Thomson Gold

We are here, enjoying some winter sun from the luxurious quarters of the Savoy Gardens 4* bothy in Funchal, Madeira. Dave got us in at Bargain Basement prices back in May (our missives from the TGO Challenge relate how we were so rudely interrupted by Dave's advances during our sojourn in Scotland). So we have a small balcony and a limited view - most definitely ****.

Barry's commando style return to civilisation was achieved today fairly effortlessly with the aid of a conveniently placed bus and the hotel's more than adequate bathing facilities, though his camera and his watch are still in catatonic shock.

Incidentally, Dave's first concern expressed after Barry's incident with two feet of fast flowing levada water in the middle of a 500 metre tunnel should be recorded:

"Is the kitty OK" Dave stammered, trying and failing to stem his compulsion to laugh at our treasurer's mishap.

"I feel really refreshed" shivered Barry, "you should try it!...."

"I'll bring a torch next time" he conceded.

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