After some time spent plotting, the intrepid five dashed home from their respective jobs to brave the Bristol Channel and it's vicious tides. First through the lock was the bold Almeera who set off on the South passage. Shortly after followed Pepsi-2, Soldier Blue, and Jacona. Bringing up the rear was the fleet footed Gem who, rumour has it could even beat the wind to Bristol had there been any. They rounded the Outer Wrach buoy and set course to their distant goal in attempt to beat the sunset, with Pepsi-2 and Soldier Blue bravely skimming the sand banks to make sure they arrived in good time. Five little engines chugged in harmony across the silky flat Bristol Channel seascape, onward in search of the lost Heritage Weekend.

The band of brave adventurers clustered together outside the mouth of the Avon as the sun began to set, awaiting the go-ahead from Avonmouth radio. After the all clear they set off in a procession of red green and white lights into the gloom that was the river Avon. Creeping past hidden creeks hiding craft of all shapes and sizes that were already laid up for the night. All were seemingly uninterested in the plight of the fortuitous five. On arriving at the locks, they were allowed entrance into the Cumberland basin to spend the night. A beeline was made to a pleasant hostelry called the Nova Scotia, which was indeed inhabited by giants. Much merriment was had by all late into the night and a slalom course ensued back to the basin.

Soldier Blue, Gem and Jacona set off early the next morning to Chand-le-ry. On arrival they began browsing through the many overpriced trinkets marked 'For Your Boat' All these items were targeted at foolhardy boat owners with deep pockets. Gem was forced into purchasing a special cream called Duralin, which he said was for his nuts. The others were too polite to probe further. On return, a hearty breakfast was eaten by all, before they made their way into the heart of heritage city. The sun beamed down as they slid down the river bathed in a haze of white smoke and diesel fumes.

Soldier blue arranged a liaison with contacts he had known for some time. Jacona and Allensi made their way to the market place to gaze at the many shiny artifacts on display and to look deeply into the pictures of three dimensions. Gem went in search of good food and other earthly pleasures. There were many places open that day, and a thorough search of the ancient buildings kept each and every one of them on their toes. Were they going to accomplish their quest?

The main group returned to quieter waters while Gem peeled off to enjoy the musical revelry laid on that night for all to enjoy. Jacona climbed the great spiral staircase above the Zen gardens to take in the wondrous view and see how many miles it was to Moscow. A quieter time was to be had in the inn later that night with much talk about typesetting and printing. The exhausted adventurers retired early that night in preparation for the arduous journey back.

As the sun rose and bacon sandwiches entered the digestive system, the intrepid five wallowed outside the great turning bridge awaiting any sign of movement. Then, with a doo-dah doo-dah it swung across allowing them to reach the basin. Jacona, sniveling with a lurgy acquired at s++++l, suggested they head for the locks before the next bridge had opened. They were all unanimous in saying that it was a stupid idea. When it finally did open, they all entered the lock with long ropes preparing for the great drop in tide. Almeera sneakily rafted up to save himself the trouble. It dropped four feet and came to a standstill?? The boats poured out through the lock gates and headed off under the great suspension bridge in the direction of the mouth of the river, each one looking round for tell tale signs of a wind to carry them back to Cardiff.

Once back on the brown glutinous slop that they call the sea round here, the wind arrived. From a mere zephyr into a full on force 2. Some of the boats cut their engines to allow the breeze to whisk them back to Cardiff, but alas it was not to be. Within an hour it had died back and the engines were again fired up. Only Gem with his mysterious power to overtake the wind was left to continue unassisted.

They all arrived back in sunny Cardiff unscathed and none the worst for wear, surrounded by that pleasant tired glow of having done something. Did they find the mysterious lost heritage? Who knows?