Wednesday, 3 October 2007
Monarch Assurance - 1st round
Finally Monday arrived and I was able to start playing. Our days started to fall into a routine. John prepared a cooked breakfast whilst I wandered up to the Ocean Castle to check my pairing. After breakfast we would do an hour or so chess study, including checking for previous games against my next opponent on Chessbase and putting in the previous day's game. My first opponent was graded 43 ECF points higher than me, so although I wasn't expecting too much, I was confident after my Paignton result (5/7). For most of the game I felt equal, but then made a poor move in a pawns and minor pieces ending and lost the game. My opponent felt that the game should have been drawn and kindly pointed out my weak move - instead of forcing his pawns onto the same coloured square as my bishop, I had moved one of mine onto that colour and he had forced it to remain there. I'd like to say that I learnt from this and won't be repeating this, but unfortunately I made the same mistake again later in the tournament!
Tuesday, 2 October 2007
Monarch Assurance - Isle of Man
Friday 21 September saw our alarm going off at 3.30am. By 4.15am we were on the road and heading up to Liverpool to get the ferry to the Isle of Man. Check-in closed at 10.15, hence the early start and we made it with time to spare. It was great to be heading back to the island that we first visited when the British Championships were held there in 2005.
Our first stop is always McDonalds just outside Douglas. Not because we love McDonalds, but because on our first trip over we didn't take any food with us and the food on the ferry was expensive so by the time we got to the island we were more than a little hungry. It was then on to Port Erin - a lovely little seaside resort in the south of the island. We had always camped near Kirk Michel in the past, but the combination of cold winds and a 45 minute drive at the end of each day persuaded us to rent a flat close to the venue this year.
Saturday saw us up at the Ocean Castle, setting up the bookstall and generally preparing for the opening ceremony at 1pm. I was playing in the minor tournament which didn't start until Monday, so the weekend was spent helping John. It was great to sit reading the Sunday papers by our window overlooking the bay and knowing that we didn't have to start work until the afternoon.
Our first stop is always McDonalds just outside Douglas. Not because we love McDonalds, but because on our first trip over we didn't take any food with us and the food on the ferry was expensive so by the time we got to the island we were more than a little hungry. It was then on to Port Erin - a lovely little seaside resort in the south of the island. We had always camped near Kirk Michel in the past, but the combination of cold winds and a 45 minute drive at the end of each day persuaded us to rent a flat close to the venue this year.
Saturday saw us up at the Ocean Castle, setting up the bookstall and generally preparing for the opening ceremony at 1pm. I was playing in the minor tournament which didn't start until Monday, so the weekend was spent helping John. It was great to sit reading the Sunday papers by our window overlooking the bay and knowing that we didn't have to start work until the afternoon.
Friday, 31 August 2007
Bristol and Hereford
Ten days away from home this time and the first time that we have done congresses back to back without returning to base. We started with the Bristol Congress, a four day affair with a rapidplay on the Saturday followed by a three day long play. John and I both played in the rapidplay, but I have to say that I made blunder after blunder and only finished on 1 out of 6. I found moving down to 25 minutes after playing 4 hour games a real problem and in future will probably play some 30 minute games against John in preparation. John scored .
Neither of us played in the long play event as the round times were afternoon and evening. We just couldn’t fit a main meal together around running the bookstall and when we would be playing. Instead, we went off for a meal at the start of the evening round and a friend kept an eye on the books whilst we were gone. We varied our destinations – if we aren’t careful we live off Wetherspoon’s 2 meal deal. Fortunately there was also the Hog’s Head doing a two meal deal, and a pizza ‘eat as much as you can’ for £3.99.
Our campsite in Bristol is a wonderfully old fashioned farm site. It’s on the edge of Western-super-mare and is definitely better when the sun is shining! The shower block is good, with four large showers in each of the gents and ladies. The field is flat and there is electric hook-up. Other than that there are fresh free-range eggs for sale. No TV, no bar, no clubroom, no children’s play area. Just a quiet site. It’s also very reasonably priced, so it worked out cheaper to stay on for a couple of extra nights than to drive back home and then almost straight back out to Hereford.
So, what did we do with our two days off? We went to an auction viewing on the Wednesday and to the auction on the Thursday. Unfortunately the lots that we were interested in went above our limit so we came away empty handed. The day wasn’t wasted though as we then headed off to Clivedon Court – a National Trust property. It is an interesting medieval house that is still part lived in today.
On the Friday we packed up the tent in the morning, headed off to Ross on Wye, and put the tent back up again. In contrast to the last site, this one was a much bigger commercial site with children’s play area. However, still no clubroom, TV or bar and to be fair was almost silent from 10.30pm onwards. When we have to be up early in the mornings to play chess you don’t want noise late into the night.
This time John played whilst I looked after the books. Hereford is an under 115 minor section and as John’s grade is now 101, he is playing any minor that isn’t an under 100. He did very well on the Saturday, winning both of his games. He was then down floated on Sunday morning and drew his game. In the afternoon he was down floated again, and again drew. (Shortly before his draw by repetition his opponent had a winning position, but one poor move and a draw could be forced). Fortunately there had been some other draws on the top boards and the tournament leader was only half a point ahead of John.
On Monday John faced a player that he had always lost to before, and this time was no exception. With opposite side castling it was always going to be a knife-edge game and I gather that in places it was quite exciting, until John decided to blunder his queen, he resigned soon afterwards. In the afternoon John needed a win to put him into the prize money. He got a winning position, which he then managed to turn into a losing position, before finally scraping a draw.
Neither of us played in the long play event as the round times were afternoon and evening. We just couldn’t fit a main meal together around running the bookstall and when we would be playing. Instead, we went off for a meal at the start of the evening round and a friend kept an eye on the books whilst we were gone. We varied our destinations – if we aren’t careful we live off Wetherspoon’s 2 meal deal. Fortunately there was also the Hog’s Head doing a two meal deal, and a pizza ‘eat as much as you can’ for £3.99.
Our campsite in Bristol is a wonderfully old fashioned farm site. It’s on the edge of Western-super-mare and is definitely better when the sun is shining! The shower block is good, with four large showers in each of the gents and ladies. The field is flat and there is electric hook-up. Other than that there are fresh free-range eggs for sale. No TV, no bar, no clubroom, no children’s play area. Just a quiet site. It’s also very reasonably priced, so it worked out cheaper to stay on for a couple of extra nights than to drive back home and then almost straight back out to Hereford.
So, what did we do with our two days off? We went to an auction viewing on the Wednesday and to the auction on the Thursday. Unfortunately the lots that we were interested in went above our limit so we came away empty handed. The day wasn’t wasted though as we then headed off to Clivedon Court – a National Trust property. It is an interesting medieval house that is still part lived in today.
On the Friday we packed up the tent in the morning, headed off to Ross on Wye, and put the tent back up again. In contrast to the last site, this one was a much bigger commercial site with children’s play area. However, still no clubroom, TV or bar and to be fair was almost silent from 10.30pm onwards. When we have to be up early in the mornings to play chess you don’t want noise late into the night.
This time John played whilst I looked after the books. Hereford is an under 115 minor section and as John’s grade is now 101, he is playing any minor that isn’t an under 100. He did very well on the Saturday, winning both of his games. He was then down floated on Sunday morning and drew his game. In the afternoon he was down floated again, and again drew. (Shortly before his draw by repetition his opponent had a winning position, but one poor move and a draw could be forced). Fortunately there had been some other draws on the top boards and the tournament leader was only half a point ahead of John.
On Monday John faced a player that he had always lost to before, and this time was no exception. With opposite side castling it was always going to be a knife-edge game and I gather that in places it was quite exciting, until John decided to blunder his queen, he resigned soon afterwards. In the afternoon John needed a win to put him into the prize money. He got a winning position, which he then managed to turn into a losing position, before finally scraping a draw.
Monday, 13 August 2007
Kite Flying
On Saturday as neither of us had won anything at the British we decided to make the most of the day and spend time in the local area. Our first stop was Herringwood Hills and a walk around the nature reserve there. Then it was on to another reserve, Carlton marshes, just past Outen Broad. We cycled down to the River Waveney, almost opposite the river centre that we had hired canoes from last Saturday. Before we left we unearthed our £1 kite and had some fun trying to keep it airborne! As I hadn't flown a kite since I was a child and John has never flown a kite you could say that we are novices. Afterwards it was on to Beccles to pick up our cooker. I should explain that this one was half price and with our lifestyle we have to pick up bargains of things that we need when we see them. We'd done an internet search for the particular model and the cheapest there was £70 dearer. So, it seems like a good deal to us.
Sunday, another sunny day saw us taking the tent down and then meandering our way home. First stop was Southwold and a more successful kite flying experience. We had some hints from a teenage boy flying a stunt kite nearby - a great help. Then down to Aldeburgh and a wander around the town. Finally home.
Sunday, another sunny day saw us taking the tent down and then meandering our way home. First stop was Southwold and a more successful kite flying experience. We had some hints from a teenage boy flying a stunt kite nearby - a great help. Then down to Aldeburgh and a wander around the town. Finally home.
Friday, 10 August 2007
British Chess Championships U-100 Section
After my loss on Monday, and swindled draw on Tuesday, I then drew again on Wednesday. It was a pawn and opposite coloured bishop ending. Thursday saw my first win of the week, with a very enjoyable game. My opponent came out of the opening with a serious attack and put me on the defensive. However, I was able to counteract this by swapping off his most aggressive pieces and, in order to avoid a mate in one by me, had to sack a knight for a pawn. At the end of it all we had one of those strange material imbalances where I was a knight for two pawns up. My kingside was blown apart, but, by forcing the queens off I was able to pick up a second pawn and win the ending. Today was not so good - I lost. So I did better in the under-125 tournament than the under-100!
During the week we have been using the afternoons to see the local area. We've done quite a few walks around nature reserves and have been rewarded with ancient monuments that we didn't know existed. On Monday whilst walking along the river at Burgh Castle we came across an enourmous Roman fort. Then on Tuesday we found a 13th century priory with a well preserved undercroft.
On Wednesday, our wedding anniversary, we wandered around Beccles and found just the cooker that we needed, our old cooker being 16 years old and not doing too well. Two days of measuring up the kitchen etc (it's 5cm wider than the present cooker) and we finally bought it today. Both of us are really pleased. Yesterday we had a wonderful meal out in the evening - our anniversary celebration a day late. So, overall, although the chess hasn't always gone our way, we have at least spent a really pleasant time up here.
During the week we have been using the afternoons to see the local area. We've done quite a few walks around nature reserves and have been rewarded with ancient monuments that we didn't know existed. On Monday whilst walking along the river at Burgh Castle we came across an enourmous Roman fort. Then on Tuesday we found a 13th century priory with a well preserved undercroft.
On Wednesday, our wedding anniversary, we wandered around Beccles and found just the cooker that we needed, our old cooker being 16 years old and not doing too well. Two days of measuring up the kitchen etc (it's 5cm wider than the present cooker) and we finally bought it today. Both of us are really pleased. Yesterday we had a wonderful meal out in the evening - our anniversary celebration a day late. So, overall, although the chess hasn't always gone our way, we have at least spent a really pleasant time up here.
Tuesday, 7 August 2007
A Weekend Without Chess
Although there was a weekend tournament that we could have entered, John and I took Saturday and Sunday off. On Saturday we hired a canoe and paddled our way along the River Waveney, 12 miles in all. Unfortunately mis-timing meant that we were paddling against the tide both on the way there and on the way back. To say that we ached at the end was putting it mildly. We also managed to get sunburnt.
On Sunday we drove up to Cromer. We arrived just in time to see a display by the lifeboat and had a good wander around the town, buying some Cromer crab for lunch on the way. Then we headed out to Sheringham Woods to eat our picnic. From there we drove over to Thursford where there is a museum of fairground organs, steam engines and 2 fairground rides (both of which we went on). At 3pm we were treated to a recital on the Wurlitzer organ - it was excellent.
Monday morning saw us playing in the U-100 section of the British Championships. I played a grade 20 and lost (I won't say what this has done to my grade, but it's not good). Last week he beat a 104 and a 110, so I shouldn't be too worried.
Today I had a very interesting game against a lady I had swindled a win from at Hastings. Today I didn't manage that, but, with seconds on her clock to the final time control she queened a pawn against my lone king. An exciting chase up the board followed. Finally, she went to pick up her king, but hesitated as she realised that to move it to the obvious square was stalemate. Too late, her flag fell and the game was drawn. A real get out of jail free.
On Sunday we drove up to Cromer. We arrived just in time to see a display by the lifeboat and had a good wander around the town, buying some Cromer crab for lunch on the way. Then we headed out to Sheringham Woods to eat our picnic. From there we drove over to Thursford where there is a museum of fairground organs, steam engines and 2 fairground rides (both of which we went on). At 3pm we were treated to a recital on the Wurlitzer organ - it was excellent.
Monday morning saw us playing in the U-100 section of the British Championships. I played a grade 20 and lost (I won't say what this has done to my grade, but it's not good). Last week he beat a 104 and a 110, so I shouldn't be too worried.
Today I had a very interesting game against a lady I had swindled a win from at Hastings. Today I didn't manage that, but, with seconds on her clock to the final time control she queened a pawn against my lone king. An exciting chase up the board followed. Finally, she went to pick up her king, but hesitated as she realised that to move it to the obvious square was stalemate. Too late, her flag fell and the game was drawn. A real get out of jail free.
Friday, 3 August 2007
Walking the Broads
Yesterday’s chess went well for both John and me. John drew, and, after spending the first two thirds of the game a knight for a pawn down, I won. It was also the most enjoyable game that I have had so far.
In the afternoon we went down to Chedgrave and walked along the River Chet. The water was much higher than usual and halfway along Hardley Flood it was flooded and we could go no further. However a treat was in store as shortly after we saw a family of water voles on the river bank. A little later we saw two herons flying past. It was good to get out into the countryside and get some exercise.
Today did not go so well for me. Having looked at the game since I made so many horrendous mistakes that it is a wonder I didn’t lose sooner than I did. I know that I wasn’t thinking for as long as in previous games and it showed. Lesson to be learnt – think hard and move slowly. Mind you, I am tired at the end of the week. Probably the reason why I do well at the start of tournaments and then peter out. John, however, drew and finished on 3 out of 5.
As both our games finished relatively quickly we had longer for sightseeing this afternoon. We went first to Surlingham Church Marsh, a small reserve beside the River Yare. There was a lovely circular walk around the reserve, with a hide overlooking the broad. Unfortunately the only birds that we saw were ducks and a moorhen. Then we drove on to Brundall Church Fen, an even smaller reserve. We again had a circular walk around the reserve.
Now we have the weekend free.
In the afternoon we went down to Chedgrave and walked along the River Chet. The water was much higher than usual and halfway along Hardley Flood it was flooded and we could go no further. However a treat was in store as shortly after we saw a family of water voles on the river bank. A little later we saw two herons flying past. It was good to get out into the countryside and get some exercise.
Today did not go so well for me. Having looked at the game since I made so many horrendous mistakes that it is a wonder I didn’t lose sooner than I did. I know that I wasn’t thinking for as long as in previous games and it showed. Lesson to be learnt – think hard and move slowly. Mind you, I am tired at the end of the week. Probably the reason why I do well at the start of tournaments and then peter out. John, however, drew and finished on 3 out of 5.
As both our games finished relatively quickly we had longer for sightseeing this afternoon. We went first to Surlingham Church Marsh, a small reserve beside the River Yare. There was a lovely circular walk around the reserve, with a hide overlooking the broad. Unfortunately the only birds that we saw were ducks and a moorhen. Then we drove on to Brundall Church Fen, an even smaller reserve. We again had a circular walk around the reserve.
Now we have the weekend free.
Wednesday, 1 August 2007
Success and Failure
Yesterday was successful for both John and I. I drew my game whilst John won. So rejoicing all round. Today was not so good - I lost, but John won. I am finding that this week I am playing more slowly and thinking deeper, so I am having very long games, but by the end I am exhausted. I don't know how some of our friends are managing, playing morning and afternoon.
Monday, 30 July 2007
British Chess Championships
Today is the first day of the British Chess Championships. This week John and I will play in the under 125 section, and next week the under 100. We took 4 chess dvds with us to South Africa, and watched none of them! However, we did play some internet chess when we could and a couple of games on the last day. Not enough I fear.
Both of us played higher graded opponents this morning. John lost and I drew! Same start as last year. Otherwise the results seemed to go mainly with grade. I had a long but interesting game, with my opponent getting short of time coming up to both time controls. I didn't expect to win, but was more than happy with a draw.
Both of us played higher graded opponents this morning. John lost and I drew! Same start as last year. Otherwise the results seemed to go mainly with grade. I had a long but interesting game, with my opponent getting short of time coming up to both time controls. I didn't expect to win, but was more than happy with a draw.
Sunday, 29 July 2007
Kruger Park Safari
Our final four days in South Africa were spent at two private game lodges on the edge of the Kruger. The first, at Chitwa Chitwa involved a three hour drive from Hazy View, half of which was on unmade roads. We arrived shortly before lunch to wonderful rooms overlooking the waterhole.
Our first game drive left after tea and cake at 3.30pm. One of our first spots was a leopard, who we were able to follow for a while. I was really pleased about this as last time I was in the Kruger I had seen neither leopard nor cheetah. This was followed by a herd of elephants, complete with a baby. The little one was very cute, and still testing out how to use his trunk (fairly unsuccessfully). We also found a sleeping lion.
Dinner was in a boma. An outside area enclosed by a circle of mature trees. In the centre was a huge fire and we sat in a semi-circle of tables around the fire. The food was good and the setting perfect.
All too early (6.00am) we were woken for our morning game drive. Dressing quickly we headed off to the lapa for tea and rusks before getting onto the vehicles for our second drive. This morning we were tracking a white rhino. Our tracker ranger sat on a seat on the bonnnet of the vehicle whilst our range drove. After some time we finally came across the rhino, close to the road. It was an ideal photo opportunity, although sitting at the back of the land rover, with our seats hanging over the back, we did feel very vulnerable. (Rhino horns look very large when close up!). Later we again saw sleeping lions, elephant, impala and some Cape buffalo.
Then it was back to the lodge for breakfast. The central part of the day is left free for resting, game viewing from the decks etc. However, John and I opted to go for a game walk. We were taken out by one of the tracker ranger who told us about the various plants, how to recognise footprints and about the dung that we found. It was a fairly long walk and by the time we got back we were extremely hot and the swimming pool seemed like a good idea. It's unheated, but, once in, it was wonderful. It did amaze the bar manager - apparently it's not really used in winter!
The afternoon game drive found yet more sleeping lions and another leopard, wandering along the road. Also, zebra, kudu and yet more impala. (Impala are on every predators menu). The following morning's drive didn't throw up anything new. However, we did have our coffee overlooking a hippo pool.
After breakfast we headed off to our final destination - Shambalala (where the lion sleeps). We left our car at the Thornybush Game Lodge (Shambalala is on the Thornybank reserve) and were taken to on to our destination by Sebastian (our ranger) and Raymond (our tracker ranger). On the way we found out that we would be the only guests and Sebastian asked us which animals we wanted to see. Mum had yet to see giraffes close up and none of us had seen cheetah. We had also mentioned that we had seen more than enough sleeping lions. On arrival at the lodge we were upgraded to the presidential suite and given time to sort ourselves out before high tea at 3.00pm. Then it was out on the game drive with the aim of seeing cheetahs. Sebastian did not disappoint us and we were rewarded with 3 males lying in the grass. Then we saw three lionesses, and they were sitting up. Our first non-sleeping lions. They didn't disappoint us because they then moved off to hunt. However, as one was stalking she was spotted by impala and wildebeest, who then sounded a warning to others.
Our wake-up call came at 5.30am and by 6.00am we were off on another game drive. Suddenly Raymond pointed and we set off through the bush, dodging trees and shrubs as we went. We didn't know what he had seen, but eventually we found a group of white rhino, who we followed for a while. Sebastian then headed off to one of the dams where we found a whole herd of Cape buffalo. Many were in the water, but there seemed to be as many still on the land. As we drove towards them we were soon surrounded, an amazing experience.
The evening game drive saw us heading far to the south of the reserve as a herd of elephant had been spotted. They had split up, but we did see a few of them. On our way back we came across a group of lions sitting up in the grass by a road junction. Suddenly, there was a padding at the side of us and a male lion walked just past our vehicle. In all there were six lions - all awake and watching us.
Our final game drive started off routine, but turned into the best. Sebastian headed off to check where the cheetahs were as there was a possibility that they had gone under the fence to another reserve. The footprints were confusing, but Raymond thought that they had moved back into the thicker bush of our reserve. We headed off in that direction and, after some time, heard the mewing of one male cheetah. We set off in pursuit of it, stopping every so often and switching the engine off to listen again. It had gone deep into the bush and the only way to see it was to follow it. I now have a lot more respect for Land Rover Defenders - they really can go anywhere. After 30 minutes or so we finally found the cheetah, sitting on a hillock mewing for his friends. It is likely that the three were attacked by lions the night before and had been split up, now this one was trying to find his companions. We were treated to the thrill of the chase followed by the perfect photo opportunity.
All too soon it was time to leave, our time in South Africa over. We were sad to leave, John and I both love the country. John has good reason to - his parents met and married there and his brother was born there. We both want to return, but when...........
Our first game drive left after tea and cake at 3.30pm. One of our first spots was a leopard, who we were able to follow for a while. I was really pleased about this as last time I was in the Kruger I had seen neither leopard nor cheetah. This was followed by a herd of elephants, complete with a baby. The little one was very cute, and still testing out how to use his trunk (fairly unsuccessfully). We also found a sleeping lion.
Dinner was in a boma. An outside area enclosed by a circle of mature trees. In the centre was a huge fire and we sat in a semi-circle of tables around the fire. The food was good and the setting perfect.
All too early (6.00am) we were woken for our morning game drive. Dressing quickly we headed off to the lapa for tea and rusks before getting onto the vehicles for our second drive. This morning we were tracking a white rhino. Our tracker ranger sat on a seat on the bonnnet of the vehicle whilst our range drove. After some time we finally came across the rhino, close to the road. It was an ideal photo opportunity, although sitting at the back of the land rover, with our seats hanging over the back, we did feel very vulnerable. (Rhino horns look very large when close up!). Later we again saw sleeping lions, elephant, impala and some Cape buffalo.
Then it was back to the lodge for breakfast. The central part of the day is left free for resting, game viewing from the decks etc. However, John and I opted to go for a game walk. We were taken out by one of the tracker ranger who told us about the various plants, how to recognise footprints and about the dung that we found. It was a fairly long walk and by the time we got back we were extremely hot and the swimming pool seemed like a good idea. It's unheated, but, once in, it was wonderful. It did amaze the bar manager - apparently it's not really used in winter!
The afternoon game drive found yet more sleeping lions and another leopard, wandering along the road. Also, zebra, kudu and yet more impala. (Impala are on every predators menu). The following morning's drive didn't throw up anything new. However, we did have our coffee overlooking a hippo pool.
After breakfast we headed off to our final destination - Shambalala (where the lion sleeps). We left our car at the Thornybush Game Lodge (Shambalala is on the Thornybank reserve) and were taken to on to our destination by Sebastian (our ranger) and Raymond (our tracker ranger). On the way we found out that we would be the only guests and Sebastian asked us which animals we wanted to see. Mum had yet to see giraffes close up and none of us had seen cheetah. We had also mentioned that we had seen more than enough sleeping lions. On arrival at the lodge we were upgraded to the presidential suite and given time to sort ourselves out before high tea at 3.00pm. Then it was out on the game drive with the aim of seeing cheetahs. Sebastian did not disappoint us and we were rewarded with 3 males lying in the grass. Then we saw three lionesses, and they were sitting up. Our first non-sleeping lions. They didn't disappoint us because they then moved off to hunt. However, as one was stalking she was spotted by impala and wildebeest, who then sounded a warning to others.
Our wake-up call came at 5.30am and by 6.00am we were off on another game drive. Suddenly Raymond pointed and we set off through the bush, dodging trees and shrubs as we went. We didn't know what he had seen, but eventually we found a group of white rhino, who we followed for a while. Sebastian then headed off to one of the dams where we found a whole herd of Cape buffalo. Many were in the water, but there seemed to be as many still on the land. As we drove towards them we were soon surrounded, an amazing experience.
The evening game drive saw us heading far to the south of the reserve as a herd of elephant had been spotted. They had split up, but we did see a few of them. On our way back we came across a group of lions sitting up in the grass by a road junction. Suddenly, there was a padding at the side of us and a male lion walked just past our vehicle. In all there were six lions - all awake and watching us.
Our final game drive started off routine, but turned into the best. Sebastian headed off to check where the cheetahs were as there was a possibility that they had gone under the fence to another reserve. The footprints were confusing, but Raymond thought that they had moved back into the thicker bush of our reserve. We headed off in that direction and, after some time, heard the mewing of one male cheetah. We set off in pursuit of it, stopping every so often and switching the engine off to listen again. It had gone deep into the bush and the only way to see it was to follow it. I now have a lot more respect for Land Rover Defenders - they really can go anywhere. After 30 minutes or so we finally found the cheetah, sitting on a hillock mewing for his friends. It is likely that the three were attacked by lions the night before and had been split up, now this one was trying to find his companions. We were treated to the thrill of the chase followed by the perfect photo opportunity.
All too soon it was time to leave, our time in South Africa over. We were sad to leave, John and I both love the country. John has good reason to - his parents met and married there and his brother was born there. We both want to return, but when...........
Saturday, 28 July 2007
Flight Problems
After an early start from Wilderness we flew from George to Johannesburg and then on to Nelspruit. Everything appeared to go well at George. We checked ourselves and our bags through to Nelspruit and enjoyed the views en route to Johannesburg. As we headed off to domestic departures at Johannesburg we happened to pass the baggage reclaim, and there, circling the belt on its own, was my case. We then had the problem of what to do with it! We took it across to the SAA desk for baggage problems, who told us to check it in upstairs at the main desk. At that point a porter arrived with a wheelchair (from where and why we don't know, other than my mother had her stick with her). He then took over, taking us up to check-in, jumping the queue to get my bag on the flight, and then delivering us to the gate. He more than earned his tip.
At the boarding gate, despite our seats having been booked months ago, and issued to us in George hours before, my seat was changed. I asked if John could sit with me, but was told to "see the cabin crew" aggresively. Fortunately, the one and only cabin crew was lovely and let John set with me at the front of the plane and then she looked after us for the remainder of the journey. Amazingly, all 4 suitcases arrived in Nelspruit on the same plane as us.
From Nelspruit we travelled to Hazy View for 2 nights before our safari. This gave us the opportunity to visit Blyde River Canyon. We were treated to amazing views at The Pinnacle, God's Window, the Potholes and finally the Three Rondavals. Whilst having lunch at the potholes, we were clearing our rubbish away, that included 3 apple cores. They were the last things left on the table when, quick as a flash, a vervet monkey dashed onto the table and put one in his mouth and grabbed one in each hand. He then shot up the nearest tree and sat eating them. (We're still trying to work out what he would have done if there'd been 4 apple cores).
At the boarding gate, despite our seats having been booked months ago, and issued to us in George hours before, my seat was changed. I asked if John could sit with me, but was told to "see the cabin crew" aggresively. Fortunately, the one and only cabin crew was lovely and let John set with me at the front of the plane and then she looked after us for the remainder of the journey. Amazingly, all 4 suitcases arrived in Nelspruit on the same plane as us.
From Nelspruit we travelled to Hazy View for 2 nights before our safari. This gave us the opportunity to visit Blyde River Canyon. We were treated to amazing views at The Pinnacle, God's Window, the Potholes and finally the Three Rondavals. Whilst having lunch at the potholes, we were clearing our rubbish away, that included 3 apple cores. They were the last things left on the table when, quick as a flash, a vervet monkey dashed onto the table and put one in his mouth and grabbed one in each hand. He then shot up the nearest tree and sat eating them. (We're still trying to work out what he would have done if there'd been 4 apple cores).
Friday, 27 July 2007
Knysna and Wilderness - The Garden Route
From Franschoek we travelled to Knysna on the Garden Route. Although it was winter there were plenty of aloes in flower. It was a long drive, stopping in Swellendam for lunch. We arrived in Knysna in the middle of their oyster festival.
Our first full day was spent touring around the lagoon and heads. We were rewarded with a school of southern right whales swimming past when we were on the eastern head. (John and I had been whale watching at Walker Bay on our previous trip so we knew to look for the characteristic V-shaped plume of spray around large grey objects in the water).
Our second day we retraced our route from 2003 into the Grounveld Forest and the gold mines. We had a walk at Jubilee Creek and then it was on to Mother Holly's for lunch. It was good to walk in the forest and relax a bit from the more hectic side of sightseeing.
Our main reason for going to Knysna had been that Dad wanted to go on the Outeniqua Choo Choo, the only scheduled steam train in the country. Unfortunately there had been a landslide near Wilderness last year so, instead of running from Knysna to George, the train now ran from George to Mossel Bay. It was now much easier to do the trip from Wilderness, so the Cango Caves, which had been planned for Wilderness, were covered with a large detour on the way from Knysna. The route took us through the ostrich farming area of Oudtshoorn and then on through the Klein Karoo. It was well worth the detour.
The Choo Choo is still as enjoyable as ever, although the route is a little less spectacular without the Knysna lagoon and the Kayman's river crossing. The return trip was completed with a tour of the railway museum in George - steam locomotive after steam locomotive. There were also photos and carriages of the royal train that King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and the princesses travelled on when they visited South Africa in 1947.
Our first full day was spent touring around the lagoon and heads. We were rewarded with a school of southern right whales swimming past when we were on the eastern head. (John and I had been whale watching at Walker Bay on our previous trip so we knew to look for the characteristic V-shaped plume of spray around large grey objects in the water).
Our second day we retraced our route from 2003 into the Grounveld Forest and the gold mines. We had a walk at Jubilee Creek and then it was on to Mother Holly's for lunch. It was good to walk in the forest and relax a bit from the more hectic side of sightseeing.
Our main reason for going to Knysna had been that Dad wanted to go on the Outeniqua Choo Choo, the only scheduled steam train in the country. Unfortunately there had been a landslide near Wilderness last year so, instead of running from Knysna to George, the train now ran from George to Mossel Bay. It was now much easier to do the trip from Wilderness, so the Cango Caves, which had been planned for Wilderness, were covered with a large detour on the way from Knysna. The route took us through the ostrich farming area of Oudtshoorn and then on through the Klein Karoo. It was well worth the detour.
The Choo Choo is still as enjoyable as ever, although the route is a little less spectacular without the Knysna lagoon and the Kayman's river crossing. The return trip was completed with a tour of the railway museum in George - steam locomotive after steam locomotive. There were also photos and carriages of the royal train that King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and the princesses travelled on when they visited South Africa in 1947.
Wednesday, 25 July 2007
Cape Winelands
From Cape Town we moved on to Stellenbosch for 2 days. This required wine tasting, at Boschendal, Simonsig, Beyerskloof and Rustenberg. At Simonsig we sat outside in the sun, sipping our wine, with a new wine appearing every 10-15 minutes. Definately the way to relax. At Rustenberg we were guided through the tasting with special shaped glasses that you rolled on the counter-top to air the wine. Just as on our honeymoon we bought 2 bottles of their Brampton Viognier - which has the most wonderful aftertaste of apricots.
The trip had been scheduled for us to be in Franschoek on a Saturday. On our honeymoon we had accidentally visited Haute Cabriere for the cellar tour conducted by Achim von Arnhem. He only does the Saturday tour and is a real character. With Dad being very into wine we couldn't let this opportunity miss. It was everything that we had hoped. Informative and entertaining. I got to open a bottle of champagnois wine with a sabre this time - I still have the mounted cork. We followed the visit up with lunch in his restaurant - very good.
The rest of our 3 days in Franschoek were fairly relaxing, involving great food in the evening (it is the food capital of South Africa) and visiting the Huguenot museum and monument.
The trip had been scheduled for us to be in Franschoek on a Saturday. On our honeymoon we had accidentally visited Haute Cabriere for the cellar tour conducted by Achim von Arnhem. He only does the Saturday tour and is a real character. With Dad being very into wine we couldn't let this opportunity miss. It was everything that we had hoped. Informative and entertaining. I got to open a bottle of champagnois wine with a sabre this time - I still have the mounted cork. We followed the visit up with lunch in his restaurant - very good.
The rest of our 3 days in Franschoek were fairly relaxing, involving great food in the evening (it is the food capital of South Africa) and visiting the Huguenot museum and monument.
Tuesday, 24 July 2007
Cape Town Part 2
Our second day in Cape Town was the only rain that we saw over the whole 3 weeks that we were in South Africa. Rather a contrast to the England. It turned into a relaxing day, with visits to the Victoria and Alfred waterfront and Kloof Street.
Sunday, our third day, we visited the Jewish Museum and the Holocaust Museum. Very interesting and very moving. It gave us a good idea of some of the history of the country and the development of commerce there. We learnt about the establishment of ostrich farming in Oudsthoorn, a town we visited on the way to the Cango Caves later in our trip.
On Monday we did the round tour of the Cape Peninsular. Chapman's Peak drive had finally been reopened (it had been closed for 3 years due to a landslide), so unlike on our honeymoon we were able to do a complete circuit. I managed to conquer my fear of heights and make it to the top at Cape Point. Then it was on to Boulder's Bay and the African penguin colony. The penguins had babies of a variety of ages, all fluffy and cute, so plenty of photo opportunities from the boardwalks. Finally it was on to Simonstown for coffee and cake - just as we did on our honeymoon.
Our final full day in Cape Town was spent at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens on the slopes of Table Mountain. Even in winter it is worth a visit. We took to golf buggy tour and we rewarded with a view of an eagle owl resting in a tree. We'd never have found it without the botanist showing it to us.
Sunday, our third day, we visited the Jewish Museum and the Holocaust Museum. Very interesting and very moving. It gave us a good idea of some of the history of the country and the development of commerce there. We learnt about the establishment of ostrich farming in Oudsthoorn, a town we visited on the way to the Cango Caves later in our trip.
On Monday we did the round tour of the Cape Peninsular. Chapman's Peak drive had finally been reopened (it had been closed for 3 years due to a landslide), so unlike on our honeymoon we were able to do a complete circuit. I managed to conquer my fear of heights and make it to the top at Cape Point. Then it was on to Boulder's Bay and the African penguin colony. The penguins had babies of a variety of ages, all fluffy and cute, so plenty of photo opportunities from the boardwalks. Finally it was on to Simonstown for coffee and cake - just as we did on our honeymoon.
Our final full day in Cape Town was spent at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens on the slopes of Table Mountain. Even in winter it is worth a visit. We took to golf buggy tour and we rewarded with a view of an eagle owl resting in a tree. We'd never have found it without the botanist showing it to us.
Monday, 23 July 2007
Cape Town
We arrived in Cape Town for our three weeks in South Africa and spent 5 nights there. Fantastic. As the flight was overnight, we intended to pick up the hire car, head up to our accomodation and then have an easy day. Nothing could be further from the truth. The tablecloth was off Table Mountain and our hosts reccommended that we went straight up and made the most of the clear, sunny day.
It was stunning at the top. Last time John and I were in South Africa was on our honeymoon and we had only about an hour before the cloud came down again. This time we were able to walk right around the top on one of the longer pathways and see the city and peninsular from all sides. Mum managed the walk too, despite having two false hips, a false knee and a sciatic nerve playing up! Only hiccup was when she went to sit on a rock and missed the rock completely and fell over. Fortunately she didn't try to stop herself and just ended up bruised. We made up for this by having hot chocolate and cake in the cafe at the top - must have one of the best views of any cafe!
That evening we wandered down the road to where we knew there were some reccommended restaurants. By the time we got to Manolo, Mum felt that she couldn't walk any further, so that was where we stopped. It was a great choice. They had a new chef a couple of months ago who is also known as 'the alchemist'. (None of this we knew when we walked in!). I had never had springbok before, let alone springbok with ice cream! Believe me, it works. Pudding - gorgonzola ice cream, almond cake etc. It is also amazing. Coming from England it made me think of Heston Blumenthal. Being in South Africa I could afford to eat in Manolo, I can't afford the Fat Duck, although I have wanted to sample that style of cuisine for a long time.
After a long trip and an active afternoon, to be in a restaurant with fantastic, innovative food; attentive service and a quiet, refined atmosphere was just what we needed.
It was stunning at the top. Last time John and I were in South Africa was on our honeymoon and we had only about an hour before the cloud came down again. This time we were able to walk right around the top on one of the longer pathways and see the city and peninsular from all sides. Mum managed the walk too, despite having two false hips, a false knee and a sciatic nerve playing up! Only hiccup was when she went to sit on a rock and missed the rock completely and fell over. Fortunately she didn't try to stop herself and just ended up bruised. We made up for this by having hot chocolate and cake in the cafe at the top - must have one of the best views of any cafe!
That evening we wandered down the road to where we knew there were some reccommended restaurants. By the time we got to Manolo, Mum felt that she couldn't walk any further, so that was where we stopped. It was a great choice. They had a new chef a couple of months ago who is also known as 'the alchemist'. (None of this we knew when we walked in!). I had never had springbok before, let alone springbok with ice cream! Believe me, it works. Pudding - gorgonzola ice cream, almond cake etc. It is also amazing. Coming from England it made me think of Heston Blumenthal. Being in South Africa I could afford to eat in Manolo, I can't afford the Fat Duck, although I have wanted to sample that style of cuisine for a long time.
After a long trip and an active afternoon, to be in a restaurant with fantastic, innovative food; attentive service and a quiet, refined atmosphere was just what we needed.
Sunday, 22 July 2007
Yeovil Congress
Life had been hectic - preparing for a trip to South Africa with my parents to celebrate their Golden Wedding. As a result this blog took a back seat for a while. We arrived home yesterday after a fantastic trip, but more of that later.
Yeovil was our last congress before the trip, a lovely, friendly congress. We have found a quiet, tranquil campsite about 20 minutes drive away. It's good to get back in the evening and get the charcoal oven going. (Once we've finished cooking it also provides heat in the tent).
This time John played and I looked after the books. Unfortunately he didn't do as well as normal (too much on his mind?). The congress takes place in a primary school with plenty of parking and space outside. The open and major are in the gym, whilst the other sections are in the school hall. It can therefore get interesting coming up to time control, with only one official arbiter, but as John and I have both passed our arbiter's exams we step in to help out at that time.
It was good to see all the 'usual suspects' again, probably the last tournament we will all play in before the British Championships in Great Yarmouth.
Yeovil was our last congress before the trip, a lovely, friendly congress. We have found a quiet, tranquil campsite about 20 minutes drive away. It's good to get back in the evening and get the charcoal oven going. (Once we've finished cooking it also provides heat in the tent).
This time John played and I looked after the books. Unfortunately he didn't do as well as normal (too much on his mind?). The congress takes place in a primary school with plenty of parking and space outside. The open and major are in the gym, whilst the other sections are in the school hall. It can therefore get interesting coming up to time control, with only one official arbiter, but as John and I have both passed our arbiter's exams we step in to help out at that time.
It was good to see all the 'usual suspects' again, probably the last tournament we will all play in before the British Championships in Great Yarmouth.
Monday, 28 May 2007
Camping and chess
Over the summer, well from May to the end of September, we save money on accomodation by camping. When we decided on this we drew up a list of what we wanted in a tent. John - to be able to stand up. Me - somewhere to eat at a table if it was raining and quick to put up. We went around various displays looking at tents and fell in love with a Colorado 5 - a five man tunnel tent. It was over our original budget, but we negotiated a good deal and it has been perfect for our needs.
Having a van means that we are anything but lightweight campers. We have plastic chests of drawers on wheels for clothes and cooking equipment. Last year we started using electric hook-up, so now we can heat the tent at the beginning and end of the season and have toast for breakfast! Last year we managed to spend all but 2 weeks in the tent over August and September, so it has to be a home from home.
It is lovely, after a long day looking after the bookstall or playing chess to return to the tent and sit outside with a glass of wine, whilst barbequeing. June is great, with the longer days and we often sit out until after the sun has gone down.
Having a van means that we are anything but lightweight campers. We have plastic chests of drawers on wheels for clothes and cooking equipment. Last year we started using electric hook-up, so now we can heat the tent at the beginning and end of the season and have toast for breakfast! Last year we managed to spend all but 2 weeks in the tent over August and September, so it has to be a home from home.
It is lovely, after a long day looking after the bookstall or playing chess to return to the tent and sit outside with a glass of wine, whilst barbequeing. June is great, with the longer days and we often sit out until after the sun has gone down.
Wednesday, 18 April 2007
Looking for a new Delilah
This week we are spending a lot of time looking for a new van. Fortunately we have a couple of weeks before it becomes a real need. John has done a lot of research on different types of vans, wheelbase length, load carrying capacity etc and is becoming a bit of an expert (or anorak, depends on your point of view). We have looked at a few, so far only one stands out.
Alongside this has been ebay listing, posting and keeping our websites up-to-date. I need to do some chess study, but it seems to be at the bottom of the priority list.
Alongside this has been ebay listing, posting and keeping our websites up-to-date. I need to do some chess study, but it seems to be at the bottom of the priority list.
Monday, 16 April 2007
Hitchin & Letchworth Chess Congress
This weekend saw us travelling to Cambridge for a friend's son's christening. A lovely service in Sidney Sussex chapel - you really felt the historic atmosphere. It was good to meet up with my friend who I used to work with and who I hadn't seen since my wedding.
Instead of travelling straight home, we had decided to stay overnight in Stevenage and then play in the bottom section of the Hitchin and Letchworth one day rapidplay. As usual, on arrival at the chess congress, we began by checking the opposition out. Seeing the list of entrants I contented myself that the best that I could hope for would be a grading prize, if there was one. John was naturally more confident. The time control was an unusual one - 40 minutes each for all moves. I found that this suited me and led to some very enjoyable games. There was time for both myself and my opponent to think, so fewer cheap tricks and better chess.
I drew my first game and was relived, momentarily, that this would mean I wouldn't have to play the top seeds. Then saw that the top seed had also drawn. Fortunately, I didn't have to play him next, instead I got his opponent, and won. Then it was another draw, followed by a win against the top seed. I went into the final round being the only person on 3, with only John and the other tournament leaded ahead of me on 3.5. I won quickly (my opponent overlooked a smothered mate) and decided that this would give me either second or third. My maths had deserted me and when John and his opponent drew, John had to persuade me that I had come joint first! Sure enough, he was right, so joint celebrations were in order last night.
Instead of travelling straight home, we had decided to stay overnight in Stevenage and then play in the bottom section of the Hitchin and Letchworth one day rapidplay. As usual, on arrival at the chess congress, we began by checking the opposition out. Seeing the list of entrants I contented myself that the best that I could hope for would be a grading prize, if there was one. John was naturally more confident. The time control was an unusual one - 40 minutes each for all moves. I found that this suited me and led to some very enjoyable games. There was time for both myself and my opponent to think, so fewer cheap tricks and better chess.
I drew my first game and was relived, momentarily, that this would mean I wouldn't have to play the top seeds. Then saw that the top seed had also drawn. Fortunately, I didn't have to play him next, instead I got his opponent, and won. Then it was another draw, followed by a win against the top seed. I went into the final round being the only person on 3, with only John and the other tournament leaded ahead of me on 3.5. I won quickly (my opponent overlooked a smothered mate) and decided that this would give me either second or third. My maths had deserted me and when John and his opponent drew, John had to persuade me that I had come joint first! Sure enough, he was right, so joint celebrations were in order last night.
Friday, 13 April 2007
Death of a Van
This week has been a very emotional one for us, so I just haven't felt like writing. Everything was too raw to put into words.
Last Thursday we travelled down to Exmouth to the West of England championships. We had problems with the van on the way down, finally getting to Exmouth 9-10 hours after we left home. John decided to take a bye for the first round, on the Friday morning, to help me to set up the bookstall. After that, it was a good tournament for him. Of the 6 rounds that he played, he drew 5 and won one, resulting in a share of the grading prize. Not bad going as all of his opponents were graded higher than him.
Exmouth was beautiful. The chess took place in The Royal Beacon hotel, but we stayed down the road at The Manor. Although our window was small, we still had lovely views to the sea, and by leaning out, of the Exe. In the evening the sun was a fiery, red ball as it set over the estuary.
Normally we would leave on the Monday afternoon for the drive back, but with the problems we had been having with the van, decided to stay an extra night. This meant that we had a chance to walk around the town, visiting the new development along the estuary and watching mussels being unloaded at the quayside.
Tuesday was a different story. Delilah, our beloved van, was dead. She refused to start and the RAC were to arrange a relay back. It looked like a blown head gasket and possibly other damage too. Now we had the problem of trying to get back in time to post the items which had been bought over the weekend. We arrived back with 1 hour before the last post and both went to work wrapping, addressing parcels and certificates of posting and finally made it with minutes to spare. It was then time to console each other with what may happen to the van.
Wednesday's first job was to empty out all the chess equipment and bookstall from Delilah before the garage could have a good look at her. Fortunately a good friend with a Volvo estate helped and the job was done quickly. Then the bad news. A blown head gasket, blown water pipe, possibly distorted cylinder head, and a gear oil leak. The latter was the most worrying and, with an automatic gear box, could easily send the bill into 4 figures. After discussions and much soul searching, it was decided to scrap her. But the day wasn't over, and we had a chess match to play in that night (I won, John lost, but was heavily out graded by his opponent).
Thursday and we took the final few bits out of Delilah and said our goodbyes. Both of us were emotional, she may only be a lump of metal that got us from A to B, but she was our lump of metal and we loved her. Now we have to find a new van.........
Last Thursday we travelled down to Exmouth to the West of England championships. We had problems with the van on the way down, finally getting to Exmouth 9-10 hours after we left home. John decided to take a bye for the first round, on the Friday morning, to help me to set up the bookstall. After that, it was a good tournament for him. Of the 6 rounds that he played, he drew 5 and won one, resulting in a share of the grading prize. Not bad going as all of his opponents were graded higher than him.
Exmouth was beautiful. The chess took place in The Royal Beacon hotel, but we stayed down the road at The Manor. Although our window was small, we still had lovely views to the sea, and by leaning out, of the Exe. In the evening the sun was a fiery, red ball as it set over the estuary.
Normally we would leave on the Monday afternoon for the drive back, but with the problems we had been having with the van, decided to stay an extra night. This meant that we had a chance to walk around the town, visiting the new development along the estuary and watching mussels being unloaded at the quayside.
Tuesday was a different story. Delilah, our beloved van, was dead. She refused to start and the RAC were to arrange a relay back. It looked like a blown head gasket and possibly other damage too. Now we had the problem of trying to get back in time to post the items which had been bought over the weekend. We arrived back with 1 hour before the last post and both went to work wrapping, addressing parcels and certificates of posting and finally made it with minutes to spare. It was then time to console each other with what may happen to the van.
Wednesday's first job was to empty out all the chess equipment and bookstall from Delilah before the garage could have a good look at her. Fortunately a good friend with a Volvo estate helped and the job was done quickly. Then the bad news. A blown head gasket, blown water pipe, possibly distorted cylinder head, and a gear oil leak. The latter was the most worrying and, with an automatic gear box, could easily send the bill into 4 figures. After discussions and much soul searching, it was decided to scrap her. But the day wasn't over, and we had a chess match to play in that night (I won, John lost, but was heavily out graded by his opponent).
Thursday and we took the final few bits out of Delilah and said our goodbyes. Both of us were emotional, she may only be a lump of metal that got us from A to B, but she was our lump of metal and we loved her. Now we have to find a new van.........
Monday, 2 April 2007
Chess Study
In theory I should now be studying the black opening that I crashed and burned with on Saturday evening. However, I have a match as white tonight, so have decided to concentrate on my white opening. Recently I have been questioning the move order, so out comes the book that I prefer and study begins.
I am also aware that I lack confidence in my ability at the moment, so hopefully some concentrated study will help to rectify that problem. It's finding the time to study alongside everything else, but if I want to improve then that is what I must do.
I am also aware that I lack confidence in my ability at the moment, so hopefully some concentrated study will help to rectify that problem. It's finding the time to study alongside everything else, but if I want to improve then that is what I must do.
Sunday, 1 April 2007
Caterham Congress
I played in the U-100 section yesterday and today. 3 rounds yesterday, 2 today. I started off with a game which I won easily. Then, in the afternoon, a slightly tougher game, but I managed to get a 2 pawn advantage and swap off into an ending. The final game of the day was a very different story. I played black, against an opening that I know is critical, that I know that I should study and haven't, and that I lost to the last time I faced it. History repeated itself. Guess what I shall be studying next week! This morning I had a game which on paper I should have been ensured a win. However, my opponent threw everything at me and I ended up defending for my life. Fortunately he made a miscalculation and lost a minor piece. After that the position was such that swapping off was inevitable and I won, although really it should have been the other way round. The final game was against the tournament leader who was on 4/4. (Last week he beat a 160 so I knew that I would have my work cut out to win). Tactically he's very good and I managed to get into an awful mess and lost. It put me out of the prize money, but I enjoyed the game - at one point I took a pawn which I knew would lead to something nasty, but I couldn't see what, and as I was losing wanted to see the continuation. The good news was that our club came second in the club competition, so at least that was a consolation.
Friday, 30 March 2007
Setting up a Bookstall
Tomorrow is the Caterham Congress, so we spent the early part of the afternoon setting up the bookstall. When we arrive at a congress we never know how much space we will have, or how many tables. This time we are in a polygonal shaped area at the base of the stairs outside the tournament hall, but close to the refreshments. It was a strange area to work in as there were lots of different angles, but we are happy with the finished result.
Monday, 26 March 2007
A Quiet Weekend
Saturday John and I were running the bookstall at a junior event. It was a fairly quiet day, so we took the opportunity to get on with some other work. Both of us are trying to improve our knowledge of and ability at web design. I'm very aware that I don't know too much about what is going on behind the screen.
Sunday, after an early night to make up for the missing hour, started with church. An interesting discussion in the bible study and lots of choruses that John was able to play his trumpet to. Afterwards we had the van to unload. Not all bad as we had lunch at the church.
Then home, and a quiet afternoon with the Sunday papers.
Sunday, after an early night to make up for the missing hour, started with church. An interesting discussion in the bible study and lots of choruses that John was able to play his trumpet to. Afterwards we had the van to unload. Not all bad as we had lunch at the church.
Then home, and a quiet afternoon with the Sunday papers.
Wednesday, 21 March 2007
A Typical Day and Playing Bridge in France
Today was another typical day 'at the office'! These are the less interesting days, listing books on ebay. We had taken delivery of an order whilst we were away, so today was the day for putting new chess and bridge books onto the site. Some of the books looked interesting - but I don't have time to read them!
I played bridge once, on a ski holiday. There were 4 of us sharing an apartment and 2 were keen players, so each of them partnered each of us novices and we spent the evenings playing bridge whilst drinking cherry brandy and schnapps. I remember that by the halfway point of the evenings I didn't really mind what was in my partner's hand! I think my partner and I won most evenings, she had a high alcohol tolerance!
I played a lot of whist as a child - my grandparents played regularly and taught me when I was around 8. I think I've forgotten most of the tactics that I once knew, although I still enjoy the occasional game. My grandfather also taught me to play cribbage, and now John and I play when we're away camping. It's a good way to while away the evenings in the tent. We're similar standard and highly competitive, so it makes for some good games.
I played bridge once, on a ski holiday. There were 4 of us sharing an apartment and 2 were keen players, so each of them partnered each of us novices and we spent the evenings playing bridge whilst drinking cherry brandy and schnapps. I remember that by the halfway point of the evenings I didn't really mind what was in my partner's hand! I think my partner and I won most evenings, she had a high alcohol tolerance!
I played a lot of whist as a child - my grandparents played regularly and taught me when I was around 8. I think I've forgotten most of the tactics that I once knew, although I still enjoy the occasional game. My grandfather also taught me to play cribbage, and now John and I play when we're away camping. It's a good way to while away the evenings in the tent. We're similar standard and highly competitive, so it makes for some good games.
Tuesday, 20 March 2007
Back from Blackpool
Today is our first day home after the Blackpool Chess Conference. After a successful tournament last year, this year was a disaster. One win and one draw, and three losses. Not sure quite what happened, think it's my middlegame that needs work.
It's a huge tournament, and a good chance to meet up with friends on the circuit. People travel from all over the UK to play there. It was good to meet up with the players from the Isle of Man again. We love the island and love hearing about the chess scene there.
Today is a busy day, catching up with business - we run a chess bookshop and provide equipment and bookstalls to tournaments. Lots of mail order posting to do and making sure that our main website is up to date.
It's a huge tournament, and a good chance to meet up with friends on the circuit. People travel from all over the UK to play there. It was good to meet up with the players from the Isle of Man again. We love the island and love hearing about the chess scene there.
Today is a busy day, catching up with business - we run a chess bookshop and provide equipment and bookstalls to tournaments. Lots of mail order posting to do and making sure that our main website is up to date.
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