POST SCRIPT

So what did we achieve:

• We completed 313 km on the beautiful Vltava river in 12 paddling days and 2 rest days.
• I confirmed for myself that kayaking is a great activity for all ages and that the kayaking communities in the UK and the Czech Republic are full of helpful great fun people.
• We raised the profile of the plight of the Czech Heroes who had been members of the Royal Air Force during the Second World War only to be savagely persecuted by the communist regime after their return to Czechoslovakia.
• As at 31 December 2009 Jerry Hermansky and his accountant Guy are still negotiating with the UK Charities Commission to confirm our charitable status. Once we have this status we will receive the pledged money from those who have generously pledged their support. We are in close contact with Mrs Siskova of the Czech Ex RAF Association and we will be making a presentation to her in the New Year.

Friday 22 May

JOURNAL - DAY 14

Down to Branik at 8pm. Stan from HG Sports had very kindly lent Petra a Necky Kayak for the day so that she could accompany me on the last 9 Km to Charles Bridge. A gentle paddle which took less time than I had estimated and therefore involved us hiding near the bridge before the appointed time of arrival. A wonderful arrival organised by Jerry and his team from Interlink cs. A great thank you to them and all those who made up the welcoming committee! Stan very kindly returned the kayaks to Branik whilst I took the tram home....dressed in a dry suit! So ended the easy part of the expedition.

Thursday 21 May

JOURNAL - DAY 13

Nearly there! A very comfortable night in a campsite close to Prague. The manager is a charming former colonel who retired from the Czech armed forces in 1993. He was extremely helpful and I certainly made welcome use of the campsite's excellent hot shower. Set off early and walked round the Vrane dam. This dam was even more amusing as a swan had taken up residence at the exit slipway from the river. It was guarding its mate who was on the nest with a cygnet. After the usual huffing and puffing (from the swan) it let me past. Another dam on the outskirts of Prague required another walk however this time I was assisted by Jiri from Slovakia who was out for a bike ride. As luck would have it he is also a very keen kayaker.

Then the last push for Branik where I stored the kayak ready for the official finish on Friday.