Posts Tagged ‘fire engine’

Day 234: Its got to be New York NEW YORK!

Day 234: Its got to be New York NEW YORK!

High Point – 1,224 feet at the top of the Empire State Building (the seems to be a theme occurring in terms of stage 8 high points, mountains, sky diving and now tall buildings).

Low Point – The hint of trouble ahead to do with Martha’s height causing problems with getting her safely to port and some potential customs issues due to our tight time schedule.

No Point – Very little brekkie, no time for lunch yet again, being SO hungry by late afternoon but unable to force myself to eat yet more rubbish, which was our only option when we stopped for fuel on the way to the port. Read more →

Day 230 : The future’s bright, the sky’s Orange

Day 230 : The future’s bright, the sky’s Orange

Luray to Fredricksburg (via Skydive Orange)

High Point: 13,500 feet

Low Point: Frost bite at zero feet

No Point: Trying to enforce ‘No swear Friday’ – potty mouthed boys!

Quote of the Day: Waitress to Steve – “You look like what I’d imagine a man from London to look like” (while he was wearing the three-piece red FTFE suit)

Read more →

Day 228 : A Great Day in the Great Smoky Mountains!

Day 228 : A Great Day in the Great Smoky Mountains!

Bryson City (NC) to Boone (NC)

High Point : The great views along the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Smoky Mountains National Park… amazing stuff!

Low Point : 4 crew in the back and sitting next to Steve for 2 hours makes for not much space!

Read more →

Day 225 : Right place, right time

Day 225 : Right place, right time

Katy (TX) to New Orleans (LA)

High Point: Mardis Gras magic

Low Point: Trailer trash, cold showers and Steve’s ponytail

No Point: Taxi ‘co-drivers’ meaning not enough seats for the crew, and Amy frequently having to sit on the floor!

When planning our Stage 8 route, New Orleans was one of the places we were determined to visit. But what we didn’t know, 18 months ago, as Val drew a hopeful line on a map, that our arrival into the city would coincide with one of the biggest events in the New Orleans social calendar – Mardis Gras – win!

New crew member Steve Shoppman immediately proved his worth by knowing some lovely locals who invited us round their beautiful house, which was positioned conveniently close to the Mardis Gras parade route – double win! Thanks to Ashley and Will for their hospitality, local knowledge and King Cake to kick start the day.

Read more →

Day 223 : The Mystery of the $180 Pickles

Day 223 : The Mystery of the $180 Pickles

Bandera (TX) to Katy (TX)

High Points :

1) Early morning horse riding at the Running R Ranch with Dianna and David… Steve and I are now level 4 riders!

2) The night we spent at the Elk Lodge in Katy, a bit of true Americana!

Low Point : I love Beavers ….. and I love Nuggets… However I do not love Beaver Nuggets!

No Point : American Bingo doesn’t even use the catchphrases that make Bingo so amazing in every village hall at home…. 2 Fat ladies anyone!??

Health Point : The girls have introduced fruit and vegetables to my diet…. O.M.G

Read more →