welder

I had a very pleasant surprise last night. Kim and Iain, the owners of Rushes Lake, have invited me and my son Alan to house/dog/cats/ lake sit for ten days mid November. The lake is closed to fishing from October to March each year so we'll have complete access to everything. This is almost entirely down to the fact that their dog, Mylo, and my son became firm friends during our recent week there. They are off to visit their son in Dubai for a week. Excited? Oh, yes. Flattered? More than a little. Better get the ferry sorted...……. Ian

Rob, at my son's suggestion we took two large fishing umbrellas with us. These offered shelter from the sun yet allowed what little breeze there was to reach us during the days. Turns out it was a good move! Ian

Stevo, we had the best time at Rushes Lake and for the first time in ages I actually caught more fish than my son! Ian

The elastic in the middle rib of my old but otherwise perfect JRC Sti 2-man bivvy has broken. It's no big deal, actually, as the bivvy still works perfectly but I'd rather like to replace the elastic/bungy. Is this something I can undertake myself? Any tips and pointers gratefully received. Ian

Sounds ideal, mate. Have a great time. Ian

Somehow Brexit will be blamed for the demise of the German team, trust me. Ian

Cracking fun, great fishing and a sun tan! Booked three adjacent swims for the same week next year. Me, my son and nephew/godson, daft Sam. Just the 51 weeks to wait, then...……………. Ian

I really can't believe what I'm seeing here. Just what did they think they were doing? Hand on heart, from this day forward I'll buy nothing bearing the Sensas logo. End of! Ian

I'd heard rumours that there was an underlying problem at the place, Phil. Didn't know any more than that and as I'd already told Mick that we couldn't make it I didn't delve further. Anyway, enjoy breaking your French cherry and please pass my best regards to all who know me. Meantime Alan and I are off to Rushes Lake this coming weekend. I'll let you know how we get on. Ian

Phil, may I ask why you guys had to pull out of the original venue? You probably know that Alan and I were on the list but I had to honour a promise to my elder granddaughter to take her to her wedding in my vintage Morris. I'd add that the replacement water looks even more inviting! Ian

!6th-23rd June. Rushes Lake, Vire en Champgne, Sarthe. 13 days and counting...……... Ian

My Thought of the Day? Why, after at least 10 years of ownership, have I finally decided to re-tension the elastics on my Nash Indulgence bedchair? The improvement is astonishing! Last weekend, sleeping in the awning of our caravan on the bedchair, I realised that it wasn't as supportive as I'd always taken for granted. Got home from work this afternoon and decided to do the deed. Half an hour later the Indulgence was just like it was when new. Off to Rushes Lake in France on the 16th of June for a week, Looking forward to it even more eagerly now. If only the rest of life was so easy! Ian

The boys are obviously good Karma, Phil. Added bonus is the bonding between Dad and lads, you can't buy it, it has to be earned. Enjoy! Ian

Where has summer gone is a good question. My wife, gorgeous granddaughter and I spent 4 nights at a campsite in the Clent Hills nearish to Birmingham, having towed our touring caravan there last Friday. Granddaughter always claims my berth in the van so I sleep on my Nash Indulgence in the awning, space shared with Daft Dexter, our elderly chocolate Labrador. All was well until around midnight when Thor decided to show off with a spectacular thunder and lighting display with added deluge. Wife and granddaughter slept through most of it...….meanwhile the awning was fully lit by the lightning so the only sleep attained was by Dexter who really doesn't give a monkey's about anything much..... Next day the sun shone, I got a bit of a tan, granddaughter made loads of friends and Birmingham, our home town, was under water.... Moral? Get a caravan and take the high ground. Ian

Spelling is fine....... Ian

Tell me about it! I spent a week at Napoleon Lakes in France last year and got smashed up by huge catfish all week as did my son who was in the next swim. Hooks snapped at the bend, entire hooklinks taken....you get the picture. Not impressed! Ian

I've got the extended wrap, too. As I only really use the bivvy on my own there is no shortage of space. As you say, everything can be put under cover. Ian

I remember that social very well. Nige was into his fourth or fifth fish before I'd go my bivvy up! Ian

Glad to be of help. I suspect that the manufacturers employ elves with tiny hands to pack their products.......... Ian

Timberlands in whichever style or colour you prefer. Just make sure they're Timberlands. Trust me. Ian

I still have the STi 2 man and having used it for the first time came to pack it away into the bag it came in. Not possible! I bought a much larger zipped bivvy bag, best money I've spent! Ian

I'd second this and agree with cyborx that policing the difference between lines is virtually impossible unless, of course, the bailiffs are equipped with digital Vernier calipers.......and are blessed with 20/20 vision. Ian

Greys. Ian

Can't argue with that. Family first. I was forced to take the day off today. The Shogun got me to work but steel supplier's trucks were snowed into their yard and couldn't deliver to me. Been reading a cracking book beside the fire, instead. Ian

You need a Mitsubishi Shogun, Nige. You know it makes sense......... Ian