The Skinners in 2010

This year can be summarized as snowy, with lots of walking, sailing and friends.

The year started with snow in January:

So what do you do when there’s snow…..you go sledging!

And when you run out of snow at home, you go and find some more.

We went to Castelrotto/Kastelruth in the German speaking Italian Dolomites

to celebrate Mick’s 50^th birthday with our regular ski partners, Richard and Helen.

We spent a May weekend in the caravan, walking around Market Bosworth, and camping with the North Central Folk Dance and Song section of the Caravan Club. There were dance and music workshops, and a ceilidh every night.

In May we camped with the Sixers from all the District’s Cub Packs, but didn’t take any photos.

However, in June, we took our pack to the local fire station, where we all got wet!

We also flew to Marstrand, a small island off the Swedish coast, just north of Gothenburg. Mick was taking part in the Patent Cup – patent attorneys from all over the world gather and race in teams for the trophy. A most enjoyable weekend.

This is International 1 – team members from UK, America and Australia.

Mick then took part in the annual Round the Island Race. This picture gives an idea of the number of competitors. The boat he was on beat Ellen Macarthur’s boat, which he told her later in the year!

July found us in Barcelona for the European Athletics Championships.We really enjoyed seeing all of Gaudi’s work – the cathedral is mind-blowing. Here’s Mick in Parc Guell.

And here’s Julie with the harbour in the background.

Mick went to a reunion at Queen’s College for the 125^th anniversary of Eaglets (a dining society) in August

In September, Mick finally met one of his heroes, Ellen Macarthur.

And Julie made another chair.

Our Cub Pack raised nearly £300 for the Pakistan Flood Appeal, by making a sponsored paper chain.

And the year came to a close in the same way as it opened – with snow.

May we wish you a joyous and peaceful Christmas and New Year,

Lots of love,

Julie and Michael.