I can't believe I haven't updated this since mid June! Those who know us will understand that we have had a lot to cope with recently but we move on and here is the latest sitrep.
We have experienced some delays but that is the nature of the beast unfortunately. Happily, though, we now have a confirmed launch date of Monday August 16th! We have been down to Stillwater every weekend for the last 4 weeks and Lottie D has been transformed during this time.
I had lots of photos but lost a recent tussle with technology (damn you, iphone!). Luckily, I managed to hang on to a few and will show you how things have moved on. Obviously, Lottie D is now virtually complete as these pics show. The next post will be as she is loaded, transported,
then launched at Barton Turns.We have had our discussions with the signwriter and, as you can see, he is cracking on. We avoided a calamity when I noticed he was going to paint Lottle D instead of Lottie D! I mean, what sort of name is Lottle D?
Also, we have dumped loads of gear at the builders (thanks Kevin and Richard!) that can be loaded on board prior to the lift, so we can roll up Monday with the rest in only one car. It is just as well, actually, because Harry, Charlotte and Logan are all coming down for the launch so the car will be full anyway.We'll spend the night at Barton Turns then head off back to Scarisbrick on Tuesday. Kevin will be with us as far as Fradley Junction to make sure all is well and then we will be let loose on the waterways of England. It is sobering to think we signed for the build back in May 2009. It's been one long wait but I'm sure it will be worth it.
Ah well, that's all for now. The next post will allow me to add a slideshow of the whole day, techno gremlins notwithstanding. After that, I'll try to add details of the trip home, but not at the expanse of having a great holiday! If I don't get around to it you will just have to use your imagination.
Finally, praise yet again for all the men at Stillwater - simply the best!
