Where: Beside the famous Peter Pan statue in Kensington Gardens, designed by Sir George Frampton (1860-1928), commissioned by J M Barrie. This easy-to-reach area is suitable for kids, with wheelchair access and views across The Long Water.
When: Between 3.30pm and 5pm (although I plan to leave at 4.30pm to take advantage of free tube travel for runners - may be later if I can no longer stand unaided!), Sunday 22nd April 2012.
What: An outdoor picnic gathering (I will be smelly. Stand up-wind of me!) after the London Marathon, to share caching stories, swap travel items and ask after my time (I'm aiming for 4h 45mins for my second marathon - more details in my profile).
Who: Cachers from far and wide. Particularly any doing the marathon too! As a public location, caching dogs and kids are welcome. Please bring some food and drink with you.
How: It's an easy-to-reach location from Queensway, Marble Arch and Knightsbridge tube stations, far enough away from the end of the Marathon in both time and location that reaching it should be no problem.
Why: I've never run the London Marathon before (I've been applying for it since I lost weight in 2009) and although I'm in pretty good shape this is not going to be easy. While I hope to (slowly) walk off some aches after it by caching in London, by 3.30pm I suspect I'll need a sit down! I hope you can join me.
In the case of bad weather - which is possible, based on reports: If it's clear an out-door event is a bad idea because of the weather (anything more than a light drizzle or a strong breeze making being around trees a worry) the Plan B location is onboard the Tattershall Castle floating bar on the north bank of the Thames, opposite the London Eye, at N 51° 30.340 W 000° 07.313. No dogs (accept Assistance Dogs), sorry, but kids are welcome til 6pm, there's food and even though there are steps, wheelchair users have been known to get aboard. If we have to go here I'll update the cache page on the afternoon from my phone, ahead of the meet. So please put it on your watch-list or post a Will Attend to receive an Announcement Log in the case of a change of plan. I'd also leave a note (to be collected later) very close to the original site to direct anyone to this alt. venue. Since geodogs would have to sit outside, this location isn't my preferred option - for all sorts of reasons I hope the weather on the day is fine for a picnic, as well as a little run ;)
