There She Blows!

We've all had a great day off.  Lazy breakfast and a 9am pick up by coach.  All armed with cameras, binoculars, sun hats, woolly hats and all the other things we have packed and not yet used.  The boat set off and we were away

From the outset we were all eyes peeled looking for our first glimpse of the whales we had been promised, even Wenlock and Mandeville gave us a helping hand

We didn't have to wait long, in the distance we could see whales just breaking the surface and water spurts from their blow holes.  The excitement rose and everyone was moving from side to side on the boat to get a better look.  We didn't have to worry though, pretty soon we were in amongst a great pod of whales, both Minky whales and Pilot Whales (I think).  The woman on the boat also called them Fin Whales.  The photos below are courtesy of Paul as he has a much better camera and got some great shots.

We have now had our briefing for moving on to the Labrador Highway.  This is the bit we have all been waiting for...  We have been told we are moving into the wilderness.  The place we are staying tomorrow night, Manic 5, is basically a working station for the dam.  There is nothing there other than the dam, a motel and the workers canteen.  We have been out this afternoon to buy the stuff we need to make ourselves a pack lunch for the day after as we won't be able to get anything in Manic 5.

We had a bit of a training session this afternoon and a cook off, with the guys practicing for making hot drinks out in the wilderness.  Gary has a Jetboil and actually read the instructions before giving it a go

Smiles all round when the cup of tea was achieved

Paul has a primus which seemed far more complicated and definitely slower.  It scores extra points for the beautiful stainless steel mug and billy can that comes with it but Paul is definitely bear fodder when we quickly pack up and leave him to it.

It was such a boy thing, discussions and competitions to see who could make the tea fastest (Leighton won)

We have a tour round the Dam when we arrive at Manic 5 tomorrow which I am looking forward to and then evening meal in the canteen.  It will make me feel at home and I will let you know how it compares to the SOC and PML at the Olympic Park.