This morning some of the team woke up bright and early to go canyoning in the Soca Valley. The drive was about an hour long, but turned out to be well worth it. On arrival we were told by some local man that we needed a permit to go canyoning or else we would be fined. We decided to go up the canyon and explore anyway. We saw an experienced canyoner take a group of people down some vertical slides of up to ten metres. It looked mighty fun so we trekked up further for a while before the fear of an imaginary canyon guide keen on giving us hefty fine set in. As we worked our way back down we slipped and skidded down many awesome sliding rocks, but none as big as the ones we'd seen earlier. We had a lot of fun and froze our buts off in the process. Next on the agenda was a visit to the course at Bovec where the coaches paddled while the rest of us stood on the bank in envy. It didn't take long for us to start the search for the "unpaddleable rapids" which turned out to be not so impressive after all. The water was pretty blue colour anyway.

A number of the group decided to take the rest day and stay at Nova Goricia. They had a lazy morning writing postcards and playing cards. A quick trip down town to drop off some of the crew to see the Kiwi team.

We went on an expedition this afternoon to find lead in-case we needed it for boat scrutineering. Well was this an expedition and a half, three shops later we finally had success. We explored parts on Nova Gorica that we did not know existed. At the local building supplier they produced this bent piece of pipe made from lead, this was it, all they had, we would take it. We had it cut in 10cm length, when we asked how much, no charge it was scrap and they were going to throw the rest away, we took the lot.

All the team went to the afternoon training session at 5:15 but only a few paddled, our slot for boat control was at 6pm. All boats scrutinised, a few failed on weight, glad we found the lead. Two boats need to be scrutineered tomorrow at 3pm.

We all returned to the accommodation for an evening meal. After the meal we were approached by the hostel management to see if we could help an number of the international choir groups that are staying at the same location. The need a lift to Italy, just across the border as there driver had already driven for 8 hours and was not able to continue. Jacqui and I drove the Hungarian National Choir to rehearsal in Italy, 20 minutes away, chalk up another trip to Italy.

Cheers, well we are on the count down…… One day to go before competition. Demonstration runs are tomorrow evening at 6pm. We will be issued the start list at the Team Managers meeting tomorrow evening.

Ros and Jacqui say HAPPY BIRTHDAY Dad !!!!!

Roz - Soca Valley section
Geoff - the rest