Flood Update - Still No Water!!

It is day 8 of the great Gloucestershire water crisis and we remain without running water. Thanks to rainwater, SUSLOL handouts and conservation, though, we continue to be hydrated if a bit smelly around the edges here in Redgrove Park.


Since water supplies have failed, many local citizens have turned to local water bousers for their daily hydrolic requirements. However, as demonstrated by these street urchins here, many bousers remain empty.

A view north from Churchdown Hill. The large flood in the distance is close to the Lewis Farm but they report that water levels have dropped there and their cows and pigs remain safe.

A Taster of the Wall

Just a few pictures of Hadrian's Wall to serve as a taster to those who will be joining us there in April 2008. It was a beautil day there last Sunday, although rain did develop. No telling what the weather might be next year!.

Looking west from about mile 30 on the wall.

The same mile castle looking west toward Wallham Crag.

Clan McMahan bravely faces historic floods

After a wet spring and a driving rainstorm last week the Severn and Avon Rivers have burst their banks and the McMahans, along with the rest of the residents of Gloucestershire, are facing historic rising flood waters. As this article is being written we are hurridly stocking water supplies as local reserves dwindle and hope that the power remains on for a few more hours. Local groceries have already been cleaned out as residents prepare for the worst. Jason is off from work until further notice and the family is pondering at what point they will become desperate and hungry enough for a Mr. Chips casserole (just kidding buddy). We hope to have the Delisles off first thing tomorrow so that we may preserve the remaining stocks of drinking water and are preparing to see how we may pitch in and help in the crisis or as an alternative take a multi-day vacation to Dover and Canterbury.





To the left is Tewkesbury Abbey, site of the War of the Roses battle and more importantly the site of several Jim McMahan hikes. The town, about 8 miles from us, is surrounded by water, the unhappy result of being situated between two rivers and a canal. After careful analysis we are certain that the floods were caused either by global warming or Dick Cheney.

We'll keep you updated with news as it breaks.

McMahans and Delisles Survive downpours in York

The combined McMahan/Delisle clan survived a wet four days touring Yorkshire and the border regions near Hadrian's Wall this past weekend. The families spent two nights out camping at the Home Farm, braving both stubborn cattle and drenching rains the second night. Alas, the 3rd night of the trip was spent at the Travel Inn at Sunderland due to extremely wet gear and half drowned children. All survived the trip intac, though, and the Delisles were treated to the amazing sites of the ancient city of York and Hadrian's Wall.

Here is the crew gathered for a breakfast on day two of our trip at the Home Farm in Yorkshire before the rains arrived.

Here is one of our last pictures taken at Hadrian's Wall before the long trip back to Cheltenham.

Battle of Shugborough

As requested by Gramps here are some pictures from this weekend's rainy engagement at Shugborough.

The Army of Parliament is arrayed and ready for battle despite a chilling July rain. Prepare for shot!

Here is Birches and Skiptons engaged in a pike push with Rupert's Royalist battalion. Just to the left of center Jason is being crushed!

A pikeman's greatest enemy - massed artillery. Watch them run when the cavalry charge!

Delisles arrive for Battle at Shugborough

Our friends from Sykesville, the Delisles, arrived this weekend after several days in London. We spent our first day with them at Shugborough Hall at a major re-enactment event. Here are Aidan, Owen's best friend, Owen, and Aidan's brother Griffin brandishing their weapons at the event.







After a long and wet day at the Shugborough re-enactment we all retired to Redgrove Park for dinner and libations, including the honey meade we are toasting with here provided by Carol and Renni. It was the perfect ending to a long but extremely fun day (as Cora and the boys will attest to) despite the rain.

Owen McMahan Achieves Honors in Science and Art

On Tuesday July 10 Owen attended Presentation Day at St. Edward's Junior School. Owen received awards for Art Attainment and Science Attainment (top student in his year for each subject). Owen was quite pleased as were his parents! Even Cora said he did a great job. His awards included books on Art techniques and science topics. Owen is off to St. Edward's Senior School in September.

Owen and Friends moving to Senior School

Here is a picture of Owen, Rowan and John from last week. All attended the Year 6 Leaving Disco at St. Ed's where, rumor has it, someone had their first slow dance!

Cora scores drums on Dad's birthday!

Hello from the whole gang in Cheltenham! We have had a busy weekend so far. Last night we had the big birthday bash with the Bolines and Lewis's, this morning we picked up a drum kit from Cardiff (found on Ebay) for our newest drummer, Cora, and we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Delisles. We have postponed our trip to Sealed Knot until tomorrow since the schedule today has been a bit full. I am going to try and attach a couple of pics here from the party and of Cora's new drum set. We will see how they turn out!

Here is Cora and her drum set - freshly cleaned by her brother! So far she loves it!

Here I am with one of my gifts from Owen! He did well finding a model I don't already have. The hat was not a gift.