During the week of the Commonwealth Regatta, August 2nd-8th 1999, the English women's lightweight quad crew sent back reports to the Rowing Service. We thought you might like to read them...
Thanks to Victoria(the main typist), Becky, Naomi and Helen.
Update 4
Good evening, All
Rather a late missive, this one - so I apologise for the disjointedness ofit all....
The day started with the hordes pushing the breakfast doors down - thecatering staff having taken the liberty to assume that a Sunday might starta bit later. They are clearly unaware of the continued undeclared warbetween the nations - that is, who gets to the launches first in themorning. One cannot fight on an empty stomach, so the battle lines aredrawn in the breakfast queue - and you will be pleased to hear that we werethere first, and elbowed a few Aussies in the stampede for the bagels.Cram, stuff and indigest - it's out the door again in 5 minutes, for aStarskey and Hutch-likedrive through the back streets to the course. Dad has found a deviouslittle route, which involves a lot of screeching around corners hurling hubcaps about, and a number of incidences of chundering by the rear passengers(especially Little Becksy in the boot). But these are small prices to payfor access to one of the limited launches - and the chance to be coached andwash down your oppo in one go.
Rosie safely arrived last night at about 10:30. We hosted and toastedher admirably, providing her with a sumptious spread of a diet coke and apeanut butter bagel. Naturally, she was thrilled, and showed herappreciation by going straight to bed. Today she earned her corn by takingcomplete control of our vessel - and we responded by doing our best stuff byfar. The Canadian lightweight quad turned up today - we have a race......
You will be pleased to hear that the detonating Portaloo was still theretoday - standing proudly in a mire of setting shite. Some of our morerobust Commonwealth cousins were hardy enough to use it, but I elected towazz in the bushes. We are English and have standards. Speaking of which,this Johnny foreigner food continues to play havoc with our delicateconstitutions - the results of which serve to melt the ice with all exceptthe Poles. The only things which grab their attention are the reams of pornthey download on the University internet connection. I have never seen somanyPoles pitching tents...
And thence to the afternoon's entertainment - to downtown London and acinema visit to see Star Wars. Hells bells - fantastic stuff. I have asignificant crush on Darth Maul, and am receiving counselling from Becks tosort it all out. This started with a short, but frenzied shopping spree -although I assume it was Becks selflessly leading by example with a terrificdemonstration of retail therapy. It was marvellous to behold, and I lookforward to challenging her tomorrow when we go on an official shopathon.We then pushed off for another outing (they are important breaks in theshopping, and probably the only things preventing us from having our homesrepossessed). The water was appalling - the mid section of the course waslike a constant standing 2 foot side wash. It was terrific to do 1000mpieces in, and tested our skills so happily honed at the Docks. In fact, itwas good work, and breakthoughs were had by all. I am convinced thatshopping before an outing should be mandatory - it makes women relaaax....A late return - and a message to you - leaves us ready for beddy-byes andlooking forward to a stack of 500m pieces tomorrow. And steady stateshopping.....
Nighty-night
The Chicks.