Lake Mead – a typical Gool manoeuvre…

On Thursday we left Vegas and went to Lake Mead (the man-made lake created by the Hoover Dam). We thought we’d hire a boat and mess about on the lake for a bit in the sunshine, then stay the night there. Unfortunately, as soon as we got out on the lake, the sun went in. We still had fun though, as it was about 90 degrees.

However, on the way back into the Marina (at 35mph), the Gool drove the boat through some shallow water (he’d seen the warning marker on the rocks, but not the small one further out that you’re supposed to steer around until it was too late – I was chillaxing and half asleep, so didn’t see it either). There was a nasty crunching sound and the boat stopped moving.

We had to call the emergency channel and wait to be towed in while The Gool waved his orange distress flag…

Luckily we’d opted for the extra cost of the damage waiver as the cost to repair the boat was going to be $3375, but it still cost us over $700, so we were pretty gutted :o(
No more boat-driving for teamGool…

Yesterday we got to Tucson and handed the hire car in, so from now on it’s buses, coaches trains etc for us and the proper travelling starts. We’re headed over the border into Mexico this evening.

Today I’m missing:
– Mum’s home cooking
– Kit
– $700

Today I’m loving:
– Free WiFi
– Free choc-chip cookies
– Free flags for Independence day
– Little boys dressed in the exact same outfit as their dads at our hotel

Love Gude x

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19 Comments so far

  1. mum on July 4th, 2009

    Oh no!! That’s not good. 🙁 xxxxx

  2. Gude on July 4th, 2009

    not good at all! it was a haccident tho… x

  3. Cat on July 4th, 2009

    Gude i’m loving your updates! I really look forward to reading them. Apart from the boating accident it sounds like you’re having a ball!! Hi to Isaac! xx

  4. Gude on July 4th, 2009

    Thanks Cat! Yes it’s lots of fun mostly..! Hope all is good at Virgin? Ise tells me Ray is back – give him a big hug from me if you see him x

  5. Cat on July 4th, 2009

    Will do! Keep on truckin’!! xx

  6. Claire, Adam & Izzy on July 5th, 2009

    Love the photos! Sorry you’re down on the cash tho, mebbe the Gool can sell a kidney in Mexico? Cx

  7. Claire, Adam & Izzy on July 5th, 2009

    Don’t do it Ise. You know you’ll need that kidney for another ‘Gool manoeuvre’ later in the trip 🙂
    Adam.

  8. Mathew Fisher on July 6th, 2009

    I’m amazed it took so long for a gool manoeuvre! There will be plenty more to come. I’m enjoying the blog and am pleading for time off so I can meet you guys somewhere…

  9. NickNick on July 6th, 2009

    Gool – classic mate, go abroad, break stuff, leave. Like your style!! Sorry to hear about the wallet damage though, perhaps leave complicated stuff like paying attention to warning signs to others in future…. Hope you guys are having a great time in Mexico now. Give us a shout on the 9th if you’re about when David is over at ours!! Big ups, Nick

  10. Lou Barclay on July 6th, 2009

    Oh my god I imagine not funny at the time but the story with the boat is hilarious…brilliant work team gool!!!

  11. Stine on July 7th, 2009

    Oh no!!!! Gutted about the boat and resulting bill!! you poor things! Really missing you guys – can we Skype on the 9th? David and the Harveys are kiddy as kippers over the possibility!!
    xx

  12. David on July 7th, 2009

    Cripes you guys! Hey ho, accidents will happen… Onwards and upwards.You have been away for a fair few weeks now so the first glitch was about due ;-)Hope to see the return of the Gool beard in the Mexico pics. You, of course look gorgeous on EVERY pic! Fingers and toes crossed that the Harveys and I get to skype with you both on Thursday. Mmmmmmwah. xxx

  13. Gude on July 9th, 2009

    NO! No more please, or we’ll have to come home in a month… :o(

  14. Gude on July 9th, 2009

    We have everything crossed! x

  15. Gude on July 9th, 2009

    Yeah, I think as long as subsequent Gool maneouvres are cheaper, we should muddle through…! x

  16. Gude on July 9th, 2009

    We will try our very bestest what with the intermittent wi-fi here in Mexico city – fingers crossed we can make the technology work!! x

  17. Gude on July 9th, 2009

    You’re joking – I’ve only just managed to get him to shave it off – had to withold kisses for a fortnight! He still looks handsome, but it hurts my face! Aww, thank you lovely, you do know all the right things to say ;o) x

  18. Anna (little sister of Nick and Cris) on July 9th, 2009

    Loving your blog Gude! Sorry to hear about the $700 loss but the flag waving bit made me laugh! No more boat driving for team gool…. xx

  19. Gude on July 9th, 2009

    Thanks Anna! x