Today we are finally leaving Ulm after unexpectedly staying here for a week. We didn’t expect to be stranded here due to the flooding but we could not have asked for a better place to be than Ulm. Everyone here has been so welcoming and generous.

In the short time we have been here we have learnt about Ulm and Neu-Ulm, heard about the sparrow of Ulm Cathedral, been to a birthday party in the Alps and even rowed on the Danube river. We have enjoyed Swabian noodles and many Gold Ochsen beers.

Thank you to Andreas, Hanns-Joerg and everyone at Ulmer Ruderclub for your warm welcome and all your help. Thanks to Claudia, Holger and Robin for showing us round town and embracing British drinking games. Thank you Michael, Connie, Bobby and the rest of the Leibinger family for your kind hospitality.

We both owe a thanks to Jörg Hausser. Jörg has helped us with many things for weeks in the lead up to this challenge. He has done everything from calling the locks to working out launching points for our Ungetüm to welcoming us on our arrival. Without Jörg, we would not be nearly as well prepared as we are.

Thank you Jörg and everyone in Ulm and see you all soon.