When is it going to stop? In my area, while the river has been there or thereabouts, the wind has been South West and galeforce for around three weeks now. The one advantage has been that it is mild. The negatory side (Thought I'd throw in a bit of Yankee Lingo, just to establish my international street cred) is that on my club's stretch, the wind is downgate and at you all the time. Truth to tell I have struggled to fish the float. Yesterday was the worst, the wind was a screamer. I was determined to catch an the float, so the "Noddy Stick" stayed in the bag. During the few and far between, brief periods of relative calm I did manage six grayling, The remainder of the time it was an angling travesty. More like flying a kite than putting a stick float through, but as I said, whilst unloading my gear, to a sarcastic passer-by on his way to collar "It's got to be better than working Pal!". Today, I picked up some large diameter balsa dowel in order to make a few of those Neil Maidment Jumbo Floats and give them a try. So this afternoon I will be mainly cutting, gluing, sanding and painting. Dread to think what my old Trentmen Muckers would say, seeing me use that amount of lead. They'ed have me certified. On a more seasonal note I would like to wish all the members of the Forum and those members I have had the pleasure of meeting up with on the bank "All the very best to You and Yours for the Yule Tide and the coming New Year. Pete.