Well - what a great couple of days we had at Porthmadog! As newbies, we were made very welcome so thanks to all there for that. From the stand up comedy routines from Gazza at the Sunday evening BBQ through to the advice, guidance and assistance from all we really had a blast. The camp site was excellent, the weather superb and the scenery fantastic.
Nick was very brave and rode shotgun with me for my first go at hovering on water - I really am grateful for his good company and wise words. I had a little go on my own then but in sight of the "grown-ups" - great fun. Gazza and John were then good enough to let me tag along on a longer trip where I realised I had much to learn. It's all very different to flying on grass isn't it?!!
Later still, John (obviously a glutton for punishment) lead us (Val and I on our first trip on water together) down to Portmerion where we landed on a small beach and went for afternoon tea at the famous hotel - outstanding. On our way back, we met up with Steve coming the other way so stopped on a sand bank opposite the hotel for a chat - as you do
For the final leg, the tide was (very much) out which is where I discovered that there is much to learn about negotiating the sand banks too. A truly excellent day out.
Having put the world to rights in the evening we, very reluctantly, had to head home the next day - we would love to have stayed and done more. Lara is a terrific craft and we realise we have been lucky to have her as a start to our hovercrafting life.
So it's Berkeley next for me then (Val is on a course in London that weekend) for some training which I both need and look forward to. Thanks again to all at Porthmadog for making us feel so welcome and of course, to Kip for his organisation of the event - a pleasure to meet you all.