Mike Duffy - 60 Not Out!
The cunning plan was that we would have a family gathering, with various distraction activities along the way to disguise the fact that we were going to celebrate (belatedly) Mike's BIG birthday.
After late arrivals at our house on Friday night, Mike, David and I set off on a crowded train to Southampton to sail 'Sea Glass' from Town Quay to Ashlett Creek via the Solent. We had a few glitches along the way - the outboard really played up and the rudder fell off!! Despite these things, we had a great day on the ocean, and managed to sail across to Cowes and back. We came back into Ashlett Creek and met the girls, who gave much encouragement as we winched the boat out onto the trailer. We then enjoyed tea outside the Jolly Sailor.
On Sunday morning, my job was to take Mike for a long bike ride whilst everyone else prepared for the surprise party. We had a great ride out to Berwick St John. After our stop for water and cereal bars, Mike noticed that his back tyre was flat. We therefore changed the tube, but managed to nick it when putting the tyre back on. A second attempt also ended in failure. Given that the clock was ticking rapidly, and the ladies were very unlikely to see the humorous side of Mike being everso late for his own party, I called for help. This wasn't straightforward. There was no ;phone signal where we were. I had to ride 5 miles to get communication. I managed to get a message through, then started riding back to Mike. It wasn;t until I was almost back that I realised that I had said we were at Berwick St James (rather than St John). I had mixed up my fishermen!! I cycled back to get a signal and correct the message. The rescue team duly arrived and we were transported back to the awaiting throngs. I great Flippance family party then ensued, and Mike's 60th was properly celebrated.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKEY!!!!!
After late arrivals at our house on Friday night, Mike, David and I set off on a crowded train to Southampton to sail 'Sea Glass' from Town Quay to Ashlett Creek via the Solent. We had a few glitches along the way - the outboard really played up and the rudder fell off!! Despite these things, we had a great day on the ocean, and managed to sail across to Cowes and back. We came back into Ashlett Creek and met the girls, who gave much encouragement as we winched the boat out onto the trailer. We then enjoyed tea outside the Jolly Sailor.
On Sunday morning, my job was to take Mike for a long bike ride whilst everyone else prepared for the surprise party. We had a great ride out to Berwick St John. After our stop for water and cereal bars, Mike noticed that his back tyre was flat. We therefore changed the tube, but managed to nick it when putting the tyre back on. A second attempt also ended in failure. Given that the clock was ticking rapidly, and the ladies were very unlikely to see the humorous side of Mike being everso late for his own party, I called for help. This wasn't straightforward. There was no ;phone signal where we were. I had to ride 5 miles to get communication. I managed to get a message through, then started riding back to Mike. It wasn;t until I was almost back that I realised that I had said we were at Berwick St James (rather than St John). I had mixed up my fishermen!! I cycled back to get a signal and correct the message. The rescue team duly arrived and we were transported back to the awaiting throngs. I great Flippance family party then ensued, and Mike's 60th was properly celebrated.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKEY!!!!!
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