Birthday Surprise!

No I know all of you are chomping at the bit so see some of the majestic photos from my trip, but I have run into yet another slight snag. The silly e-mail station at work won't let me use my CD which has my photos burned onto it, to upload. Therefore I'm a bit stuck until I get to an internet cafe. It will almost certainly have to be tomorrow evening. But they are good, so stay tuned for that.

Therefore in the meantime, I have some photos from yesterdays suprise birthday party in the production room to share.

Lisa, had the camera, as I entered my little office to get the day underway. You have no need to imagine my suprise, as the moment is here in full colour for you.

No wonder I look suprised, my birthday was a week ago.
My card signed by the office.
I opened my present. It made a big clanging noise as Lisa lifted it. Could it be BEER!!!! How did they know!!

Spookey! Notice the baloons and banners in the background. I work with some very sweet people.

Ok folks, don't panic Paul, I will get my photos up soon, I don't have internet at my work desk or in my house like some. Plus, thank you Mrs Banks for your best wishes.

TTFN.

Bull returns to the crease, 25 not out!

Yes dear readers, I'm back. I have just transfered all my pics from my three week holiday with Mum and Sis onto cd for your viewing pleasure, just send $25 + p&p...........!

I'll post some as soon as I get a chance. Probably tomorrow. I have quite a few, so some liberal editing is in order I think.

By the title of the post, you may have guessed, I had my 25th birthday (on the 10th). Thank all you Bunacer's and people at home who sent me a card (I didn't really want to say anything, but when I opened my cards, they were full of best wishes, but no cheque or $20 bill in sight. Must be some sort of mistake)

Thanks also to my friends at work, who threw me a little suprise gathering this morning when I got in. Many thanks for the beer. I still can't believe how you knew I love beer. You must be mind readers.

Ok break over. Until tomorrow dear readers,

Andy xxx

New Zealand 2007-?

Anyone? Pick up your exclusive B&B T-shirts form Andy. Only 1200 (GBP) each.

I'm off on holiday now, for the next three weeks. Therefore the blog will be sporadic at best. When I return, I will post 'haste' details of Mum and Sis's visit, the Rockies, and an Arctic cruise.

How exciting!!!

TTFN,

Andy

5 men Grinding.

Ok Ok, so I may have gone a tad overboard on the sailing photos, but it was great fun. So to prove that I am a man of many differing talents, let me introduce you to the Grouse Grind. Grouse is one of the mountains that surrounds Vancouver. I heard it has a pretty view of Vancouver from the top. So instead of paying the $30 it costs to go up in the cable car, we decided to take the grind trail up instead and get some much needed exercise.

At the top. Why do I look like the only one drenched in hard earned sweat.
I live in the far left corner
Our transit home. it's not recommended walking down as it is very steep, so it only costs $5 to get down. At this stage in the precedings this seemed like a bargain.

Sheila's Pics from the weekend.

Courtesy Of Sheila. Many thanks. She not only has a better eye, but also has a better camera. Even beter though, there are more of ME in them.

Love to all Andy "Man of The Sea" Bull.

Howe Sound. The view from our boat's Dock
Behold the Epicurious!
My back and me chatting to the other sailors.
Captain Terry and the Young Apprentice.
Me talking on Aristotle's earlier works.
Look Mum I'm driving!
Capt Terry and Pauline, ready to plunder the L'Aristo
Kevin the Fireman foredecker. Cool personified!

Around Bowen Island Race 10th 11th June

I'm going to let the pictures do most of the talking (Lucky you). Any questions leave me a comment. Anyone know how to get more involved in this type of racing back in the UK, Please Please leave a comment!!!
Bowen Island. The scene that greets you from the dock. And no it isn't named after the great Jim Bowen
The view out from snug cove, where our boat was docked
Slightly better view.
Captain Terry getting the weeknd under way on Friday night when we arrived at the dock
Kevin, Pauline and Capt Terry in a pirate hats at dinner. This would explain a lot. I woke up at 4.30 am with a stinking hangover. I went all the way to the dock to get a shower, only to realise that I needed a loonie. I left my wallet back at the boat.
The bstart line crammed with 150 boats. We were recalled 3 times. We were leading the entire fleet at one point
Cap't Terry discussing with our navigator the best way to get away from the dreded L'Aristo boat.
Spinnicars raised for the dash home.
Thought I'd get the sail in for framing this time.
Beautiful mountains
wonderful forearms. Ahem!
The dock party after the race was in full swing as we returned to our home for the night
The view looking back over to the land
Capt Terry and me enjoying a beer at the end of a hard days racing. We had an early night (Not together) and it was just Terry and me that sailed home. I got a bit of a master calss, from the Tasmanian Devil himself.

Thanks to Terry, Sheila and all the Crew for having me back and letting me love every minute of it. You are wonderful people and you do great things. Thanks a million.

Andy.

Silva Bay Race Photos 3rd & 4th June

Me working the spinnaker sheet. Thats the big one behind me.
Doug, trying to do the same but with less wind.
Pretty boat
Handsome driver!
No wind. Best thing to do is to sit and chill out.
And take in the mountain views.
Which way to the Pub Sheila??
BAck of the boat looking out to the Gulf Islands
More Mountains
Tugboat Island. Our home for the night.

The Royal Vancouver Yacht Club-house at the Island before we all hit the dancefloor

The view from the balcony of the club house where we ate.
More stunning views.
Sunset!
Cheers! Drink more beer. We'll generate our own wind.
The Epicurious!
Rear view shot. It's for sale!!!
Ensign if the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club
Lets show the natives how we dance in Britain

That good!!!