get onto the water.

The rain started as we sailed out to the start line. Today it took about an hour and a half to get the first race underway. There was a postponement and at least two general recalls. After some good and some dreadful tries at starting, the real start was pretty poor. I was too far back from the line and behind a couple of rows of boats. Despite this, another competitor told me in was listed among those black flagged for the race. If this via true, I think it might have come from the previous start. The race was not great. We never recovered from the bad start and another capsize, this time at the gybe mark in the trapezoid, didn't help.

The second race was better. After another  general recall and a long delay, we got another poor start but we were able to tack early and didn't loosed much time ducking behind boats. Then we sailed two long tacks and a couple of short ones to make the buoy in around 20th. We lost a few places on the run but gained quite a few on the next upwind leg. In the end we must have been around 20th but I didn't stop after the race to see the results.

Once we were back on land I de-rigged the boat and Timothy took the name in insulation tape off the transom. Then Michael and I got into the car where I changed and got ready to go. But where was Timothy? Still in his sailing gear wandering around aimlessly. I aimed him at the showers with some dry clothes. When he came out we popped up to the clubhouse to say some goodbyes and scoff some of the cake on offer and then we left.

We were hoping to take the scenic route to Belfast but I was worried that we wouldn't make it in time so we returned down the motorway to Dublin and then on the motorway North. A boring trip but stress free. I was also hoping to drop in to see some Imp Club members but it was getting too late for visiting so we have come directly to the ferry. First impressions are that this Stema Line ferry is much better than the one from Cherbourg.

Now for a couple of hours sleep before driving to a hotel in Glasgow.

Day 58 - Lough Derg races 9 & 10

It was another morning of drizzle. We ate our cereal in the tent and slowly got ready to sail. The wind was below 5 knots as we sailed the 2 miles to the start line. The first start was a big mess with boats stuck on port tack or stopped and others trying to power past them. As seems to be the routine now, the race was postponed or recalled. By the second start the wind had picked up to above 12 knots. We had a great start at the port end just behind the Barwood's and possibly able to tack across the fleet. This was also recalled. The final start was okay but nothing special. I am too cautious and fall into the big dip in the start line. I find it impossible to get transects to tell me if I'm close to the line or not. Anyway the race was okay we ended up mid fleet without any incidents.

The second race was much the same but we got a poor start and were well back in the pack. The wind was up above our comfort level and we I made a few poor decisions and a few messed up tacks put us back around 50th. Timothy didn't want to fly the spinnaker so we didn't have a chance to catch many boats down wind and finished in 50th place.

As there were only two races, we got back early. We packed the boat up, showered and returned to the tent for a rest.  I got some sleep but I doubt that the boys did. There was a meal on in the club house in the evening followed by " Nation's Night" where each country puts on a short performance. We sang The Wild Colonial Boy with lyrics changed to suit the occasion. This was followed by handing out Vegemite sandwiches and fairy bread. It seemed to go down well.

We left before the end as both boys and I are really tired and can't wait to get to bed.

Day 57 - Lough Derg races 5 - 8

To win any championship you need to be consistently good. Today we got a 25th, a 1st, a 34th and a 60th.  No consistency at all.

We woke to drizzle and had breakfast huddled in the tent. It rained on and off until late afternoon. I left the boys in the tent while I fixed the problems of yesterday. When I had finished Michael came and found me with a teary story of how Timothy was being mean and had spilt Michael's breakfast in the tent and put grass in it. So I took him to the cafe where he had pancakes with maple syrup and some toast and I had a cup of coffee. When we finished it was time to get dressed in wetsuits and get going.

The wind was light and we were late to the starting line but need not have worried as it took at least 30 minutes before the first attempted start and then there were probably two postponements and a couple of general recalls. During this time the wind strength built to around 18 knots.  The first race went much as we might expect. We got an okay start but couldn't get away from the pack. We didn't make too many errors and ended up 25th which is perhaps a little better than I might expect to place.

The wind was a little lighter in the second race I decided to start at the left side of the line. Surprisingly there were only a couple of us really aiming for the pin. A UK boat was a little closer than us but we pointed higher and were soon ahead. We stayed on the left side almost to the lay line and then tacked. There was only one boat we were not clearly ahead of and I chose to go below him rather than risk a penalty. We rounded the first mark in second but it wasn't long before another boat overtook us. We rounded the leeward mark in third with several boats just behind. I though several if them would slip by. Thankfully the boat in first place decided to cover the other, his real competition for the series. This let us get to the windward mark ahead by about 8 boat lengths. With the scent of victory around there was no hesitation or lack of concentration with the spinnaker and we increased our lead for the first two buoys of the trapezoid. By the leeward buoy were had lost a bit partly because I wasn't taking any chances and dropped the spinnaker early. They were catching us all the way up the short beat to the finish but we held off by a couple of boat lengths to win. We were very very happy.

The third race was back to reality. We got an okay start and rounded the windward buoy in the mid twenties. We were doing okay with me trimming the spinnaker because Timothy was too tire and slow. Then a jury boat came over and whistled saying I was pumping the spinnaker. I think that is nonsense as I was only pulling it in to stop the luff from flapping and with the gusty wind and direction changes over waves that needs to be done constantly. But there is no point in arguing with the jury, I just wish they had enough experience in small dingies to know that you can't sail them in a straight line and watch the top third slowly collapse before sheeting in a bit. Anyway we did our 720° turn penalty and kept on to finish 34th.

The wind was by now quite strong and we were keen to get home. However, were we told the committee wanted to run a four to race. We were able to start at the left side of the line again with few boats around us. We were just behind my WA rivals Simon and Sidonia Barwoord. Over the first windward leg we lost about 25 boat lengths to Simon but that space was filled with around 20 boats. Simon rounded in the lead but they had broken their spinnaker pole in the third race and could keep up with the top guys.  We didn't fly the spinnaker either but didn't lose out because of it. About 250m to the leeward buoy we needed to gybe onto port. I did it in a lull but somehow got the balance wrong and we capsized. Timothy was stuck above the centreboard and slow to get out so the boat tipped completely upside down. It took a little while to get it up and then it blew over again while I was trying to get in. We must have been back in the flurries by now. About three quarters of the way to the windward mark the pin in the gooseneck fitting, that holds the boom onto the mast, came out. I got Timothy to steer while I dropped the sail a bit, let the foot tension off and got the pin half back in. This was working but in no time the sail pulled out of the mast track and wasn't held forward. So Timothy took the helm again an I tied the clew to the mast using the loose end of the foot tensioning rope. It didn't look good but sailed better than I expected. We caught two or three boats on the trapezoid, mostly who had capsized or lost control, to finish 60th.

Once back on land we packed up and had a shower. There was a supper and ceile with a local Irish dancing school on at the club. It was great but I was too tired and left for bed at 9:45PM. The boys followed shortly after.

Day 56 - Lough Derg races 3 & 4

Today was not a good day. There were three races scheduled. It took about an hour to get the first race underway. Firstly it was postponed with less than a minute to go. Then there was a general recall then we got a start but then race was abandoned because the start linen was so biased. Then another general recall and then another race was was abandoned half way down the first beat due to a big shift. We finally got away in 15 - 20 knots. I pulled all I could on the boom vang, Cunningham and foot tension but it still wasn't enough for me to be able to sail properly.

The second race got away without problems but we had a poor start. I am being too nervous of the black flag and leaving room to windward for boats to slip in and take away my wind. The wind was stronger than the first race and the problems worse. We tipped in twice with badly executed gybes. Neither cost us much time but the boat full of water slowed us down.  On the second capsize at the leeward mark I noticed that the jib halyard was hanging out of the self bailer. I asked Timothy to pull it out but he misunderstood and pulled it out of the cleat and the jib started to come down. Timothy handled the spinnaker very well and although all he wanted to do was go home he toughed it out.

After about 15 minutes of waiting after the second race, the PRO decided to abandon the third race for the day. This was just as well for us as the Cunningham rope broke and the main sail started coming out of the track. Then the luff tensioning rope for the jib snapped as well. So we would have had big problems fixing both. In the end we had to get towed in because I couldn't turn the boat around to get into the beach.

If sailing was always like this I wouldn't bother. Here's to a better day tomorrow.

Da y 55 - Lough Derg races 1 & 2

Today started off dry but a little rain came around 10AM. The first race was scheduled for 11:30. Most of fleet left the beach more than an hour early when we were still getting ready. We were last off the beach and still had more than half an hour before the start to get a feel for the wind. It was blowing around 18 knots and fairly steady.  About 7 minutes before the start I got tangled up during a gybe and we capsized. We quickly got up and other self bailer drained thee water before the start.

We got off okay and half way down rt he first windward leg we were probably in the top 15. Then I got tangled up again in a tack and we tipped over again. This time it seemed to take ages to get rid of the water and we lost at least 20 places. The same thing happened on the next windward leg and we lost another 20 places. I'm having trouble changing from transom sheeting where you tack facing backwards to forward sheeting where you tack facing forwards. When I get it wrong I end up in a knot and not able tho move quickly enough. In the end we finished 63rd.

The second race was much better. We started near the port end tacked fairly early and kept on up the right side of the course. We rounded the first and second marks in third place. The courses were a "sausage" then a trapezoid and short windward to the finish. I messed up the first 300m of the next windward and slipped to 6th but we were able to maintain that to the finish.

While Timothy and I were out sailing, Kate, another WA sailors wife, looked after Michael with two of her girls and the Barwood's little boy. They all had a great time from the sounds of it.

After the race we quickly packed up the boat an headed for a shower to beat the queue. Then we relaxed and waited for presentations before helping to set out tables and chairs for the supper do that was on this evening. When that was done Simon and Donna Bar wood, other WA sailors offered to take us to the house they are renting for coffee and a play. They have a lovely house and its a different world from camping.

After dinner all of the children ran around outside for about an hour before I pulled mine in to get ready for bed.

A mixed day that showed up the problems but not the solutions. Hoping for lighter winds tomorrow.

Day 54 - Lough Derg first day of sailing

Today was the practice race followed by the parade and opening ceremony. I had hoped that we would be able to get out to Bunratty Castle which is about an hours drive away. But there was a 12 briefing that put pays to that.

As the race approached the rain came down more and more. In the end they delayed for about an hour to let a thunderstorm pass an the wind settle. It had swung around 180° twice. When we're were finally let out we were first on the water. We wanted to learn how to use the spinnaker with the pole launching system. Timothy seemed to manage well enough although we did drop the guy out of the spinnaker pole hook a few times.

The start line was west quite a long way from the club. The first start was abandoned at the last minute which was a shame because we were well positioned. The second start had as general recall which was good because we we way too far back. The third start used the black flag (if your over the line in the last minute its instant disqualification). We got a pretty good start towards the pin end and were in the top quarter of the fleet for a while. This swapped to the back quarter with a big wind shift and then back again when strong wind came in with a 180° wind shift. We rounded about 15th but the race was abandoned soon after and we ended up getting towed home.

After packing up and showering we got our new Australian uniforms and got ready for the parade. This was led by a pipe band followed by each country in order of distance away. Therefore the. Australian were in front. The parade around the village went much better than I expected with spectators dotted all around the route. This was followed by opening ceremony speeches and a supper.

Not a bad day but everything is wet or damp.

Day 53 - Lough Derg

I woke around 6:30 and got up a little after 7AM. I had a shower which was cold despite there being hot water at the sink. I'll have to figure the tap out.

When I came out the boys joined me and I decided to move it over to the Australian parking area. On the way I asked if Michael would like to go out for a sail. He did so I suggested we have breakfast out on the water. Timothy decided to come to so we got our cereal and got into sailing gear and set off. The wind was light and steady and the water very still. It was a very nice way to start the day.

When we returned it was time to get started on measurement and registration. Most of the measurement had already been done with the exception of the buoyancy test and the sails. It took a while to get hold of the sails we will be using and while they all measured okay, the main had ton have the IRL letters removed and should have AUS letters stuck on but these are still coming from a UK sailmaker.

I was hoping to sail this afternoon but we still have to figure out how to rig the spinnaker pole and Timothy wasn't keen. Its been drizzling pretty much all day and the wind is too light for us to learn much anyway. Thankfully its not cold.

We drove back to Nenagh, the town around 7km away mid afternoon. We shopped for thongs (flop flops) and a few groceries. We also found a book for Michael to read but couldn't find the next Harry Potter book for Timothy which brought out a few tears. I think he is very tired.

Tonight there is a dinner on at the club and the lady doing the catering seems very keen to feed us some nice fish some are looking forward to something nice.

Day 52 - Enniskerry to Lough Derg

We had decided to stay another day with Marjorie and Philip in Enniskerry. This gave us a bit more time to play with the car and go to the Wicklow waterfall which the boys loved.

Today we had another delicious breakfast and then the boys played with Rachel while I packed the car. We used the navigator to direct us and I'm sure it took a long way. Anyway, as it was cool and drizzling, we had no troubles with overheating. It was a pleasant enough drive on the motorway but we didn't see as much of the countryside as I would have liked.

We arrived at Lough Derg around 3PM. The cub is in a little village called Dromineer which has a small shop, a cafe and a pub. The club itself has quite a lot of land and a whole field for camping in. We asked around and found the boat we are chartering from the Irish Mirror Association. Its is the new shape in an attractive light blue shade. Luckily we had asked Kevin Hickey, the presidents husband and he has been very helpful finding sails and ropes.

We took a wander around and found the playground which is next to the cafe and very close to the club. The boys played in waves of drizzle while I enjoyed a cup of team and a scone in the cafe. Around 6:30PM we headed to the pub for dinner. The boys were tired but that didn't stop the silly nonsense at bed time. That was the last time we try them sleeping together.

Days 48 to 51 - Enniskerry

It took a while to get off the ferry in Rosslare. Once off the next step was passport control where a Garda officer asked us to wait out of the line because we didn't have EU passports. However, this turned out to be just until the chap with the correct stamp could mark them. Then it was to customs control. The lady there asked in disbelief if I'd brought the car all the way from Australia. I could see she was thinking that she should really ask the difficult questions and perhaps inspect the car but instead she smiled and said "Oh go on then".

We drove the Wexford and stopped for lunch and internet at MacDonald's. From there I tried a couple of shops for flasher units getting one at a tractor shop. Then it was a fairly easy drive to Wicklow where it took a long time to get a SIM card for my telephone so that I could call Philip and Marjorie Mold who we were planning on visiting. Marjorie is a relative of my mothers. We arranged for Philip to guide me up to their house from Enniskerry village.

There we were welcomed by Marjorie and one of her daughters and grandchildren. Over the afternoon the families of their three children came. I wont try to name them all as I'm bound to get it all wrong. My two boys joined in with the grandchildren and had a great time exploring the grounds and playing on bikes.

Then next day Philip and I got some radiator flush and tried unsuccessfully to get another flasher unit as the first had already burned out. I also bought a SIM card for the tablet computer in Bray. After lunch we gave the radiator a good clean out with a pressure cleaner and put the cleaning agent in.

On the Wednesday, the boys and I took a train into Dublin. We wanted to buy wetsuits and buoyancy vests for the sailing next week. It took a while to find the first pair of shops who's wetsuits were adequate but not comfortable. Then we had lunch and bought tickets for a tour later in the afternoon. We then got back on the train and headed to Sutton where there is a dinghy staining supplier. To get to the shop we were advised by a couple of old men that the best way would be to scale the cemetery wall and go up to the main road. They advised the boys to be quiet in the cemetery as they didn't want to wake those resting.

The chap at the shop, Shane, had already left the shop but another customer persuaded him to open up again to sell him something so we came in as well. Shane knew exactly what we wanted and soon had us trying on wetsuits that were just as warm but more flexible than those we had tried before. These were more expensive than those in Dublin but not by so much. I also got some rope for a jib sheet, a snap shackle and four ordinary shackles in case we needed them and Shane popped in some 2mm spectra and insulation tape before dropping us back k at the train station..

We were running late for the bus tour by the time the train returned to Dublin. We rushed back to the pick up point and made it with perhaps a minute to spare. The tour is called Viking splash tours and instead of busses they are conducted in world war two American amphibious vehicles. Everyone in the bus has to wear a Viking horned hat and the first thing the tour guide does is instruct us on how to do the Viking roar which we do, on his command, at unsuspecting pedestrians and cafe patrons throughout the city. The commentary is fun but the highlight of the trip is taking the vehicle into the water. This is done at a man made basin that lies between the Grand Canal and the River Liffey. It doesn't last long but its fun. From there we walked back to catch the train to Bray where Philip kindly brought us back.

We drained out the radiator cleaning agent and flushed it out with the pressure cleaner. We hoped to see lots of scale or sludge as this would explain the overheating. There was some but not that much. I then started fiddling with the indicators. I replaced all of the bulbs in case there were causing too much resistance but the problem persisted. On checking the wiring I found that the bullet connection used on the front right side had been replaced by modern crimp on connectors. These don't quite fit into the old sockets and so the connection had only been held together by the rubber surrounding the socket. I will replace this with a spade connection and see if it solves anything.

Day 47 - Cherbourg

After waking the boys up at 8AM we drove their last 100km to Cherbourg. Once there we found a cafe for breakfast. Initially Timothy wasn't hungry and so stayed in the car reading Harry Potter. He joined us later and then both boys played around in other harbour across the road. Meanwhile I tried to catch up with correspondence and plans for Ireland.

After breakfast we walked to the marina. I hoped to find a chandlery shop but they were all closed. We walked back to the car and lazed for a while before deciding to return to a patisserie we had passed in the morning to get lunch. We got lost on the way and so spent most of an hour walking around the old part of town. eventually see found it and bought lunch. We ate it at a nearby fountain and playground. It seemed to be the done thing as several other families did the same.

After more lazing at the car we set off to find a park to kick the football. We stopped to buy provisions at a supermarket on the way. When we found the park we watched some people play boules and then watched the bmx track before starting the football. This only left us 10 minutes to play before we needed to be at the ferry.

Checking into and getting onto the ferry was quick and easy. After the ferry trip from Finland to Sweden this ferry is a big let down. We could only get seasts as all the cabins were gone. The sitting lounge is above tyher engines and is noisy and constantly vibrating and rattling. We might as well have been in the Imp. Quite a lot of things on the ferry are out of order. Other than it is going the right way for us, I wouldn't recommend Celtic Link.

Day 45 and 46 - Paris to Cherbourg

After the long drive to Paris the boys slept until nearby 10AM. By then we had missed the free breakfast but that didn't matter. It took a while to get them ready meanwhile I arranged to meet Alain Barbou, an Imp Club Member who lives nearby, at the hotel.

We had brunch at a bakery and then met Alain for a great chat about Imps and advice about Paris. The Alain showed us where to get the bus and then Metro so as to get into the city.

Our first destination was the Eiffel Tower. On the way from the metro the boys were very taken by the big pond with fountains. This was just pleasant until the water cannons started up and then it was fascinating for them. The tower is big and there is little to guide the novice as to where to go and what to buy. I suppose I should have done my homework again. Anyway, we got tickets to climb to the second level which is a good workout but we all managed well enough despite being so tired. Then we bought tickets for the lift to the top and joined the enormous queue. It is one heck of a view and as an experience worth it. The boys certainly enjoyed it and this ticked off Timothy's number one item

Once back on the ground we had a rest and then back to the metro, via a carousel, and on to the Arc de Triumph. We never did figure out how to get under it. It is surrounded by wide busy raids so crossing at street level is out. It turned out we all wanted food and drink more than a close up view so we hinted down a cafe and enjoyed dinner. Then it was back to the hotel and quickly to sleep.

However, I didn't sleep well for worrying about what ferry to catch out of France and then how to get to the next very crossing to Ireland. So I got up and searched out the options to discuss with my advisors at breakfast. Come then the consensus was to forego the view of the White Cliffs of Dover and get the ferry from Cherbourg directly to Ross,are,Ireland.

Having planned this it was off by bus and metro to the Louvre. If the Eiffel tower is confusing then the Louvre is worse. But once we got in we headed for the paintings. I knew we had less than three hours before Michael would go no more. So we saw lots of religious paintings and then found the Mona Lisa. We all agreed it is okay but can,t see why its so famous. After that we had some lunch which revived us and set off to see some more but Michael chose to stay witted at a setee rather than seeing the Dutch and Flemish collections.

After the Louvre we headed to the Cathedral du Motre Same. I set of in the wrong direction at first and by the time we got to the cathedral we were all tired. Timothy wouldn't join the queue to go in so we just looked at it from outside. Its the only free entry thing we've found in France, including toilets and roads.

Then it was back to the hotel and into the car. It was still over 30° and we only got about 5km before overheating. It was actually further if you count my several navigationals.  We pulled off the motorway and went for a walk. Timothy needed the toilet so we walked to the train station and back. Then I set the boys to do their daily writing. Michael did everything but. Meanwhile, I tried to see if there was anything I could do to improve the cooling. Apart from cleaning the grille there wasn't anything to do so we set off again around 8PM.

With steady driving around 74km/hr it was possible to keep it cool and so we headed for Bayoux. But when we got there there were no rooms to be had anywhere. I was too tired to drive the extra 100km to Cherbourg so we ended up parking on a patch of grass in the middle of nowhere. In the morning nowhere turned out to be the edge of a village. I had to wake the boys up at 8AM as I wanted to drive to Cherbourg before it got hot.  We arrived around 10 and had breakfast and wrote this and a couple of emails. Now to explore and wait until the ferry at 7PM.

Day 44 - Woudenberg to Paris

I packed up and we had breakfast and left the campsite at 9AM. We drove around to Henk's house and enjoyed coffee and a chat about Imps. Henk advised me on where to buy the things we needed and which way to go. We left around 10:20.

My plan was to use the motorway and stop to cool down as necessary. However, after about 100km I could take no more. The computer was almost discharged despite being charged up by our neighbours at the campsite. We stopped in Breda to buy a charger. However, after a long lunch I decided to buy a cheap satnav as well.

I set this to take us to Roubaix avoiding the motorways however this means passing every town in Belgium and stopping at every traffic light. So we are running just as hot as on the motorway. We stopped to wait until the day cools down in Beveren.

After this we tried a little more on the small roads but then gave up on them and returned to the motorway. By then it was cooling down and allowed us to get to Roubaix, after a couple of navigational diversions. The railway station at Roubaix was completely abandoned with no signs of more trains that night. By now it was after 10PM but we thought we would take a short walk to look at the lay of the land. Almost everything was closed but we came to a pub come disco with just the barman and a DJ there. The boys used their toilets while I asked about trains. It seems I should have stopped in Lille as that is where the trains to Paris go from.

Rather than driving back to Lille and trying to find beds for the night, I decided to drive on to Paris.  This was only 250 km away but it took us until 3AM to arrive. We stopped at a motorway services for food and to book a room over the internet. The kitchen had closed and what was left was dreadfully expensive and otherwise dreadful. However, I booked a cheap hotel in Muedon outside Paris city to the South West. About 15km from the hotel there was an accident on the motorway that closed all 4 or 5 lanes down for about an hour and a half. We could do nothing but sit and wait and watch the natives.

Day 43 - Wiemsdorf to Woudenberg

We set off early but it wasn't long before we were in trouble. My tablet computer is not charging in the car properly. We have been avoiding the motorways as we can't keep cool if we drive at the speed required. However, the alternative routes are convoluted and when the computer died we had know idea where we were nor where to go. We stopped at a shopping centre to look for a road atlas but the ones we found only covered Germany and only had 100km left of that. On the way out of the centre we were given a free map of Germany by a man selling breakdown cover. It helped but was difficult to use. The alternative was three long stops to recharge the computer. It was the longest 265km drive I can remember.

We were aiming for a campsite near Woundenberg where Imp Club member Henk Hol lives. After the computer died again we followed a road on the map bit it turned into a one lane passing through quaint tourist things. We stopped at one of these, a berry farm and cafe, for over an hour to recharge batteries and boys. It turns out that the brother-in-law of the owner emigrated to Western Australia last year and now lives in Burekup about 15km from our house.

The proper road was only just past the berry farm but in the next town, Ommen, the replacement tyre blew. There was a big market and fair going on in this small town and we pulled into the carpark and pulled the wheel off. One of the parking attendants kindly drove us to the other side of town to get a new tyre fitted. I was doubtful that they would have one the right size but one they did. So we continued on and arrived at the campsite around 8PM.

Day 42 - Wanerup to near the Weser tunnel (Wiemsdorf)

After getting the tyre sorted out we had some breakfast and packed up the tent then set off. We drove about 20km to the next/t big town and stopped for more breakfast and to access the internet.
From there we navigated along the smaller highways to Gluckstadt where we caught the ferry across the Elbe to Wischafen. The line of cars and trucks waiting to catch the ferry took about an hour. The ferry itself held about 4 big trucks and maybe 15 cars. The crossing took about 25 minutes.

Navigating from here became increasingly difficult as the computer keeps running out of charge despite being plugged into the inverter. We got ourselves to the Emsjade Canal on a little road and stopped for money. The boys were itching to play football so we asked a couple of local ladies who pointed us to a spot over the dyke. Here was a beach, a restaurant and a place to camp. It is supposed to be for mobile homes but we decided to bend the rules just for the night. The boys played football with a little lad called Leon before we had dinner and got off to bed.

Day 41 - Legoland to Wanderup

Wehad another good day at Legoland trying out some of the rides that we didn't do yesterday. A couple of these were roller coasters that were a bit too scary for Michael. Timothy got to drive around in a little electric car for around 15 minutes. Michael is too young to do so.

We left Legoland later than I had hoped and drove south over the German border. We then turned off the motorway and headed for Husum near the Atlantic coast. However, I felt tired and the boys were arguing so I stopped at a hotel. They didn't have a room so we set off again only to realise that we had a flat tyre. I pulled over into a side road, parked and started to change for the spare. However, the spare wouldn't fit on. The centre hole is too small for the Imp's hubs. I got this tyre and rim from Bernard in Collie who presumably got it one of his Imp acquisitions. Strange that all the rims are not the same.

So I was scratching my head wondering what to do when a Dutch chap, Norbert, stopped to ask what was wrong. After a short chat he rode away but came back a few minutes later suggesting that we might be able to camp in the garden of the house opposite. Which indeed we did.

Thankfully, we had stopped outside a tractor service shop and this morning they swapped the good tyre fro the bad rim to the rim with the damage tyre. Now we are in Husum and will head South into Holland.