Six of us will be there in Florida to participate in the four races, whether running, supporting or just viewing. Clad in appropriate running attire plus a multi-coloured tutu we will transverse that five kilometer opening race on Thursday January 8th taking in the atmosphere of such an occasion as we go. (Slowly for me as my knees are much older than I want them to be!)
Friday is a mere ten kilometers where some of us will be in a supporting role and our serious runners will want to save themselves for the following day.
Saturday - now this is becoming serious - is when the running three of Howard, Julia and Michelle will complete the HALF MARATHON course, but with wisdom that will ensure that Howard and Julia both successfully endure the MARATHON on Sunday morning. Four races in four days and now we will know why it is called 'The Dopey Challenge'
This is a real test. Both Julia and Howard have marathon experience and their training has been thorough and focused. Michelle has now completed her training in accord with her programme and that on its very own is some achievement, but if that was not enough, she has proved to herself that she can go that distance because she did it last weekend.
For the several past months, apart from the focus on training, there has been the events for fund raising. The two charities that will benefit are Make-A-Wish Foundation UK and Teenage Cancer Trust with the total sum available to donate being £1600 so far.
We have been supported by a marvelous group of people who always seem to dig into their pockets for euros. We have had 'Ice Bucket Challenges', B-B-Qs, bacon baguettes after the San Miguel road races, tea and cake in the afternoon, a quiz with 'standup bingo' and there is still one more to go. On New Years Day at 2pm at La Zenia Beach, Orihuela Costa, Alicante, Spain there is a sponsored swim when Michelle with Sue and Mal (from Suzi4Fitz) will shed some of their clothes before entering the not-so-warm Med. I will be holding dry towels and the camera. We had never intended to have this number of events but people continued to suggest how to get more money. There are generous people around and I know a few more now.
If you want to give you can at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserPage.action?userUrl=RunningWild2015&isTeam=true
Tuesday 30 December 2014
SUZI4FITZ PUT ON A SHOW
Over thirty people met at Las Ramblas Golf Club to see, on video, the variety show they had been part of. This would have been a first opportunity for the dancers and singers to see what they had trained for.
In these austere times the proceeds were donated to the Social Services in Los Montesinos where the performances had been held. The venue funds were also swelled by €350 for allowing the group to perform there.
A few days before Christmas, Sue Gibson, Michelle Edwards and Elaine Walker met with the head of Social Services Carolina, Rosabelèn of cultural liaison and the Mayor where €1000 was handed over to be exchanged for food vouchers with the manager of Gama Supermercado.
The photographs prove that the spirit of kindness exists here in coastal Spain.
Sue Gibson of 'Suzi4fit', dancer and choreographer had worked tirelessly with her keep-fit dancing ladies to perform twice in the Music School Auditorium in Los Montesinos on two consecutive evenings. They were supported by Graeme Mykal, a magician who agreed at the last minute to act as compére. He was an essential part of everything as costume changes do take time! The Rock Choir from The Matrix Studio added vocals to the evening with additional performances from the Costas version of 'The Drifters' and Elaine Walker with 'Are we Human'.
This was a variety show in the true sense of the word that had an Arabian Dance by Janice Jones and Victoria Horton, and 'Sisters' performed by Marie Sutton and Hilda Fletcher. It was all there with song, dance, tap, humour, magic and with amazing participation and appreciation with several hundred who had paid for the privilege. Two fantastic evenings with those in need of benefit.
In these austere times the proceeds were donated to the Social Services in Los Montesinos where the performances had been held. The venue funds were also swelled by €350 for allowing the group to perform there.
A few days before Christmas, Sue Gibson, Michelle Edwards and Elaine Walker met with the head of Social Services Carolina, Rosabelèn of cultural liaison and the Mayor where €1000 was handed over to be exchanged for food vouchers with the manager of Gama Supermercado.
The photographs prove that the spirit of kindness exists here in coastal Spain.
Sue Gibson of 'Suzi4fit', dancer and choreographer had worked tirelessly with her keep-fit dancing ladies to perform twice in the Music School Auditorium in Los Montesinos on two consecutive evenings. They were supported by Graeme Mykal, a magician who agreed at the last minute to act as compére. He was an essential part of everything as costume changes do take time! The Rock Choir from The Matrix Studio added vocals to the evening with additional performances from the Costas version of 'The Drifters' and Elaine Walker with 'Are we Human'.
This was a variety show in the true sense of the word that had an Arabian Dance by Janice Jones and Victoria Horton, and 'Sisters' performed by Marie Sutton and Hilda Fletcher. It was all there with song, dance, tap, humour, magic and with amazing participation and appreciation with several hundred who had paid for the privilege. Two fantastic evenings with those in need of benefit.
Saturday 27 December 2014
El Hondo
El Hondo on Saturday 27th December 2014.
A very cold start by our standards here in coastal Spain with the thermometer dipping down to 2 degrees and only reaching the high teens at mid-day. A cold light wind made it feel colder but with clear blue skies the sun was allowed to warm us - eventually.
To end my birding year I wanted to have good views of the Spotted Eagle (Águila Moteado) but my initial scanning of the trees only revealed a distant buzzard (Ratonero) - two of which were perched by the gate on the way in. Close by a lone Godwit (Aguja Colinegra) was feeding in the shallows. Chiffchaffs (Mosquitero Común/Ibérico? - now catalogue as different species) were flying all around with Cetti's (Ruiseñor Bastardo) calling.
I moved on, Reed Buntings (Esribano Palustre) fed in the reeds as usual. Kingfishers ( Martin Pescador) flew and so did a Little Bittern (Avetorillo Común).
The last thirty minutes proved to be the best. I scoped the Spotted, watched a white morph Booted Eagle (Águillilla Calzada) flying around over our heads. Three more flew around and then we had both a dark and white morph flying close to each other.
I paid little attention to water birds, but twenty five Grey Herons (Garza Real) flew in. Lapwings ((Avefria Europea) flying with a small number of Sanderling Correlimos Tridáctilo) and maybe two Golden Plovers (Chorlito Dorado Europea.
I have received more confirmation that Azul-winged Magpies (Rabilargo Ibérico) have been resident near to me for several years. I know where they should be so I will endeavor to see these striking birds.
That is it for now except to check on Floridian birds and sites!
A very cold start by our standards here in coastal Spain with the thermometer dipping down to 2 degrees and only reaching the high teens at mid-day. A cold light wind made it feel colder but with clear blue skies the sun was allowed to warm us - eventually.
To end my birding year I wanted to have good views of the Spotted Eagle (Águila Moteado) but my initial scanning of the trees only revealed a distant buzzard (Ratonero) - two of which were perched by the gate on the way in. Close by a lone Godwit (Aguja Colinegra) was feeding in the shallows. Chiffchaffs (Mosquitero Común/Ibérico? - now catalogue as different species) were flying all around with Cetti's (Ruiseñor Bastardo) calling.
I moved on, Reed Buntings (Esribano Palustre) fed in the reeds as usual. Kingfishers ( Martin Pescador) flew and so did a Little Bittern (Avetorillo Común).
The last thirty minutes proved to be the best. I scoped the Spotted, watched a white morph Booted Eagle (Águillilla Calzada) flying around over our heads. Three more flew around and then we had both a dark and white morph flying close to each other.
I paid little attention to water birds, but twenty five Grey Herons (Garza Real) flew in. Lapwings ((Avefria Europea) flying with a small number of Sanderling Correlimos Tridáctilo) and maybe two Golden Plovers (Chorlito Dorado Europea.
I have received more confirmation that Azul-winged Magpies (Rabilargo Ibérico) have been resident near to me for several years. I know where they should be so I will endeavor to see these striking birds.
That is it for now except to check on Floridian birds and sites!
Saturday 20 December 2014
Hereford United Football Club's demise
No visit to Hondon is possible this morning for us 'birders' because it has been handed over to cycling enthusiasts for an event. I suppose the birds will not care at all who is there.
But this morning has a bitter disappointment for me with the strap line on the news, in pure black and white, that Hereford United Football Club is neither United or even in existence. After so much acrimony, controversy and speculation as to fitness to be able to own a football club the end has come. The High Court says so and any resurrection is no longer possible.
I am sad. This is the team that I grew up with when they were a semi-pro outfit in the old Southern League. I lived for their success and was blooded in the glory and the passion of the FA Cup. I even saw them gain a two all draw at Selhurst Park, against Crystal Palace, in the old Second Division. Such heady days but being aware that a small town outfit could not have the financial clout to maintain that standard.
I now have one less result to look for on Saturdays, something that I have done for over sixty years.
FIFA are again in the bad news column and the 'stench of corruption' (as quoted on-line) can be tasted in every part of the football world. I don't think that I will watch future soccer world cups as a useful and fulfilling way of spending my time.
Thankfully Rugby Football has taken over for me. It is more transparent and the 'man -in-the-middle' can be seen and heard as the man in charge. FIFA, this is a lesson for you.
But this morning has a bitter disappointment for me with the strap line on the news, in pure black and white, that Hereford United Football Club is neither United or even in existence. After so much acrimony, controversy and speculation as to fitness to be able to own a football club the end has come. The High Court says so and any resurrection is no longer possible.
I am sad. This is the team that I grew up with when they were a semi-pro outfit in the old Southern League. I lived for their success and was blooded in the glory and the passion of the FA Cup. I even saw them gain a two all draw at Selhurst Park, against Crystal Palace, in the old Second Division. Such heady days but being aware that a small town outfit could not have the financial clout to maintain that standard.
I now have one less result to look for on Saturdays, something that I have done for over sixty years.
FIFA are again in the bad news column and the 'stench of corruption' (as quoted on-line) can be tasted in every part of the football world. I don't think that I will watch future soccer world cups as a useful and fulfilling way of spending my time.
Thankfully Rugby Football has taken over for me. It is more transparent and the 'man -in-the-middle' can be seen and heard as the man in charge. FIFA, this is a lesson for you.
Monday 15 December 2014
Andrew Marr's - Head of State
Black cover, black thoughts, black deeds is what can be found with Andrew Marr's first novel, 'Head of State'. His sense of the 'unordinary' did give me an enjoyable and humorous read with various pieces causing outright laughter. This is not a political read, except that it is a tramp through the corridors of where power could be and how the single minded can contrive to fool us. I loved it although I can accept it will not be taken that way by some and even dismissed as not a worthwhile read by others. In the time sequence it goes back and forth which is a little confusing and even annoying, but I got over that. We are all different and this satirical escapade of what can happen behind closed doors easily fits into the category of something different and some may even say of an accurate take on what happens in the 'Westminster Bubble'. View it as outrageous, view it as implausible, but the topic is 'spot on' for me with two alienated camps, ambitious and arrogant participants displaying 'win only' qualities. Could this happen with a Conservative win in the next election and the promise of a referendum on staying within Europe? Will the carpets soak up the blood to provide another secret within Downing Street or will everything be honest and true?
Or could we hear a straight 'no' or a 'yes' from a politician. Unlikely the latter is so I will go for the former and let the carpets soak it up rhetoric and all. If you want details of the plot - see the back fly.
Or could we hear a straight 'no' or a 'yes' from a politician. Unlikely the latter is so I will go for the former and let the carpets soak it up rhetoric and all. If you want details of the plot - see the back fly.
Hondon
EL HONDON AGAIN.
This was my first visit for two weeks and the coldest one so far this winter with only five degrees, almost total cloud cover, but with a light cold wind.
Before I got out of the car I saw Reed Bunting (Escribano Palustre) feeding and Chiff (Mosquitero Íberico) there too. A Little Bittern (Avetorilla Común) called and flew.
I went straight to the far hide - the one at water level - and there on the water were at least two hundred Common Pochard (Porrón Europoea), several pair of Red-crested (Pato Colarado) and a good number of Shoveller (Cuchara Común) In the reeds at the side of the hide were three Reed Bunting giving some close views.
I moved back to the smaller hide to find that most people were on the board walk, at just above water level, and just giving closer views. I am told that they saw(amongst other things) two Spotted Eagles (Águila Moteada). I stayed where I was where I saw perched Marsh Harrier (Águillucho Lagunero), Booted Eagle (Águilla Calzada) and Buzzard (Ratonero). There was a high density of White Headed Duck, Gulls and in the far distance a large number of Coot (Focha Común). There was one Lesser Black-backed Gull (Gaviota Sombria) on view. Smaller birds were not to be easily seen but there were numerous Cetti's calling with Purple Gallinule, Little Bittern and Water Rail being noisy. My bogey bird, a Merlin (Esmerillòn, flew.
We were locked in and waiting to leave a juvenile Nigh Heron(Martinete Común) flew around us - so the experts say and I am sure that they are correct.
Although this is such an important site it is privately owned with access only allowed for birders for three hours on a Saturday morning. Next week there is a 'cycling event' and so we are excluded again.
This was my first visit for two weeks and the coldest one so far this winter with only five degrees, almost total cloud cover, but with a light cold wind.
Before I got out of the car I saw Reed Bunting (Escribano Palustre) feeding and Chiff (Mosquitero Íberico) there too. A Little Bittern (Avetorilla Común) called and flew.
I went straight to the far hide - the one at water level - and there on the water were at least two hundred Common Pochard (Porrón Europoea), several pair of Red-crested (Pato Colarado) and a good number of Shoveller (Cuchara Común) In the reeds at the side of the hide were three Reed Bunting giving some close views.
I moved back to the smaller hide to find that most people were on the board walk, at just above water level, and just giving closer views. I am told that they saw(amongst other things) two Spotted Eagles (Águila Moteada). I stayed where I was where I saw perched Marsh Harrier (Águillucho Lagunero), Booted Eagle (Águilla Calzada) and Buzzard (Ratonero). There was a high density of White Headed Duck, Gulls and in the far distance a large number of Coot (Focha Común). There was one Lesser Black-backed Gull (Gaviota Sombria) on view. Smaller birds were not to be easily seen but there were numerous Cetti's calling with Purple Gallinule, Little Bittern and Water Rail being noisy. My bogey bird, a Merlin (Esmerillòn, flew.
We were locked in and waiting to leave a juvenile Nigh Heron(Martinete Común) flew around us - so the experts say and I am sure that they are correct.
Although this is such an important site it is privately owned with access only allowed for birders for three hours on a Saturday morning. Next week there is a 'cycling event' and so we are excluded again.
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