Hiab flew CM from Heathrow, to Stockholm. From there, we flew in what is, sadly, the last airliner wholly made in Britain - the venerable BAe 146. And then to Turku, in southern Finland. Not Ice Station Zebra temperatures in that part of the world but, at around -8C, still a spot parky. Value for money, alright, that bracing sensation of dry ice and snow - an exciting sensation, and one which we rarely experience in these mild maritime climes.

Happy to report that the truck mounted crane/hook lift manufacturer provided the assembled dealers with tasteful, and warm-looking, black jackets, adorned with the Hiab livery. And what a sight the giveaway was: no sooner had the Hiab top brass announced the free gifts, the mass of guests had scrambled headlong across a dining room, massed around a pile of boxes, and, magpie-like, selected their garment. It was a something of a jostle, but no casualties reported. Certainly an entertaining spectacle.

The following day, and Hiab sailed us across an ice-strewn Baltic Sea. The 34,000 tonne Amorella took the voyage in its stride, before depositing us on the island of Aaland. There, CM enjoyed a warm dish, a dry Martini with gin, and a conversation with UK MD Ismo Leppanen. The third day, and a take-off in a six passenger Piper aircraft from a frozen runway. A little bit wobbly, but a damned charming way to travel. Then, on to the production line. Lots of metal and welding going on, and some rather interesting Finnish pop music playing, too. A marvellous opportunity to view the new Hiab XR Multilifts getting put together, and the mesmerising sight of robot welders going about their joinery.

Two more flights, and more drinks and food, and CM was back at Heathrow. The letter "m" was on our lips - Hiab's munificence. Read more about it in CM 15 March.