On arrival, one of the first things to do was light the
fire. Having said that, it was OK in the sunshine but we knew that when the sun
went down it would be getting colder. So, out with the coal, kindling and
firelighters, empty out the ash can, put the chimney on top, clear the chimney
inside and away we go. Soon the radiators were warming up and the Ecofan was
beginning to do its job.
Here’s the fan in operation – you can’t see the blades
because they are whizzing round. I’m not sure how the fan works but there is a
motor in the centre and somehow an electric current is created when the bottom
of the fan gets hotter than the fins on the top. The fan then directs warm air
down and along the boat. Without the fan, all that would happen is that the
ceiling would get very hot and the floor would stay very cold.
Sunday morning saw us lazing away the morning. We had intended
going to church but a late start set us back more than intended. The marina
looked good in the early morning sunlight but by the time I had taken photos it
had clouded over a bit.
As always after the winter period we set to cleaning up
inside. In the galley we are trying out a Breville sandwich maker. We used one
on our holiday in Australia and thought it might be a good idea on the boat.
You can toast bread, crumpets, sandwiches, focaccia, etc. I believe you can
also cook steaks and chicken on it. The plus side for us is that it will take
four slices of bread for toast at breakfast. We’ll see how we get on with it.
Around lunch time we needed to get off of the boat for a
while so we walked into Bugbrooke past the church and into The Five Bells.
We
had intended having a light snack but they only had a set Sunday lunch menu.
Brigid had the fish.
And I had the pork.
The pint of Hobgoblin went down a
treat as well.
Back to the boat and a snooze to while away the afternoon.
Monday saw us driving up to Braunston and Midland Chandlers
where we bought a new chimney and liner, replacement glass and door rope for
the stove and some stove black. All the usual kit to make sure that the fire is
safe and operating correctly. Unfortunately at the end of last season the fire
glass cracked at one side from top to bottom and needs replacing as soon as
possible.
Then off to Towcester to stock up with provisions. When we
had finished shopping we weren’t too sure how it would all stack away in the
cupboards but, away it all went – not that we’ll be able to find it again when
we want it!
For lunch we tried out the toaster and had toasted bread
slices filled with ham and cheese. Not bad!
Tuesday was a serious work day. We got up early and I set to
work on the engine while Brigid set to work on the inside of the boat and the
cupboards. With six months travelling we need essentials in the drawers and
cupboards and not the hundred and one notebooks that we keep in there ‘just in
case’!
With the engine service I have to empty the engine room of
all the clutter. Clutter being the term for all useful stuff such as fenders,
mooring chains, oil, grease, mooring ropes, gloves, tool box, etc. Then the
protective engine guard has to come off, floorboards have to be lifted, the old
oil drained off, air filter cleaned, tappets adjusted, new oil added, batteries
checked, grease reservoir topped up – what else? Oh yes, coffee to be consumed
frequently. After that, fingers crossed that the engine starts again – and it
does – that calls for yet another cup of coffee!
Meanwhile, in the cabin, brasswork has been cleaned,
cupboards polished, books sorted, drawers emptied – a very productive day.
Wednesday was even more serious work day! I set to with the
flooring in the bedroom. Some of you will know that several years ago (6) we
purchased some oak laminate flooring from B&Q at a knockdown price. This
was because all the boxes were damaged and there was the possibility that the
boards would be damaged too – haven’t found one yet! Anyway, I have been slowly
working my way through the boat, starting at the front and working backwards. (I
think that’s the story of my life, working backwards.) Well, today I floored
the bedroom! But, was it a fiddle. One problem is that the rear of the cabin
tapers inward following the swim of the boat. Another is that cupboard doors
get in the way and need taking off. Something like 30 screws each side in what
are called piano hinges. Also, at the foot of the bed it is only 15½ inches
wide. And, the floor is not level! Poor Brigid was kept busy making cups of
coffee when I needed to walk round and stretch every 15 minutes or so. But it
is now done and finished. Whilst that was going on, Brigid Spring cleaned the
galley and reached the places that other cleaners don’t always reach. We both
slept well after that!
Thursday – at last – we’re on the water again. It was a
lovely morning so we topped up the water tank, refreshed the loo, tied on
mooring ropes and set off for Stoke Bruerne. We made good time and arrived just
before it started spitting with rain.
I tried to get Brigid out for supper but
she insisted that she wanted to cook the pork steaks that we had in the fridge.
So, for supper, I cooked pork steaks with potatoes and cabbage – not bad, even
if I say so myself.
Friday and we set off through the locks at Stoke Bruerne.
The top lock was OK but the second one was overflowing like Niagara Falls. We
were intending to head on further through another five locks but it clouded
over and got chilly, so we decided to stick to our original plan which was to
turn round, come back and stay at Stoke Bruerne another night and visit the
Indian restaurant in the evening. No argument from me on that idea. So here we
are moored below no. 2 lock waiting for the sun to come out again.
This has
given me time to sort out the MiFi, charge the batteries and have a chat with
the bed people to find out when delivery would be. Apparently they have been
waiting a delivery of the material for the mattress protector but that is now
in and delivery should be Wednesday or Thursday next week. After that we can
set off North toward the wilds of Birmingham and Coventry.
Saturday and Brigid didn’t feel at all well. We could say
that it was something she ate but it seems to be a bit more than that. I
decided that if possible I would set off back to Bugbrooke – better to be
somewhere with a car than stuck miles away from anywhere. Fortunately, a boat
moored behind us was about to set off and they were happy to take me through
the locks with them. By lunchtime we had reached Gayton Junction with Brigid
having slept the morning away down below. After that, off we went on again and
arrived at Bugbrooke late afternoon after a journey of rain and sun and rain
and sun!
Sunday saw us spending most of the day with Harvey and
Helen, Brigid’s brother and his wife. We shared worship with them in the
morning, had lunch at The Griffin and then back to their place for the
afternoon. Another tradition then appearing as Harvey and I then sang our way
through the Flanders and Swann songbook. Songs included were ‘Mud, mud,
glorious mud,’ ‘The Warthog’ and ‘The Slow Train.’ Slightly wobbly moment in the
afternoon when we had to follow the Leicester City English Premiere League match
to see if they won or not. Almost tears in the room when they only managed a
draw. But, the dream is still alive.
Bank holiday Monday saw us popping in to Northampton to the
museum to see the original drawings for ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and ‘Alice
through the looking glass.’ Wonderful.
Back to the boat, settle down in front
of the fire and roast chicken for supper.
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