Paul was right for once.

As you are probably aware Paul and I have been having this slight disagreement about my camera which is a point and go Fujifilm digital which I have had for about 5 years. He reckons it is crap sorry rubbish and I say its fine. I must mention at this point that Paul in his earlier years had a pukka camera and every conceivable lens and other attachments all in a leather bag, so my little digital was a no no. Anyway I digress, just lately it has been a problem to turn the camera on, wasn't the batteries as they are re-chargeable and I kept changing them, after a few attempts it would turn on but by then the picture you wanted to take was in the distance. When you first get it to turn on and took a snap the picture would come out all blurred so you had to make sure you adjusted the zoom to get it in focus. Well this was okay for me as I remembered to do all this stuff but the other day when we were coming through Bascote locks Paul decided to take a photo of me working the locks and yes you've guessed it they came out all blurred (not that I mind as I hate having my photo taken) but I think the time has come for me to finally admit (and oh how it pains me to say it) PAUL WAS RIGHT that the camera was not operating correctly so I think we need to splash some cash and buy a new one. Just need to find a Curry's or a Jessop's.

We did leave the boat for a few hours today, walked to the centre in the rain along with about 50 Japanese tourists but hey we were tourists too. Had a look round a large antique shop well collectibles really and they had in there a nice pair of green Doc Martins and a purple pair as well at £40 each, ( no I don't want 2 pairs but a green pair would do as a back up seeing as my walking boots have started to disintegrate and my feet get wet when in rains. Paul saw a nice brass headlight that would do for the boat but he needs to do some measuring up first to see if he can make it fit. I want to go to the castle tomorrow so may pop back into the shop and treat myself.
It has really been a miserable day so not much has been achieved with regards to work on the boat but there are plenty of other days, don't think they forecast rain for tomorrow so hopefully we can get to the castle in the dry and I can take some nice pictures with my rubbish camera!!!!!

Saltisford Arm

Left bright and early, (well it was for me) we were on our way by 9am travelling again with nb Greyfisher, they had to stop for water so we carried on up to Bascote and THE STAIRCASE. We moored up so we could see what was ahead of us and to wait for Stephen and Julie to catch us up. We read the instructions and wondered what on earth we had got so stressed out about. While waiting a boat came up the locks and left just as the others joined us. Again it was Stephen and I doing the locks, then again its always me because I don't do any steering, too scared. Oh I know I should do it just in case I need to but I'll think about that at a later date. Along the way it was suggested that we moor in the Saltisford arm with Julie and Stephen as it is safe and near to the centre of Warwick. Plan was they would carry on to the arm as I had to get shopping at Tesco, they would then ring us to let us know if there was room. We were just approaching bridge 50 when we got the call and yes there was room so we are now settled in this lovely little oasis. We were welcomed by one of the volunteers with a booklet telling us about the history of the arm he also gave me a guide to Warwick so we will be off exploring ASAP supposed to rain tomorrow so we may only make it to the pub across the road.
Yet again it has been a lovely day and I got so warm I put on a T shirt, first time my arms have seen the light of day and we haven't lit the fire tonight is summer on its way I ask myself.

Shattered!!!!!!!!!!

Pulled the pins at 9.30 this morning at least the sun was shining not like yesterday. We knew it would be a long hard day but decided we would just take it easy. Had to top up with water at Calcutt which took a little while as we were so low. At least we were going down the locks so the boat didn't get knocked around by the water flow.

Just as we got to Stockton Top Lock a boat was coming out and another was waiting to go in so we were able to share with Stephen and Julie on nb Greyfisher. Stephen and I did the hard work while the other two sat on the back of the boats chatting. Had a good routine going so it took us 2 hours to get through. You could see the original narrow locks alongside the double ones.

We went past The Two Boats and were able to moor up just past bridge 25, room for us both as only one boat here. Decided that we would stay put as I was too shattered to go any further seems that Stephen was of the same opinion. Paul and I thought we deserved a pub lunch and a nice drink, so once I had walked the dogs we went to the Two Boats and had a light snack which turned out to be substantial enough for me to only have to make a sandwich for tea.

Walked into Long Itchlington to find the Co-Op, this is a lovely village with some fine old houses and quite a variety of pubs for such a small place, pity we are on our way tomorrow or else we would have tried out each pub to find our favorite, still we may come back this way who knows. (of course I didn't take my camera with me to snap the old houses). Got a few supplies milk, bread, chocolate(for Paul) and a bottle of wine (for me).

By 5pm all the moorings were taken up will be interesting in the morning to see if is anyone still here when we set off, have Bascote locks to do and our first staircase, should be interesting. This is a nice spot for the dogs too as the tow path isn't muddy. Boat behind us has two cats so had better keep Crystal out of the way or else she will be itching to get at them.

Like this cottage at Itchington bottom lock.

what has happened to the weather?

View from the kitchen window.

Where did the weekend go? To say we (well Paul) have been busy is an understatement. Friday saw us dismantling the cratch ready for its overhaul. Beading was removed (much swearing) new was cut to size and a coat of red oxide applied. More swearing when it was discovered that the glass had been held in place by "No Nails" so couldn't be removed, and yet more swearing when paint work was rubbed down and Paul found no undercoat had been used when cratch was first painted. All I can say is it was a good job we didn't have any neighbours as not only was the sky blue but the air was blue too. Saturday I scrubbed the cover and boy did it need a good scrubbing, Paul was on the back painting away happy as Larry, cratch was then put on the tow path to dry off in the lovely sunshine and cool breeze. Break for qualifying of GP then out for another coat of paint. While Paul was doing all this I did a bit of dusting removing my books all three shelves of them to discover so much fluff and dog hair I was very ashamed. Shelves were dusted books returned must do that job more often. All of a sudden there was a lot more swearing when Paul discovered the newly painted cratch fronts had blown over in the wind and now had bits stuck to them, I shut myself in the bathroom couldn't let him see me laughing could I. After his temper had cooled Paul sanded it all down and then had a stiff drink and refused to do any more until the next morning.

Sunday was another lovely day, Paul up at 6.30 to watch MOTOGP good old Valentino, and he had a different plan, to paint one side leave it to dry then turn it over and the process repeated, this was going okay until the gardeners came along with two mowers and a strimmer blowing grass and bits everywhere. Good job we heard them in the distance and were able to get the fronts onto the back of the boat. Everything back on the tow path and bugger me if one of the mowers did a return journey so there we were again rushing to put everything on the boat. We waited five minutes to make sure it was safe and back on the tow path it all went. Of course there was a break at midday to watch the GP good old Jenson yet again.

While the cratch was off it seemed a good idea to rub down and re-paint the metal work where the cratch sits (don't ask me what the correct name is I'm a woman). Armed with a few sheets of sand paper and expecting an easy job Paul found that this part of the boat had been painted with a roller the primer was no thicker than a fag paper and no undercoat at all, so after a couple of minutes of rubbing down, the bare metal was exposed and nice and shiny it was too. Out with the red oxide 2 coats then the undercoat 2 coats and finally the top coat 2 coats, why is it that the original job that should have been so simple ended up being a long drawn out saga, lucky the weather was in our favour.

Just like a few other places, at this mooring I can only get internet reception while sitting in the cratch, now I don't have a problem with this but while the cover was off and it is brilliant sunshine I was having a bit of a problem seeing the screen hence me not writing this for a few days. Sunday evening frame was put back together again, cover was left off to allow paint to really harden off

This morning the promised rain arrived so our plan to move was hit on the head when there is no need to get wet why bother, cover was put on so now it is nice and dry and I can get my blog up to date. As I write this at 3pm the sun has just burst through too late for us though, Paul is watching a cowboy first one in ages. Maybe tomorrow we will set off, I need to get to a shop milk is getting dangerously low (thank heavens for UHT) and only a crust in the bread bin.

Contented Souls went past one of many who braved the weather. Perhaps we can catch up some other time Jill and Graham. Obviously you are a lot hardier than us.

Nearly at Napton Junction.

We went out for our Chinese last night with John and Paula and very nice it was too only problem was too much food so couldn't eat it all.

Left Braunston this morning around 10 for a nice leisurely cruise in the sunshine didn't plan to go too far just somewhere quiet with a decent bit of armco so Paul can sort out this cratch. A bit of boat traffic but not too much.

I had previously marked in my Nicholsons a nice spot Napton side of bridge 108 you can imagine our amusement on approaching the bridge seeing Stop/Go boards and a sign saying "work in progress on bridge please sound horn to alert workmen" so we did just this, sounded horn waited for "stop" to change to "go" then proceeded under bridge slowly so as not to knock workmen from their barge.


Moored up on a nice stretch just after bridge 108 ideal spot for Paul to get stuck into the cratch in the morning. He has already investigated the beading swore a lot then got out various tools to try and remove some of said beading. This is not going to be a straight forward job think I will busy myself with dusting and hoovering to keep out of the way. Saying that I have been earmarked for giving the cratch cover a good scrub don't think the resident spiders will be too impressed with that.
Only down side on this spot is the busy A425 which is opposite us but we can live with that, will stay here till Monday then its onwards and upwards.

Will it last?

What lovely weather we have had for the past couple of days, I travelled back from Kent in too many layers so by the time I got back to the boat was overheating some what. Dave delivered the oil Saturday so that job is a priority. We plan to leave here on Thursday find a nice quiet mooring for the weekend then up towards Warwick Monday, we are looking forward to this as we haven't been this way before so all new territory.
Caught the bus this morning to Daventry so Paul could go into Homebase as we need to replace the beading on the front of the cratch (which should have been on the inside but isn't so now is rotten!!!!) got a few funny looks when we got on the bus with 3, 3meter lengths of wood. As we had just missed the bus and had to wait an hour for the next one Paul treated me to lunch, a chicken sandwich from Tesco in the bus shelter, oh what a romantic he is, he certainly knows how to treat a girl!
We have been able to move back onto the nice mooring as that was vacated while we were in Daventry is nice to be able to get off the boat with out using the plank and not be on the tilt. We have arranged with John and Paula on Taurean to go for a Chinese one night in the Wheatsheaf looking forward to that as I haven't had a Chinese for ages.
Quite a bit of traffic here still but not so many hire boats as the kids are back at school. Was nice to see the grandchildren again and be able to do a spot of babysitting. On Monday morning I asked Tom would he like some breakfast before going to school and he said his mummy would get it as (to put it in his words) "you are a little old lady nanny" Emily told him off saying that wasn't a nice thing to say, his reply was "she's old and shes a lady" thanks for that Tom as they say "out of the mouths of babes". There was me thinking I looked good for my age!!!!!!!!!

At Last

Saturday night and at the moment I'm doing what all nanny's like to do and that is baby sitting their grandchildren. At long last every thing is okay at the doctors and I now have a repeat prescription so no more enforced trips back here. Don't get me wrong it is lovely to have seen the family regulary but at least now we don't have to be near a train station every month. The kids have been very good and I have just been summoned to read a story so I had better keep this short. Paul has caught up with John and Paula on nb Taurean at Braunston so he has had a breakfast partner and has been invited for a cuppa in the morning (after the Grand Prix of course).I have a busy day with my best friend being picked up and then going for breakfast in the local greasy spoon, Jess has decided on a leg of Lamb for our dinner so I am going to be well and truly stuffed by the end of the day. Well must dash I have one impatient grandson at my elbow. TTFN

nice surprise

BSC man came this morning and gave us our certificate, so that's it for a few years. We had just left the boat with our trolley heading for the bus stop when who did we spy coming down the tow path towards us, none other than Rita and Graham our friends from nb Sorted. We weren't expecting to see them for a while as we knew they had gone away in their camper van so it was a nice surprise. We all got the bus chin wagging all the way as we had a lot to catch up on.
Earlier this morning I went on line to reserve a new digi box from Argos. Paul had just about had enough of the old one (well 18mths old). The icing on the cake was when Paul went to watch a film he had recorded and everything had been wiped and it wouldn't record anything new. Now this box has given us hassle from the day we got it, we originally got it for Top Up TV but after realising that all was not what it seemed we scrapped the Top Up subscription. This Box was a Thompson and it really did have a mind of its own, we had even got in touch with the manufacturers on various occasions and we were fobbed off each time. So now we are the proud owners of a Sagem box and the picture is sharper the box is 12v, plus it is easier to use so lets hope this one lasts a bit longer than the last one.
Nb's Derwent 6 and No Problem went passed this afternoon, still quite busy here at least it turned out to be a nice day.
I walked to the shop by the bottom lock to take back books and get some new ones now have 3 books to read. Off to Jess's at lunch time tomorrow.

Braunston

Left Hillmorton around 10 was a lovely day for cruising and lots of others thought the same, luckily for us they were all going the opposite way. As we came under bridge 89 we could see that all the moorings here were full, we passed narrowboat Ellen with John and Angela on board. Stopped for water etc while Paul was doing the necessary I nipped through Midland Chandlers car park and over the bridge onto the tow path so I could do a reccy with regards to moorings on the puddlebanks. Needless to say the only level mooring was taken and opposite the pub as fast as a mooring came free a boat went into it. So we turned onto the Oxford and moored up behind the boat on the only decent mooring. Had to get the plank out but at least we are settled for the weekend.
After lunch walked back to speak to John and Angela, although we were moored together at Weedon we were going in different directions so it was nice this time to have a nice long chat. Hopefully we can share a bottle of wine one evening soon. Is still very busy but that is to be expected I suppose as the kids are still on holiday, have noticed a substantial drop in the water level must be all the lock usage over the past few days. If the storm arrives as promised tonight hopefully the level will be topped up.
Arranged for the examiner to call in the morning then its on the bus to Daventry must make sure Paul has easy food for the weekend.

Lovely day at last

What a change in the weather, Paul has managed to rub down the canal side cheek of the boat to paint out the diamonds that were very battle scarred. ( he did the tow path side the other day) he got the undercoat on and a top coat so now the sides don't look odd. Cant do the gunnels on this side until we get to the top of the Hatton Flight and the tow path changes.
Wandered down to see if the oil had been delivered and no it hadn't, expected tomorrow so if it hasn't turned up by the time we leave Dave will deliver it to us at Braunston. Paul needs jobs to do while I am in Kent. Sat and had a coffee and watched the fun and games by the bottom lock, it was absolute chaos, the boats we queuing as far as the eye could see below the lock. A day boat went through, the kids were jumping off of the roof of the boat on to the lock side, you know what it is like you sit there holding your breath just waiting for the little darlings to fall in more by luck than judgement they didn't. Moving off tomorrow just hope there is a space for us at Braunston.
If you are reading this Steve (in Spain) hope you started from the begining of the blog.

Happy Easter

Well Happy Easter to all you bloggers and Happy Birthday Jess, my baby is 35 today. What awful weather we are having here at Hilmorton but that hasn't deterred the hire-boaters. Luckily we haven't had any more mishaps. Our friends Don and Judy have now continued on their way up to Long Itchington. We had a nice meal with them Friday evening at The Royal Oak it is a Hungry Horse so the menu was very reasonable, only downside for Paul was no real ale. Who ever heard of a Greene King pub not selling IPA on pump. We anticipated a nice relaxed evening but as we finished our main course 2 guys set up a disco, did a sound check which was far too loud so that was our cue to leave along with quite a few others. I was looking forward to a pudding as well. Must be something to do with our age and sensitive ears saying that, the way Paul has the volume up on the Grand Prix you would think he could suffer a disco/karaoke. Managed to off load some spuds on Judy only 3/4 of a sack to go. Paul was hoping to be able to get on with the painting but no hope of that today, I believe the sun is supposed to be out tomorrow so he might be able to fit it in round the MOTOGP.
Looks like another day confined to the boat the tow path is very muddy so there is no pleasure in even taking the dogs for a long walk, they are having to make do with dodging the showers for short walks, there are more boots on the back than on the boat, thank heaven for our canopy, best money we have spent.
In case you were wondering I didn't get one Easter egg how sad is that.

Good deed for the day

Just sitting here on the laptop as a hire boat from The Ashby was going past when all of a sudden I saw the life ring go flying through the air. Quick look out of the window to see a lady in the water. Paul ran through the boat and was out on the gunnel helping her to the back of our boat and then very unceremoniously hauled her out of the canal. Her husband meanwhile was struggling to get the boat in, so I was left in charge of the sodden lady while Paul helped tie the boat up. What had made things worse was the amount of clothing the lady was wearing with it being cold and wet she had fleece, jeans and wetties on which hampered her movements. Anyway at least she was safe with no injuries, it turned out she had been walking the gunnel to get the centre rope ready and had slipped, fast thinking by her husband had got the ring in the water straight away. Her two young daughters were a bit shaken but none the worse for seeing their mother go over the side. Lady had been boating for 11 years so it just goes to show how easy it is to misjudge footing, she was so lucky not to hit her head. We advised her to get into the shower to warm up and Paul offered to rub her down with a wet newspaper but she kindly declined his offer!!!!! Who can blame her. Don't want anymore drama's thank you very much.

Failures fixed

Well Paul has been a busy bee this morning getting the things sorted that were marked down as failures. Hopefully now when we are re-inspected we will get our certificate. As usual with it being a Bank holiday the weather is awful here, hire boaters are having to travel in the rain to get back to their marinas. They do give sunshine for Sunday so that's something to look forward to I suppose. Ive had my Hot Cross Bun this morning and will probably have another one later. Apple pie turned out nice but as we ate late it was left until today, but hang on a minute we are going out for a meal tonight so just when are we going to eat this thing!!!!!.

Oh deary me!!!!!!!!!

What a horrible day it has turned out to be, not only wet and windy but Piston Broke failed, yes, failed her BSC. on three items. To say Paul is a trifle p****d off is an understatement. The failures aren't anything major but things that have been in situ since the boat was launched and weren't picked up on it's launch inspection. These failures are things that you can't blame the inspector for but the legislation. It is a bit like hanging a picture on the wall with a 30mm rawlbolt.
However Paul will have these piddling little things rectified by tomorrow, and the retest has been booked for next week.
Fire is alight already, didn't light it till 7 last night. I am going to go mad and make an apple pie. Need to feed Paul up and get him out of his depressed state. (may even have custard with the pie).
Still no oil but Dave said he will drop it off to us at Braunston if it hasn't turned up by Tuesday. Thanks Dave that's customer service for you.

One job down!!!!

After a very windy and wet night today dawned bright and sunny although still a bit on the breezy side. While I nipped out to post Easter cards Paul set to rubbing down the side of the boat ready to paint out all the battle scars. When I returned I was given a bottle of white spirit and a cloth my job was to wipe over the sanded down areas to remove dust etc following after Paul. By 1.30 worse bits were undercoated we stopped for lunch then it was back outside, I had to hold off the boat from the tow path so Paul could get the topcoat onto the difficult bits without having his hands crushed by the boat. Every 10 minutes or so a boat would go by, my arms were killing me by the time the job was finished.
I had just sat down when I heard a voice shout "there's Piston Broke" whose that I asked Paul I don't know he replied but they obviously know us, it turned out to be Chris and Derek on nb Josh who we met here last spring. Had a nice long chat catching up on one anothers news, they are off to the Ashby for a couple of weeks. BSC man is due in the morning so will have to make sure I take the dogs out while he is here.
Have also heard from Judy and Don on nb Ankorah who we spent 3 weeks with last June stuck on red boards at Abingdon, have arranged to meet up Good Friday will be nice to see them again.

Hillmorton

Left Rugby around 10 quick turn round then back on our way. Called into Clifton Cruisers for diesel and declared 20/80. Filled up with water at the bottom lock pressure hasn't increased at all so it took forever to top up the tank.
So here we are back by bridge 72 at Hillmorton ( if you are reading this Eric two L's okay). Moorings between this bridge and the lock were full and on this stretch there are 3 boats so it looks like people are finding a safe haven for the Easter holidays. Have my appointment at the doctors for 17th must ring Jess and tell I'm coming down.

While we are here Paul hopes to get some painting done, the boat is just high enough to be painted up to the gunnells weather permitting of course. Have to get our oil so that can be changed and of course the BSS man is coming on Thursday (we hope). One of the guys at the yard got me a sack of potatoes so we have to find a home for them (why I got a whole sack I don't know so if any one is passing and wants a few spuds just knock).
Wind has a bite today and it was a bit of a struggle coming into moor luckily blacking is still shiny, I'm sure you will hear the screams when the first scrape occurs.
Well casserole is on the menu tonight so had better shift myself and get it prepared and in the oven, don't want the old fella passing out through hunger. Oh yes when I paid for my shopping yesterday guess what I found in my purse MY BUS PASS. Now I swear that it hasn't been there since I thought I had lost it, how spooky is that. Do we have a phantom bus pass nicker I ask myself. Pauls comment was, if I went into my purse more often I might have found it earlier, would I expect anything less from him. Of course not.

Rugby

Last evening around 4pm Dave told us he was going to let us out of the dry dock while he was able to shift his hire boats around. He had 2 boats out on the canal due for blacking and 3 hire boats due back this morning so it was going to be a bit hectic moving out with all this going on so dry dock was flooded and Paul reversed very gingerly out (didn't want to scratch that new paint) I had hopped over the bridge to set the lock luckily the boat that was in it was one of those going in for blacking so he stayed in the lock until Paul had straightened himself out. Then we just went through the lock and moored up at the first available spot. Must thank Dave and his wife for their hospitality during the dry docking. The crew did a great job.
This morning we continued on our way to Rugby for a tesco shop and dog food. Managed to moor opposite the park, as we arrived boats in front and behind us continued on their way. When we came back from Tesco a chap on the park side started giving us a bit of verbal saying we had moored inconsiderately. Paul very politely told him that when we had moored there were boats either side he just shrugged his shoulders and muttered. I think he expected us to move up so he could get in, he eventually jumped in a spot a few boats up that had been vacated.
Our intention was just to stop here for shopping then move on back up to Hilmorton but it became decidedly overcast so we thought sod it lets stay put for the night. Trouble is the boats are just whizzing through at a rate of knots with no regard for the moored boats, so it looks like it will be an early start. Have to call into Clifton Cruisers for diesel on the way.
Opposite us on the park are a couple we met at Uxbridge on nb Headline. Had a nice long chat with them as they headed off for Rugby, transpired that they lived in the next village to me in Surrey, small world eh!!!
Boat inspector is coming Thursday so will have to be at bridge 72 for then. Its got a bit chilly so it must be time to light the fire, must resist the temptation to pop into Next.

Nearly done.

Yesterday I had my hair cut and very nice it looks too and it cost £8, how much, I hear you cry how can you afford so much. Well I made Paul cut down on his fags for a day or two that's how.

Right then at my shoulder is the man himself so we are now going to go into the realms of "The Blacking" here goes.

We got the call from Dave Thursday afternoon to say we could come in early due to a cancellation. So it was up pins and we made our way down 2 locks to the wharf and the dry dock. Paul was on his own as I was in charge of that darn camera that never works for Paul, to record the events as they unfolded.






Here he is coming into the entrance of the wharf which had been cleared of boats for our arrival. Paul was taking it very slowly and in a couple of minutes he was at the dry dock entrance using power on tick over and the dock crew on ropes it all went very smoothly and Paul didn't hit anything going into the narrow entrance.

















Once the boat had been manoeuvred into place over the resting trestles the lock was shut and the dock drained of water. After half an hour she was resting on the trestles


Once all the water had gone Paul was checking the boat over and luckily found no damage below the water line apart from a few burrs on the prop.

Within 15 minutes of the dock being emptied the pressure steam cleaner was fired up and the hull was being washed down. The steam cleaner appeared to take everything off to leave a reasonable surface for re-blacking. The first coat wasn't being put on until Friday giving the hull time to completely dry. However there were a couple of other jobs to do. There was Paul down in the dock file in hand dressing the prop taking it back to its original cutting edge, meanwhile Dave was giving his expert attention to the worn out rudder stock bearing which was to be replaced.
















Friday morning the guys had an early start at 8am arriving with a large tin of black stuff, they had already started by the time Paul had had his cup of tea and first fag of the day. He was impressed that the bitumen was going on with a 6inch brush and not a roller, as using a brush gets the bitumen in all the nooks and crannies and puts on a thicker coat. Within two hours first coat was finished and that included the inside of the weed hatch so that was it for the day. Paul had discussions with Dave regarding the anodes and agreed to fit two extra ones to the bows as these had deteriorated more than the stern anodes which should be okay for a another few years. Paul used the drying time to clean all the fenders with white spirit and make good the lashings.





Himself then decided as it was a sunny afternoon that the red paint on the stern water line needed to be re coated as it had gone chalky, so without ado it was rubbed down and during the afternoon two coats applied returning it to its former glory.






The new 240v belt that was on order arrived and Dave brought it over as promised. Job for the morning.



Its now Saturday afternoon, first priority this morning was qualifying for the Grand Prix and while Paul was watching that the second coat of bitumen was applied

After qualifying (good old Jenson) sleeves were rolled up and Paul disappeared into the engine bay to tackle the changing of the belt which is a pain in the a***e as to remove the generator belt the domestic battery alternator belt has to come off as well to gain access. The job was done with in about an hour, while in the engine bay Paul found out what the rattle was that has been driving him mad for months (hopefully). As Paul had adjusted the belts 2 months ago and they were okay at the time he was curious as to why this belt started to disintegrate, obviously something had started it off and as the ribs ejected themselves the belt had started to slip causing more heat than necessary. But he has found it hard to find the original failure (could it have been my haidryer?) so now he will have to keep a close eye on it to see if the problem re-occurs. At £17 a time we hope not.




On a final check over of the hull Paul found the washing machine outlet partially blocked with an unknown foreign body I was told to empty the magic corner (note told not instructed) so himself could remove the fittings from inside. After much swearing again!!!!!!!!!!! it transpired that who ever had fitted the plastic drainage to the bronze skin fitting had lost the rubber O ring and decided to fill the joint with a tube of silicone, hence during its drying time it had virtually blocked the pipe, presumably the washing machine was given a test and they probably found that the water outlet overflowed, therefore a screwdriver or some other obnoxious implement was pierced through the silicone so that the outlet water flow was restricted (what a bodge up). Pipe work now all cleaned up new seal made so now there is full flow. Just the anodes to be fitted and the BSC inspector to arrive, hopefully out of here and on our way Monday. Kettles on I need Tea!!!!!!

Blacking

As I write this we are in the dry dock at Hilmorton. Dave rang this morning to say there had been a cancellation and we could come in straight away. We had just returned from Rugby which was a bit of luck. So now we have been jet washed.
Paul has taken photos which I will post soon. I have made an appointment at the hairdressers for tomorrow so both the boat and I will be looking all spruced up. Will keep this short as I'm sure Paul will be dictating the ins and outs of a pelican bum regarding everything that has been done. Understand we are here until Monday feels really weird not to be floating.
Watch this space for the next riveting installment in the blacking of Piston Broke.

Reccy done!

Last night as we were walking the dogs we met Iain and Alison on Gosty Hill, we needed coal so asked if they would be coming past us. Iain told us they had a few deliveries to make before the bridge and if possible would call on the way through if not it would be in the morning. As it turned out it was this morning that they came through, they had moored up just after the bridge and still had a few deliveries of coal to do first thing. Paul walked down and Alison bought 4 bags of Stoveglow back in the wheelbarrow. Iain still had to stop as Paul had kept Alison talking. Had a nice chat with them both about diesel splits and the fact that duty went up on fuel today by 2p a litre, thanks Mr Chancellor.

We walked to the yard for oil (awaiting delivery) new 240v generator belt (Dave picking one up today) and filter (in stock). Paul cant fathom out why the belt that's on at the moment has degraded as he only put it on in July 08. Until he replaces it he cant find out the why's and wherefores. (Perhaps its the hairdryer usage that has caused this problem? Need I say that this is a Paul comment) While there we confirmed our blacking slot and maybe we will be able to get in sooner as Dave has had a cancellation. As usual when around boats and engines Paul got into conversation about the style of new boat he would like and it just so happened there is a new tug style being completed in the yard, so we were taken aboard for a look see. It was a very nice boat but I'm not too sure if I would like sleeping under the fore deck and I know Paul would get up in the night and hit his head. Dave showed Paul the electrical installation and Paul's comment was "someone has got it right at last" well knock me down with a feather Paul paid a compliment.
After lunch I set off to find the bus stop, didn't have to go too far as I found a lady waiting for a bus at a stop opposite the Indian and the buses are every 15 mins so not too long to wait if you just miss one. Looks like a trip is on the cards soon. Also in this parade of shops is a new hairdressers so I am going to make an appointment for a much needed haircut. My fringe is more like a curtain (Paul says at least it covers my face) and my attempts of trimming it were a bit of a disaster. Walked up to the main road forgot there was a vets there as our dogs need a Kennel cough jab so may sort that out as well. Also noticed a pub that does Sunday lunch for £4.95 will have to check if you have to book. If my memory serves me right I'm sure I came across an Aldi just outside the village should pass it on the bus when we go to Rugby although the Co-op is well stocked.
Has been yet another lovely day, boat has had a good blow through and the solar panel is in overdrive.