Happy days. Some of you may remember a couple of years ago John Vanburen and his lovely family made the effort to drop by when they were visiting Ireland and we got out together for a great paddle.

Well last weekend another forum member, Fernando Coelho, in Ireland on business, made a six hour detour to stay with us for the weekend and get out for a paddle, and what a great guy he is too.

This is now the second fellow kayak builder from this forum who I have gotten to meet up with in person.

Say what you like about the Internet, but places like this forum have opened up a world of companionship for isolated hobbyists like me. I have gotten to know so many folks (some of you even quite civilised) who I might never have known existed otherwise.

It is a great era to be alive in.

Anyone else coming this way, keep me in mind.

Et