Launch Day

NEWSFLASH'ed

5^th August 2003.

Today 'Wentbridge Bound' was successfully launched at Flatford Mill, Suffolk ("Constable" Country). After initial stability tests and engine shake down she carried her first passenger and full crew of one. Following departure all on board had a short but enjoyable evening cruise. Pictures of the grand event will shortly be available for your mirth and amusement.
A special thank you to Delawney who took all but three of the pictures on launch day.
Hey Delawney, think of a number. ;-) You rock kid, you're the best.

Launch Day - Flatford Mill, Suffolk, England.

	Transport was a reality that had to be dealt with. And as usual it cost time and money.
Again the paranoia shines through.
The Antici...
	...pation.
	Well it's not leaking, so far!
Yes I really am pushing the bottom with my feet. Like I said before, just in case.
	OK, note to self: Kneeling bad. Remain seated.
Sat down here it's much more stable.
	Once you relax everything becomes more forgiving and stable.
At this point I'm thinking " Uncle John, about the brakes..."
	I said "Relax". Delawney slowly starting to relax. I really was surprised at the difference it made having someone hold onto the top of the gunwales very tightly. Once my passenger had relaxed we had a lovely evening paddling along the River Stour.
Does life get any much better than this?
	Just at the point that we were about to turn round we found a small channel that ended in a pond with an island in the middle. I've walked down there on several occasions and never knew that any of this was there.
Gratuitous Landscape Picture.
	Here is a very rare sighting of the "Flatford Crocigator" ;-)
The wildlife was everywhere but fairly non-plussed by our presence.
	I'm starting to get an idea why John Constable loved painting this area so much.
Dedham Vale. The river is down there somewhere.
	The National Trust.

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