Winter draws on

We moved about half a mile up to bridge 100, another favourite mooring place for us. The forecast was for rain at about 1 o'clock and we wanted to stay somewhere nice. The captain managed to pick some more blackberries while I tidied up in the engine room.

Definitely not a good day for boating, although more boats passed us today than we've seen all week. 

Right on cue the rain came. All hatches shut tight, cover over the front and we snuggled up inside for the day. 

I managed to top up the stern gland greaser, check the weed hatch and even wash down the roof after the rain stopped. Could have easily set up a boat wash business if I'd taken up all the requests from passing boaters. 

When the temperature dropped to 16.6° we decided to light the fire. Alas, instead of smoke pouring out of the chimney, it started pouring out of the bottom of the stove. Fortunately (or unfortunately) this has happened before and I knew what it was - a blocked flue. Open the fire door, stick of wood, hand up the chimney, wiggle waggle and Bob's your uncle. Smoke now going the right way! Note to self - don't forget to clean it out before winter.