marlow regatta

So, the Farmer and I arose from our bed at 5.30am and were on the road to Eton once again by 6.30am. The Baby boy was scheduled to race at 10.40am, and we didn't want to miss the fun. Couldn't help noticing that the weather was pretty grim, and growing grimmer as we drew towards our destination.

Things were somewhat different at Dorney Lake too. This was the last event permitted before the Olympic preparations completely take over the lake. All of the 'business bits' of the lake were already closed off. Therefore, we had to park absolutely miles from the boats (other side of lake). We sprinted round to the other side to meet the rowers (about 2km) carrying the Baby boy's wellingtons. He was desperate for them. The reason? The poor buggers were forced to get onto the water off the nettle and thistle strewn banks of the lake. I kid you not. It was raining, blowing a gale, and there were hundreds and hundreds of young people wading around in the lake struggling into and out of their craft. I saw some teams carrying their tiny coxswains into position on their boat on the water. Owing to the horrible weather the start line staff were unable to hold the boats on the line for an orderly start, therefore teams had to attempt to line up in a howling gale on open water and make the best of it. Good starts were difficult. Our boys did make an advantageous beginning, but were caught by a particularly strong gust of wind which pushed them sideways whilst in second position. After re-aligning the boat down the course they never made up their dropped places, and rowed like lost souls for the remainder of the course.

We rejoined the dejected sportsmen (sprinted back another 2km) in their weed infested sheep field (I am not kidding) to sympathise, and then made an early departure. Apparently, shortly afterwards, the course was cut down to 1500m, and then, a little later, racing was abandoned.

It was a horrible experience for the organisers, the observers and all the rowers. Let's blame the weather, and the Olympics. I cannot understand why the kids were not allowed to use the pontoons for getting in and out of their craft at least. It was quite, quite dreadful.

Upon our return home I am advised that the Big Boy has been involved in a vehicular tete-a-tete with a gatepost. Not his vehicle thank goodness, and all 4 people in the car are relatively uninjured. Have recommended they all scoot along to AandE for a checkover and that they have learned the courage to realise that if they don't like the way they are being driven in someone else's car its better to ask to get out than grin and bear it with unpredictable consequences.

On the plus side, we had one of those '£10 for two' MandS meals to round off this difficult and tiring day, and it was absolutely delicious. 10/10 MandS! Early night for us. And the rowers. And probably for team 'car prang' too. *sigh*.