Swimming with dolphins

I just returned from a holiday in the Bahamas where I got to live a life long dream, coming up close and personal with dolphins.

Our dolphin, Axe

It was the most amazing experience, one I have dreamed of since a little girl.

A little kiss for Axe!

Time to pose!

The Olympics - London 2012

The Olympics and Paralympics in London were amazing!

I’ve enjoyed watching all the sports, my favourite being the Athletics! There were so many phenomenal performances and inspirational results, especially Jessica Ennis, Mo Farah, Usain Bolt, Chris Hoy, Bradley Wiggins, Louis Smith, Beth Tweddle, Katherine Grainger and Anna Watkins, Jonnie Peacock, David Weir and too many others to mention! Well done Team GB.

Fortunately, I was one of the lucky ones in successfully getting tickets to watch the Games. We went to see an afternoon of Artistic Gymnastics: Men’s Rings, Women’s Uneven Bars and Men’s Vault.  

It was fantastic! The first competition to take place - the rings – the strength these guys have is just unbelievable. It was a surprise win for the Brazilian gymnast Arthur Nabarrete Zanetti, who took the title from the favourite, Chinese gymnast Yibing Chen. A Brazilian strong crowd almost lifted the roof of the stadium off!!

Yibing Chen on the Rings

The Men's Rings Medal Ceremony

Next it was time for the British supporters to make some noise as Beth Tweddle entered the arena and they did! 

Beth Tweddle being introduced to the crowd

We had a great view of the uneven bars and spotted Beth warming during the other gymnast’s routines. 

Beth Tweddle warming up

Beth did a fantastic routine as the crowd oohed and ahhed throughout (see pictures below). 

Tweddle won bronze and we got to share in the proud moment as she stood on the podium to accept her medal.

Beth Tweddle Bronze medal winner

Women's Rings Medal Ceremony

Following this excitement we saw another British gymnast – Kristian Thomas – in action in the men’s vault. It was a brilliant start to his competition with a score of 16.366 for his 1^st round vault, however he was unable to land his 2^nd round vault cleanly and finished in 8^th place. The competition was won by Korean gymnast – Seon Hak Yang.

Kristian Thomas getting ready to vault

Great day at the Olympics! Just wish we could’ve seen some more!!

Segway

I enjoyed an afternoon of Segway Rallying for my dad's birthday today.

We were given an initial practice and safety lesson, which included weaving in and out of cones, to learn how to balance.

Then we went off in to the woods for the rally, it was great fun. There was one casualty, a lady fell off and sprained her ankle. I was speeding round the course. Great afternoon, dad enjoyed it too!

Red Bull X Fighters London 2010

On Saturday I was one of 30,000 spectators at the Red Bull X Fighters Show at Battersea Power Station in London.

The rain earlier in the day didn't stop play and the riders put on one of the best shows I have ever seen. These guys have guts!!

In the warm up one of the riders over jumped the ramp, came off his bike and landed in the crowd - nasty! He was ok and I am sure the crowd were too.

The tricks performed were amazing and unbelievable. It was a great competition - the show champion was overall competition leader - Levi Sherwood. A VERY popular choice with the crowd!


You can see the video from the London 2010 show here

30 minutes as a helicopter pilot :o)

On Saturday 24 July I completed my first 30 minutes as a helicopter pilot!!

When I arrived at the air field I was a little nervous not knowing what to expect. I met my instructor who went through the controls and structure of the lesson.

The instructor took off and then it was my turn - I got off to a rocky start but soon settled down.

After flying over the picturesque Milton Keynes I flew the helicopter back to the air field and tried hovering.

The hovering was really difficult but I did manage a few seconds. The real pilot then took over the controls and landed us safely.

He said after my uneven start I showed good flying skills and is sure if I decide to go ahead with lessons I would do well.

Now is it worth £12,000 to get a full licence? Hmmm, I'll need to think about that one.

It was a brilliant experience and a dream come true.

Quad Safari

I went quad-biking with Quad Safari England today.

After a thorough briefing we tried the quad bikes out on the field. We were told to steer around a course of cones (in place of trees) in order to qualify to take the bikes off road.

The briefing

No cones (trees) hit so I joined the first group off road! It was amazing fun, some of the guys were really quick and a bit crazy, but I loved it and would definitely do it again!

Me on the quad bike in the woods