Written By a Surviving Crew Member
England has many great explorer’s one that stands out from many was Ernest Shacklton a man that led his crew from the depths of despair, bitter cold and near death. Today we have similar explorers a fellow club member, one who has just been knighted Sir Gareth “It’s only an adventure” Williams. He being a modern day explorer decided to re-enact Shackltons adventure not by boat or in the depths of the Antarctic but by bike and in the Derbyshire hill side
The day started fine and a meeting was arranged, a slight misunderstanding by some crew members meant two boats where hidden behind a wall, while the main vessel was in total sight of everyone except other crew members, after kind words #@”$%* were spoken we set off from port. Our captain led the way confident of meeting the 9.00am sailing deadline. After many hours of travel we passed our first sighting of Edale, not stopping for anyone he sailed onwards till eventually his boat came to a standstill as the captain disembarked a look of bewilderment fell upon his face?.
“Were lost” has anyone got a map, crew members looked at one another and said NO just then a small voice was heard Gaviscon, Gaviscon has any one got any Gaviscon. We had just passed a small fishing village it was decided to go back and seek help. On landing an elderly lady villager was passing by. A crew member shouted hoy do you know the way to Edale, no but I know the way to San-Jose a deadly silence befell the crew, with a smile she said “eh love you passed the turning some 10mile back” on giving us some idea which way to head, I turned to a fellow crew member and said did you hear all that “No he replied” You must have, she was looking at me, but telling you. Bollocks was his reply. Our captain with stooped stature stepped forward “I shouldn’t be doing this I’ve got a bad back”. Leave it with me said Mr Gaviscon just follow.
True to his word 40minutes later we arrived at our staging post. On signing in the ferry master gave a little chuckle “All right lads”. Where’s all the other crew members said the cabin boy. Gone, gone left 1hr 40minutes ago, said the ferry master. Not to worry said Skid we’ll catch them up. Skid has earned this nickname by his skill and handling of road bikes. What you doing with that front headlight, it’s only 107k we’ll be back just after dinner throw it back in van. “No one to date has admitted this statement” Ready and raring to go we set off on our great (disaster) adventure.
From left to
right
Captain Sir Gareth “It’s only an adventure” Williams
Head worry ere Phil “Gaviscon” “Gaviscon” Makin
Steve “shit what have I let myself in for” Dewhurst
Shaun “Skid”
Jim “Bubbles on
account of his bum”
Ross “Cabin Boy” Glover
A smile that was not to last long