Masters Bridge (Rugby), Coventry – Saturday 29 September 2012
Left at 08:00 in sunshine with a clear blue sky, there were no clouds. Steady journey with only a couple of boats going the other way. Arrived at Hawkesbury Junction at 12:00 and once through the 1 foot stop lock I had a quick lunch. The clouds had started forming, so it was chilly in the shade, but no rain. After lunch it was steady running until Newbold Tunnel which is 250 yards long and lit with different coloured lights. Here there was a boater going the same way but very, very slowly, at one point I thought he was going to moor in the tunnel, but it turned out it was immediately at the end. Just after this there were boats along the tow-path and six other boats coming the opposite way – today’s fun! The run today has covered 1 lock and 21 miles and once moored I have been into the Tesco here as it is within easy walking distance and they will unlock the trolley wheels so you can get shopping back to the boat. Tomorrow is a run to Braunston as I will be meeting friends there.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Friday, September 28, 2012
Atherstone Top Lock, Coventry – Friday 28 September 2012
Martyn arrived at 09:30 and has set up a VuQube for me so I now will be able to watch TV without struggling with directions etc. After he had left I then proceeded up the Atherstone flight of 11 locks and have moored at the top ready for tomorrow’s run which, hopefully, will see me at Rugby. The weather has improved, it was basically sunny with a couple of light showers. All I’ve got to do now is put things back into cupboards where they belong.
Martyn arrived at 09:30 and has set up a VuQube for me so I now will be able to watch TV without struggling with directions etc. After he had left I then proceeded up the Atherstone flight of 11 locks and have moored at the top ready for tomorrow’s run which, hopefully, will see me at Rugby. The weather has improved, it was basically sunny with a couple of light showers. All I’ve got to do now is put things back into cupboards where they belong.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Bradley Green, Coventry – Thursday 27 September 2012
This morning started in bright sunshine, but no joy with the rope. I took a calculated risk to head off at 09:00 as I had been cutting since 07:30 and getting nowhere. When I lost the feeling in my hands due to the cold water I went into the galley and put them into a bowl of hot water then back out. Once I was moving the boat seemed to be running OK and as there was just the 2 Glascote locks on today’s schedule I continued on. I passed ‘Cedar’ a Braidbar boat at Hopwas and at Peels Wharf there was a C&RT boat loose on the canal. The locks were no problem this time as there was one coming down, and the boat ahead of me set them for me. At Alvercote I called in to the boatyard to ask about coming out of the water, trying hard to keep away from the dog poo all along the tow-path – they only have a dry dock and it costs £250. After a few questions it seemed the rope wasn’t causing other problems and will probably need a heat cutter to remove it, which they don’t have. So on I went just as it started to rain. I have moored opposite a sanitary station as I am meeting Martyn from Travelsat tomorrow for a demo of satellite dishes. I returned to the rope cutting and after about ten minutes it all came away! Just as well I didn’t spend the money. The rain has stopped and now we have sunshine, typical British weather.
This morning started in bright sunshine, but no joy with the rope. I took a calculated risk to head off at 09:00 as I had been cutting since 07:30 and getting nowhere. When I lost the feeling in my hands due to the cold water I went into the galley and put them into a bowl of hot water then back out. Once I was moving the boat seemed to be running OK and as there was just the 2 Glascote locks on today’s schedule I continued on. I passed ‘Cedar’ a Braidbar boat at Hopwas and at Peels Wharf there was a C&RT boat loose on the canal. The locks were no problem this time as there was one coming down, and the boat ahead of me set them for me. At Alvercote I called in to the boatyard to ask about coming out of the water, trying hard to keep away from the dog poo all along the tow-path – they only have a dry dock and it costs £250. After a few questions it seemed the rope wasn’t causing other problems and will probably need a heat cutter to remove it, which they don’t have. So on I went just as it started to rain. I have moored opposite a sanitary station as I am meeting Martyn from Travelsat tomorrow for a demo of satellite dishes. I returned to the rope cutting and after about ten minutes it all came away! Just as well I didn’t spend the money. The rain has stopped and now we have sunshine, typical British weather.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Hademore, Birmingham & Fazeley – Wednesday 26 September 2012
Another meal on ‘Eleventh Heaven’ and as always good company. Up and ready at 09:00 with a brief stop to a pharmacy in the town, then onward. There are no locks for the first few miles (between Rugeley and Fradley) so it was just a steady chug along. At King’s Bromley Wharf I said goodbye as Chris and Les turned in. A mile further on I came to the first of the 3 Fradley locks before the turn onto the Coventry canal with a swing bridge, lots of gongoozlers (watchers) at the locks (it seemed to be a coach trip!) and the only problem was the middle lock where one of the top paddles had not closed properly, even though being wound down, so the boat was being washed back. Eventually I got it out to a cheer and went on. The swing bridge was opened for me by a couple of walkers then again just steady run on to here. The B&F was built along the proposed line of the Coventry canal the building of which had been delayed between 1768 (Act of Parliament) and 1799. The change is marked by a stone set into the tow-path and the fact that the bridges have names rather than numbers. Just before Whittington Bridge I passed “Banque a Barque” a Braidbar boat, we exchanged waves. I have managed to pick up some rope round the propeller that I had difficulty with and gave up at 18:00 after 2 hours of trying. Head down in the weed hatch gives me a headache – I will clear it in the morning.
Another meal on ‘Eleventh Heaven’ and as always good company. Up and ready at 09:00 with a brief stop to a pharmacy in the town, then onward. There are no locks for the first few miles (between Rugeley and Fradley) so it was just a steady chug along. At King’s Bromley Wharf I said goodbye as Chris and Les turned in. A mile further on I came to the first of the 3 Fradley locks before the turn onto the Coventry canal with a swing bridge, lots of gongoozlers (watchers) at the locks (it seemed to be a coach trip!) and the only problem was the middle lock where one of the top paddles had not closed properly, even though being wound down, so the boat was being washed back. Eventually I got it out to a cheer and went on. The swing bridge was opened for me by a couple of walkers then again just steady run on to here. The B&F was built along the proposed line of the Coventry canal the building of which had been delayed between 1768 (Act of Parliament) and 1799. The change is marked by a stone set into the tow-path and the fact that the bridges have names rather than numbers. Just before Whittington Bridge I passed “Banque a Barque” a Braidbar boat, we exchanged waves. I have managed to pick up some rope round the propeller that I had difficulty with and gave up at 18:00 after 2 hours of trying. Head down in the weed hatch gives me a headache – I will clear it in the morning.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Rugeley, Trent & Mersey – Tuesday 25 September 2012
Last night’s meal was excellent – chicken in cream and chives sauce followed by crumble and custard. I must learn to cook! We set out at 09:15, it was overcast but not raining. This stretch has the locks about 1 to 2 miles apart so it made for a pleasant run. The threatened rain started just before we got to Hoo Mill Lock at about 11:00 and then just kept on. We have moored just before the Brindley Bank aqueduct. Last night we discussed seeing kingfishers and I had said that I’d only seen one flying, then today there was one that as I approached flew on to a low level branch just a boat length away. It did that five times so now I know what they look like when perched, a lovely sight.
Last night’s meal was excellent – chicken in cream and chives sauce followed by crumble and custard. I must learn to cook! We set out at 09:15, it was overcast but not raining. This stretch has the locks about 1 to 2 miles apart so it made for a pleasant run. The threatened rain started just before we got to Hoo Mill Lock at about 11:00 and then just kept on. We have moored just before the Brindley Bank aqueduct. Last night we discussed seeing kingfishers and I had said that I’d only seen one flying, then today there was one that as I approached flew on to a low level branch just a boat length away. It did that five times so now I know what they look like when perched, a lovely sight.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Sandon, Trent & Mersey – Monday 24 September 2012
On Saturday at about 9 the hire boat in front of us moved to finish her run at the yard above the lock, so Les and I moved ‘Ice Breaker’ into the empty slot. Then I went off to have a look round town and do necessary shopping, not much but all essential. In the afternoon we changed places so that Chris and Les could get a decent TV signal – they were blocked by some trees and in the evening we went to the Olives, an Italian restaurant. The food was good, the service prompt and they had a live singer. At the next table were 12 females all dressed in 20’s ‘flapper’ style with feather boas (when they left the staff had to clear up what looked like the remains of a chicken fight from the number of feathers). We then went back to ‘Eleventh Heaven’ and watched how the song ‘Sing’ was made for the Queen’s Jubilee Concert.
Sunday Les and I went off to the Methodist Church in time for the published service but the building was closed. There was a notice giving details of another service in a school but we didn’t know where it was so we went to the local parish church instead. It should have been a family service as published but turned out to be a communion celebration. The church is very ‘high’ with the ringing of bells at different parts of the service. Afterwards we met Stephen and Jayne (Dolce far Niente) and all went to the Crown and Anchor pub for a Sunday Roast. Excellent food with large portions. The rest of the day was a ‘chill-out’ on our own boats.
Today we decided that we would try to get to Rugeley [6 locks, 13 miles] even though the forecast is for really bad weather, and as we both needed to fill water tanks started at 08:45 through Star Lock then onto the waterpoint. Once both boats filled we moved off in heavy rain with windy gusts. By 12:00 we had got to the Sandon lock [2 locks and 4 miles] and didn’t want to go further so we have moored and will continue tomorrow. Tonight I’ve been invited to a meal on ‘Eleventh Heaven’.
On Saturday at about 9 the hire boat in front of us moved to finish her run at the yard above the lock, so Les and I moved ‘Ice Breaker’ into the empty slot. Then I went off to have a look round town and do necessary shopping, not much but all essential. In the afternoon we changed places so that Chris and Les could get a decent TV signal – they were blocked by some trees and in the evening we went to the Olives, an Italian restaurant. The food was good, the service prompt and they had a live singer. At the next table were 12 females all dressed in 20’s ‘flapper’ style with feather boas (when they left the staff had to clear up what looked like the remains of a chicken fight from the number of feathers). We then went back to ‘Eleventh Heaven’ and watched how the song ‘Sing’ was made for the Queen’s Jubilee Concert.
Sunday Les and I went off to the Methodist Church in time for the published service but the building was closed. There was a notice giving details of another service in a school but we didn’t know where it was so we went to the local parish church instead. It should have been a family service as published but turned out to be a communion celebration. The church is very ‘high’ with the ringing of bells at different parts of the service. Afterwards we met Stephen and Jayne (Dolce far Niente) and all went to the Crown and Anchor pub for a Sunday Roast. Excellent food with large portions. The rest of the day was a ‘chill-out’ on our own boats.
Today we decided that we would try to get to Rugeley [6 locks, 13 miles] even though the forecast is for really bad weather, and as we both needed to fill water tanks started at 08:45 through Star Lock then onto the waterpoint. Once both boats filled we moved off in heavy rain with windy gusts. By 12:00 we had got to the Sandon lock [2 locks and 4 miles] and didn’t want to go further so we have moored and will continue tomorrow. Tonight I’ve been invited to a meal on ‘Eleventh Heaven’.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Stone, Trent & Mersey – Friday 21 September 2012
The meal last night was great with lots of humour, but we were still ready to go by 9, the agreed time. I had already rolled up the cratch covers and gone through the boat turning all the lights on, opening the side hatches and laying the roof lights out. I have six magnetic lights to go along the roof which gives me a sort of ‘landing light pattern’ so that I can see the shape in tunnels. Last bit was to turn off the main light switches at the back then when necessary I can flick all lights back on from the steerer’s position. After saying farewell to Bill and Eileen we had a quiet run to the junction with a final farewell over the radio and moored just before the entrance to Harecastle.
The Tunnel Keeper came to take boat details (registration, name, number of persons, any pets) and give briefing details in case of an emergency. We had a 30 minute wait as a boat was coming north (one way traffic) before the keeper phoned our details to the other end then we were off. I led then ‘Eleventh Heaven’ and at the back ‘Last Flight’. The headroom in the tunnel is quite low in places so you need to keep an eye out. Once through it was lights off and the roof lights collected and back inside.
Then it was on through a further 12 miles and 14 locks to Stone arriving at 7pm, of course all the mooring spots were taken but we managed to find space for one at Yard Lock, so I am breasted up for the night. Tomorrow we will watch for anyone moving and do a quick shuffle as there is a shopping trip planned.
The meal last night was great with lots of humour, but we were still ready to go by 9, the agreed time. I had already rolled up the cratch covers and gone through the boat turning all the lights on, opening the side hatches and laying the roof lights out. I have six magnetic lights to go along the roof which gives me a sort of ‘landing light pattern’ so that I can see the shape in tunnels. Last bit was to turn off the main light switches at the back then when necessary I can flick all lights back on from the steerer’s position. After saying farewell to Bill and Eileen we had a quiet run to the junction with a final farewell over the radio and moored just before the entrance to Harecastle.
The Tunnel Keeper came to take boat details (registration, name, number of persons, any pets) and give briefing details in case of an emergency. We had a 30 minute wait as a boat was coming north (one way traffic) before the keeper phoned our details to the other end then we were off. I led then ‘Eleventh Heaven’ and at the back ‘Last Flight’. The headroom in the tunnel is quite low in places so you need to keep an eye out. Once through it was lights off and the roof lights collected and back inside.
Then it was on through a further 12 miles and 14 locks to Stone arriving at 7pm, of course all the mooring spots were taken but we managed to find space for one at Yard Lock, so I am breasted up for the night. Tomorrow we will watch for anyone moving and do a quick shuffle as there is a shopping trip planned.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Red Bull, Macclesfield – Thursday 20 September 2012
After yesterday’s efforts today has been an uneventful run. We left at 09:15, covering nine miles and one lock (with a drop of 1 foot) and were all moored by 13:50. This is almost the junction with the Trent and Mersey Canal and Bill and Eileen turn left to Swanley while Chris, Les and I turn right to go through the Harecastle Tunnel so tonight there is an “end of cruise” meal on “Eleventh Heaven”. As we passed Ramsdell Hall we could see the Jodrell bank radio telescope dish against the horizon (it’s not always up) and at the stop lock when I started the propeller I hit a log that was underwater but fortunately no damage.
After yesterday’s efforts today has been an uneventful run. We left at 09:15, covering nine miles and one lock (with a drop of 1 foot) and were all moored by 13:50. This is almost the junction with the Trent and Mersey Canal and Bill and Eileen turn left to Swanley while Chris, Les and I turn right to go through the Harecastle Tunnel so tonight there is an “end of cruise” meal on “Eleventh Heaven”. As we passed Ramsdell Hall we could see the Jodrell bank radio telescope dish against the horizon (it’s not always up) and at the stop lock when I started the propeller I hit a log that was underwater but fortunately no damage.
Lord Vernon’s Wharf, Macclesfield - Tuesday 18 September 2012
I returned as agreed on Sunday and spent the afternoon sorting the boat ready for a return to London this week. Monday Bruce and Sheila (Sanity Again) headed off to the Peak Forest canal and as the paint shed was not required I remained inside giving Andy Russell’s poppies a good chance to dry before being rained on. Tuesday started with a shuffle; I came out of the shed and headed off to warm the engine ready for a service while “Starshine” went in for painting. Then back into the yard while the boat had an engine service (oil and filters) and the stern gland tightened, so mechanically she is ready for the trip. After lunch “Load of Hay” arrived and I moved out again while they came in and moored, then I came back in the centre and breasted up on them. “Segue” is also in the yard having a modification to her weed hatch. The travel plan is to leave at nine on Wednesday with “New Dawn” (Bill & Eileen) and “Eleventh Heaven” (Chris & Les) until they head off at different points on route. The invoice for work has been paid and farewells said in case Peter and Susan are busy.
Dane Aqueduct, Macclesfield – Wednesday 19 September 2012
“Eleventh Heaven” had to wait for some post so “New dawn” and “Ice Breaker” headed off at about 9am, with final farewells said. Of course it was raining and even my goretex was letting the rain through! Bill was OK as he had his umbrella up while steering. Eileen opened the first swing bridge (a manual one) and I took the opportunity to put on a long coat. At the Fools Nook swing bridge (electrically controlled with lights and drop down barriers) a guy in a Jag jumped the lights and was between the barriers as the bridge started to swing! Thanks to a quick response from Eileen he didn’t end up in the canal but could easily have done so. We were at the top of the Bosley flight (12 locks) at about 14:10 and through and moored up by 16:30 a good run. While a cup of tea was being enjoyed we heard the Chris and Les had left at 13:00 and were at the top of the locks so I walked back and assisted them through. I set the locks and opened the top gates, Les steered, Chris and I then closed the gates and opened the bottom paddles, then I went on to set the next while Chris opened the gates and dropped the paddles closing the gates after Les. We got quite good and had them down the flight and moored in 1 hour 17 minutes.
I returned as agreed on Sunday and spent the afternoon sorting the boat ready for a return to London this week. Monday Bruce and Sheila (Sanity Again) headed off to the Peak Forest canal and as the paint shed was not required I remained inside giving Andy Russell’s poppies a good chance to dry before being rained on. Tuesday started with a shuffle; I came out of the shed and headed off to warm the engine ready for a service while “Starshine” went in for painting. Then back into the yard while the boat had an engine service (oil and filters) and the stern gland tightened, so mechanically she is ready for the trip. After lunch “Load of Hay” arrived and I moved out again while they came in and moored, then I came back in the centre and breasted up on them. “Segue” is also in the yard having a modification to her weed hatch. The travel plan is to leave at nine on Wednesday with “New Dawn” (Bill & Eileen) and “Eleventh Heaven” (Chris & Les) until they head off at different points on route. The invoice for work has been paid and farewells said in case Peter and Susan are busy.
Dane Aqueduct, Macclesfield – Wednesday 19 September 2012
“Eleventh Heaven” had to wait for some post so “New dawn” and “Ice Breaker” headed off at about 9am, with final farewells said. Of course it was raining and even my goretex was letting the rain through! Bill was OK as he had his umbrella up while steering. Eileen opened the first swing bridge (a manual one) and I took the opportunity to put on a long coat. At the Fools Nook swing bridge (electrically controlled with lights and drop down barriers) a guy in a Jag jumped the lights and was between the barriers as the bridge started to swing! Thanks to a quick response from Eileen he didn’t end up in the canal but could easily have done so. We were at the top of the Bosley flight (12 locks) at about 14:10 and through and moored up by 16:30 a good run. While a cup of tea was being enjoyed we heard the Chris and Les had left at 13:00 and were at the top of the locks so I walked back and assisted them through. I set the locks and opened the top gates, Les steered, Chris and I then closed the gates and opened the bottom paddles, then I went on to set the next while Chris opened the gates and dropped the paddles closing the gates after Les. We got quite good and had them down the flight and moored in 1 hour 17 minutes.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Kendal, Lancaster - Saturday 15 September 2012
A couple of weeks report.
The Braidbar weekend went well with no problems about all the boats along the canal.
The yard was decorated with a couple of sets of naval signal flags, bunting and Braidbar signs. Then the tents were put up on the lawn ready for the visitors, the afternoon was spent setting up as much as we could and during the evening there was meal in the ‘Boar’s Head’ the local pub.
Saturday the visitors started at about ten and seemed to continue uninterrupted until about 5pm. The evening was spent with a charity auction run by Bill and Eileen (New Dawn) and a ‘bring a choice’ meal to which I took cheese and biscuits (cheese strings and a box of ‘Biscuits for Christmas Cheese’) getting in the festive spirit!! There was also a quiz set by Bruce & Sheila from ‘Sanity Again’.
Sunday the signs on the road had to come down along with the bunting over the bridge. Lunch was a proper Sunday Roast at the Boar’s Head with Bill and Eileen, Chris and Les (Eleventh Heaven) and Stephen and Jayne (Dolce). The evening was a Chinese take-away in the Tent with the owners who are still around.
Monday all the tentage was taken down cleaned, sorted, re-packed and put into the attic ready for next time. Lunch was a sandwich from the surplus from Saturday. This was on ‘Ice Breaker’ with the lunch crew from yesterday (we have also been meeting at the Trading Post for elevenses and afternoon tea – very civilised). Just afterwards James and Dougie from ‘Chance’ paid a surprise visit and we then went to ‘New Dawn’ for a chat
Tuesday Jules and Jess arrived to deliver mail and mentioned that the Westmorland County Show was on this week. A quick decision and as I am waiting for a piece to be delivered for the boat I went back with her to Kendal. There were dog walks, and shopping trips and keeping out of the way as the house is being re-decorated. The show was great, the rain held off for the morning and when it did start only lasted about an hour – long enough to get people into the tents to buy things! We had dinner in the Romneys, which is the rebuilt pub just nearby, dogs are allowed in which is always the main criteria and the owner even brought over a bowl of water in case Jess wanted a drink. The food was good, with decent sized portions.
I will be travelling back to Poynton on Sunday and I’ve had a call from Peter to tell me that the boat is in the shed having had her poppies (one on the gas-locker and one on the slide) re-painted as they had faded to a pink colour.
A couple of weeks report.
The Braidbar weekend went well with no problems about all the boats along the canal.
The yard was decorated with a couple of sets of naval signal flags, bunting and Braidbar signs. Then the tents were put up on the lawn ready for the visitors, the afternoon was spent setting up as much as we could and during the evening there was meal in the ‘Boar’s Head’ the local pub.
Saturday the visitors started at about ten and seemed to continue uninterrupted until about 5pm. The evening was spent with a charity auction run by Bill and Eileen (New Dawn) and a ‘bring a choice’ meal to which I took cheese and biscuits (cheese strings and a box of ‘Biscuits for Christmas Cheese’) getting in the festive spirit!! There was also a quiz set by Bruce & Sheila from ‘Sanity Again’.
Sunday the signs on the road had to come down along with the bunting over the bridge. Lunch was a proper Sunday Roast at the Boar’s Head with Bill and Eileen, Chris and Les (Eleventh Heaven) and Stephen and Jayne (Dolce). The evening was a Chinese take-away in the Tent with the owners who are still around.
Monday all the tentage was taken down cleaned, sorted, re-packed and put into the attic ready for next time. Lunch was a sandwich from the surplus from Saturday. This was on ‘Ice Breaker’ with the lunch crew from yesterday (we have also been meeting at the Trading Post for elevenses and afternoon tea – very civilised). Just afterwards James and Dougie from ‘Chance’ paid a surprise visit and we then went to ‘New Dawn’ for a chat
Tuesday Jules and Jess arrived to deliver mail and mentioned that the Westmorland County Show was on this week. A quick decision and as I am waiting for a piece to be delivered for the boat I went back with her to Kendal. There were dog walks, and shopping trips and keeping out of the way as the house is being re-decorated. The show was great, the rain held off for the morning and when it did start only lasted about an hour – long enough to get people into the tents to buy things! We had dinner in the Romneys, which is the rebuilt pub just nearby, dogs are allowed in which is always the main criteria and the owner even brought over a bowl of water in case Jess wanted a drink. The food was good, with decent sized portions.
I will be travelling back to Poynton on Sunday and I’ve had a call from Peter to tell me that the boat is in the shed having had her poppies (one on the gas-locker and one on the slide) re-painted as they had faded to a pink colour.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Lord Vernon’s Wharf, Macclesfield - Tuesday 4 September 2012
“New Dawn” (Bill & Eileen) and “Eleventh Heaven” (Chris & Les) are in the yard with two new shells and “Thomas Tallis” in the shed being finished, she is due out this week. There are other Braidbar boats around.
Friday I assisted Susan in the office preparing signs to go along the towing path and then started tidying inside the boat and washing the roof.
On Sunday it was a visit to the local church which is a very nice modern building with about 20 in the congregation. The layout made it seem like an informal meeting as there were chairs rather than pews, and there was no communion rail. Afterwards back to the boat and do the weekly maintenance jobs.
On the Monday the yard staff started on the things I’ve requested – boards for the saloon doors, boxes to go in the cratch and other minor bits. Bill and I put out the signs asking people not to moor between Thursday and Sunday. This is because the Braidbar open day is next Saturday (8th September). When “Sanity Again” (Bruce & Sheila) arrived I moved onto a mooring near the Trading Post, allowing them to take over where I had been. When settled they then moved “Just Siviting” and breasted up next to me ready to take another bit of the canal. Its all done with the best of intentions due to the number of boats expected – eleven.
Tuesday and I have finished washing the boat and because I needed to refuel I bow hauled “Ice Breaker” to the fuel point. “Just Siviting” was still breasted up so it amused the others as I pulled both boats along. Its now on with the polishing.
“New Dawn” (Bill & Eileen) and “Eleventh Heaven” (Chris & Les) are in the yard with two new shells and “Thomas Tallis” in the shed being finished, she is due out this week. There are other Braidbar boats around.
Friday I assisted Susan in the office preparing signs to go along the towing path and then started tidying inside the boat and washing the roof.
On Sunday it was a visit to the local church which is a very nice modern building with about 20 in the congregation. The layout made it seem like an informal meeting as there were chairs rather than pews, and there was no communion rail. Afterwards back to the boat and do the weekly maintenance jobs.
On the Monday the yard staff started on the things I’ve requested – boards for the saloon doors, boxes to go in the cratch and other minor bits. Bill and I put out the signs asking people not to moor between Thursday and Sunday. This is because the Braidbar open day is next Saturday (8th September). When “Sanity Again” (Bruce & Sheila) arrived I moved onto a mooring near the Trading Post, allowing them to take over where I had been. When settled they then moved “Just Siviting” and breasted up next to me ready to take another bit of the canal. Its all done with the best of intentions due to the number of boats expected – eleven.
Tuesday and I have finished washing the boat and because I needed to refuel I bow hauled “Ice Breaker” to the fuel point. “Just Siviting” was still breasted up so it amused the others as I pulled both boats along. Its now on with the polishing.
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