tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59463256881349438232024-02-07T03:10:54.774+00:00Narrowboat EllisIn MY mind, this is a record of the pre-build, build and (hopefully) life aboard the good ship 'Ellis' (yes I know - she's a boat not a ship!)
For More information about Narrowboat live-aboard hotel experiences, please visit the website: narrowboatellis.comQuaysiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372015225898397642noreply@blogger.comBlogger439125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5946325688134943823.post-22861607713645993602022-06-28T11:48:00.003+01:002022-06-28T11:48:50.487+01:00A Long Gap<p> Yes I know - it's been AGES.</p><p><br /></p><p>Why? - well to be honest, I've just not felt like it... when life throws curve ball after curve ball at you, sometimes it's best to keep things to yourself and 'man up' ... I know that's not a popular phrase these days but life isn't all a bunch of roses is it?</p><p>Nope!</p><p>I'm not gonna give any explanations for my absence other than to say I just didn't want to do it - and there are enough things in life you HAVE to do that you don't WANT to do as it is, so when you HAVE control over something, it makes sense to utlise that power.</p><p>I know, I know - I'm talking in riddles.</p><p>ANYWAYS - here we are into the boating season with strange weather (and on occasion even stranger guests lol)... most so far have been lovely (guests that is) - the weather less so quite a lot. #legsellis are getting tanned enough ... as is my leathery old face but it just feels like it's been overcast and windy for months. Hey ho. </p><p>Winter chores on the boat got (mostly) done - a few carried over to next winter and they may well get carried forward another one (replacing the chairs being one of them as that's a big chunk of money I still don't have spare) - Ellis is booked into Dry dock for DIY blacking in mid October and I'm hoping to utilize the "curing days" to repaint the rest of the hull too ... with luck I'll be able to get it sanded down during my last 2 week trip (which is a repeat of the Warwickshire Ring)... the guest coming aboard is quite a car painting enthusiast so I'm hoping to rope him in to an hours sand and filling each day when we stop cruising... we'll see if that is well received. IF not, I'll just go at it like a whirling dervish (however you spell that).</p><p>SO far this season, I've bumped into lots of boaters I know from previous years and that's cheered me up quite a bit - the feeling of belonging to a community ... as disparate as it may be at times, a familiar chat or picked up conversation is heart-warming. </p><p>A few weeks ago I turned 50 eek!... that had been weighing heavily on my mind for ages... I'd been clinging on to 49 with every breath in my body - chronology cannot be halted though so I've just had to accept it is what it is and embrace it - ergo, I'm now 50 and fabulous! nuff said.</p><p>During the winter months I did manage to lose 3 stones of fat - alas a lot of folks I've met again this year, hadn't seen me during the covid "fat" period and haven't noticed the difference... it's massive to me though as it means I can take my shirt off on that hot day that was summer and get some sun on my back... heaven.</p><p>Doing this solo again this year HAS made me THINK about how much miss being part of a couple... trouble is, being a 50 year old bender living on a boat moving around the country 6 months of the year isn't conducive to finding a new life partner... DATING becomes almost impossible as "down time" is actually cleaning, shopping and laundry time... WHERE I'm supposed to find someone is anyone's guess. OK so there is the gay boaters group on facebook but I don't mix well with other benders generally... actually, that sounds worse than it is... I just don't generally feel the need to shout about it I suppose (I realize the irony given that's exactly what I'm doing now) but I mix and get on with 'normal folks' far better than the dance backwards brigade.</p><p>Hmmf.</p><p>If anyone still reads this tripe, and knows of someone who may be suitable for me, please pass on my details lol. I live in (diminishing I admit) hope.</p><p>Another option might be to try and find a student on a gap year or something for next season who fancies 6 months free board and lodge and travelling around playing on a boat. WHERE do I find one of those though?</p><p>Life continues to throw challenges in my direction that I just don't have a solution for every time. Luckily, I STILL love boating and all it entails so it's enough to keep me (relatively) content... even if a bit lonely at times.</p><p><br /></p><p>Until next time...</p>Quaysiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372015225898397642noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5946325688134943823.post-58153872902897939432021-10-24T13:39:00.000+01:002021-10-24T13:39:01.468+01:00Charging issues resolved - finally and a pre-end of season catch up.<p> WHAT a palaver it's been the last 5 or so weeks. Before you start, I've already apologised for being rubbish at blogging this year ... it's just been a busy and trying season... my own fault really I suppose. You see the thing was, WHEN I put together this years routes, I was not in the most positive of places ... grieving my mothers death and then I had to put that on hold to deal with the end of my marriage (well CP but it's the same thing)... ergo, finances were weighing heavily on my mind - all of a sudden having to work out how to factor in debt repayments (divorce loan) that was never a consideration of the orignal 'business' plan. </p><p>Basically, I didn't leave enough "off days" between guests throughout the year.... being focused on getting as many trips in as possible to mitigate the addition financial burden... and that was even BEFORE Covid had ever darkened our shores. Anyway - having learned the hard way how tiring it can be doing this without days off, in 2022 and beyond, I'm factoring in an extra day between guests so that once the laundry, cleaning and re-stocking is done, I can have a day "OFF" properly. Well that's the plan anyway. </p><p>So then - going back to Early September. I can't recall whether I mentioned but after our first trip up and down the Ashby - which incidentally really IS nice (but shallow), on our guests departure, I noticed during the 1st laundry load, that the voltage wasn't right ... I put it down to new batteries maybe just being a bit higher than the old ones. HOWEVER, by the time Ellis had been tied up in Coventry Basin (not sure if that's worth the effort tbh but it's ticked off now), for a night, it became apparent that Auxiliary alternator wasn't working at all. With guests arriving about lunchtime (this was 11am btw), I panicked and rushed out to buy a generator... annoyingly, I'd given away the old one (it had a small leak) just before we'd gone through Standedge tunnel in April) - of course the only one available in Machine mart (which is really close to the basin in Coventry) was more expensive than the one I wanted... Hobsons's choice meant I had to buy it anyway. So, armed with a new genny - and then after a 2.6 mile return walk to get a can of petrol, we set sail/chug and began our journey with Fred and Shirley to Market Harborough. Luckily, they were returning guests and didn't (outwardly at least) object too much to having to use the genny to keep the fridge/freeezer running. The weather was very kind to us and we had some lovely days (ignoring the noise of the genny)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjIhUqCP7Okodvyyhtj_m8Oc6puI2HvXdoHDzkoy1KVvY01pBkkECHECg4_V3lYLGyQjQxIUF4yxOdwmOk0FC3fqPSH1kvjZQuBshETU80KKHmZ9bJN5wKcqqemB0LqYsubGojB_CRvQ/s2560/20210903_180544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2560" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjIhUqCP7Okodvyyhtj_m8Oc6puI2HvXdoHDzkoy1KVvY01pBkkECHECg4_V3lYLGyQjQxIUF4yxOdwmOk0FC3fqPSH1kvjZQuBshETU80KKHmZ9bJN5wKcqqemB0LqYsubGojB_CRvQ/s320/20210903_180544.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">By the 2nd day of the trip, I' managed to get a new alternator ordered (£720 from Engines plus) and it was being sent on ahead to the marina in Market Harbough (I'd already phoned to check and book in for a couple of days mooring at the end of the trip).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPL40Gu_C8btLlrxhUvzR1pjemmtERPrTREpatz8R-4CAO9NPycWEqbO1eRfoUPQZlShEOMVzQOtT1hu86RWevNyHmVd-r9tSp6Z0XSjuryd9eZV39BWQr6V_Mghazek-loZUxVKcRIPU/s2643/20210904_110750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="2643" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPL40Gu_C8btLlrxhUvzR1pjemmtERPrTREpatz8R-4CAO9NPycWEqbO1eRfoUPQZlShEOMVzQOtT1hu86RWevNyHmVd-r9tSp6Z0XSjuryd9eZV39BWQr6V_Mghazek-loZUxVKcRIPU/s320/20210904_110750.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReZDtCY_ea_BlsfIelr986CLF_kkM8wgGrU1dqJreYVHG8N40s69VrxnVg5weMeZM7z9I6jN4IFL704bkNUxj4fW6Dn57k4A2TjoCbnul_NIUaT8qNXIZBaNuiDeG5-IddnbZS-IOeHA/s2560/20210904_113316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2560" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReZDtCY_ea_BlsfIelr986CLF_kkM8wgGrU1dqJreYVHG8N40s69VrxnVg5weMeZM7z9I6jN4IFL704bkNUxj4fW6Dn57k4A2TjoCbnul_NIUaT8qNXIZBaNuiDeG5-IddnbZS-IOeHA/s320/20210904_113316.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZx92nOb2soqUck4M60y5uyUkWFV67NEptKfDkpFGylF2rilyh4LBAQFsp1N9XUWtQPnf77n4E3ACRgG9rVyVnpGnwlwn4zAj6UGHo8lmY5b7LOUOrR7to60PlseeDNYMttphSIJz7U4w/s2560/20210905_131916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2560" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZx92nOb2soqUck4M60y5uyUkWFV67NEptKfDkpFGylF2rilyh4LBAQFsp1N9XUWtQPnf77n4E3ACRgG9rVyVnpGnwlwn4zAj6UGHo8lmY5b7LOUOrR7to60PlseeDNYMttphSIJz7U4w/s320/20210905_131916.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6OkT4LwTMge9qhHPUUMFi4c-yEMwl6YMkfcROqv0yj-3IY066bR1iIoctMAz4qIwG8aRVjQCOq5pwkwMFZtciIrrrtY86PTeXY7nXP8oUpwMJqB5fqlqifDJBBfAUQuqyyzffbLN4Tg/s2643/20210905_133504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2643" data-original-width="1189" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6OkT4LwTMge9qhHPUUMFi4c-yEMwl6YMkfcROqv0yj-3IY066bR1iIoctMAz4qIwG8aRVjQCOq5pwkwMFZtciIrrrtY86PTeXY7nXP8oUpwMJqB5fqlqifDJBBfAUQuqyyzffbLN4Tg/s320/20210905_133504.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We limped our way (well charging wise) along in the sunshine - VERY pleased the solar was keeping up the charging the batteries until we stopped. Braunston was busy and ging up theLocks, we'd palled up with a little hire boat. IT was there we also received a surprise visit from our boaty friends Rog and Jane who were moored in the area - they'd been aware of the ongoing charging issues and Jane came to the rescue with a bottle of wine... greatly appreciated!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TCKgotv0uoE1jCCIg8lJ37eOZldrGndINQolwprOeN-7SSQ1yUcprYGhWHYkaPRxAlZWBAxFfl46CePgB0pR7RpUksW7ijTVl7BIuDEgjovQs5M1GP1MDuvwXLeDLonAUqCevOc5c3M/s2643/20210905_143331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="2643" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TCKgotv0uoE1jCCIg8lJ37eOZldrGndINQolwprOeN-7SSQ1yUcprYGhWHYkaPRxAlZWBAxFfl46CePgB0pR7RpUksW7ijTVl7BIuDEgjovQs5M1GP1MDuvwXLeDLonAUqCevOc5c3M/s320/20210905_143331.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div> The sun was still out when we came out of the tunnel so we carried on to the bottom of Watford staircase and made our way up there without issue the following morning we'd allowed a few hours for queues but perhaps we just timed things right and only had to wait a short while.<div><br /></div><div>BEFORE we could head up the locks, I decided it might be an idea to go and get some more petrol for the genny... so, following google maps, off up the towpath I set (6.30am) to watford gap services on the M1. Alas, it is all fenced in with a 6ft high, barbed wire topped fencing... what to do other than scale said fence (petrol can in hand) - at which point, a security fella grabbed hold of me ! I explained my predicament and that seemed to calm him down (though not me) and I went to get petrol... dreading having to scale the fence again with a full can. ANYWAY - it turned out I could walk up the access road and then cut through a hole in some shrubbery at the END of the fence! doh.!</div><div><br /></div><div> Must have appeared a bit stressed out cause the woman in the petrol station even gave me a free cup of coffee bless her.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvpPhohkcXi0-3XaqGbQpH2zNTeoB_mkKZTu71tmos48fKk1sYQ3xdQronLpv_y3xtDPMWWVRju4bw7w9925Z1zMW29WwxVplZ7Q5s0Xc-whfBs_zqYCeuFD5NKNOCLuLn0MzprFExVw/s2643/20210906_124105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="2643" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvpPhohkcXi0-3XaqGbQpH2zNTeoB_mkKZTu71tmos48fKk1sYQ3xdQronLpv_y3xtDPMWWVRju4bw7w9925Z1zMW29WwxVplZ7Q5s0Xc-whfBs_zqYCeuFD5NKNOCLuLn0MzprFExVw/s320/20210906_124105.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikhXA2f1cSPL-Hy_00OoMU0jitKlHfjwEHLCYEGPEhBYUonOCLjSkHRsPRiEMwD3gxKx7I82MSpde-FWWfgAvixYNZ5hyphenhyphen9FWnC5y3OzrVPWKtdH3OkJsdOxS6nsEjgNCoVBMUVh33KMBU/s2560/20210906_125426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2560" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikhXA2f1cSPL-Hy_00OoMU0jitKlHfjwEHLCYEGPEhBYUonOCLjSkHRsPRiEMwD3gxKx7I82MSpde-FWWfgAvixYNZ5hyphenhyphen9FWnC5y3OzrVPWKtdH3OkJsdOxS6nsEjgNCoVBMUVh33KMBU/s320/20210906_125426.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br />After Watford locks, we stopped off for a night "plugged in" at Crick Marina - I had become concerned that the 'new' batteries were getting too much of a hammering and not enough charge. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIogi1-NI3o6FtZXu99qcLiExPN4AYGdNgLpmDa0vph6j8if-hBvha99xWlWmPiFOl0H6FibhU8N7gMt0Zgsfr0x9mp73qw7JLYx4S05McIdqHbbudVCHp5TDL6XwuVwZSaXN3TE9R-Q/s2643/20210907_141850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="2643" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIogi1-NI3o6FtZXu99qcLiExPN4AYGdNgLpmDa0vph6j8if-hBvha99xWlWmPiFOl0H6FibhU8N7gMt0Zgsfr0x9mp73qw7JLYx4S05McIdqHbbudVCHp5TDL6XwuVwZSaXN3TE9R-Q/s320/20210907_141850.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDS0gsqoT6HZTebJS9ER4KZbq6LrCIEBHq-VWGZHpU_fn016i-cUvReduegG9O_oTJvshvmAwnj_RAcKAWTAYU-mZ9omec4kMVpbyRtJGiZgGkaKTnhNOryupZZu469Te7Tf-Ves8PdRQ/s2643/20210906_165743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2643" data-original-width="1189" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDS0gsqoT6HZTebJS9ER4KZbq6LrCIEBHq-VWGZHpU_fn016i-cUvReduegG9O_oTJvshvmAwnj_RAcKAWTAYU-mZ9omec4kMVpbyRtJGiZgGkaKTnhNOryupZZu469Te7Tf-Ves8PdRQ/s320/20210906_165743.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Crick was nice enough but the lack of 4g signal on ANY of our combined networks was frustrating - it turns out, you need to be on vodafone or you get NOTHING... So that's Crick crossed off as a potential winter mooring.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Foxton locks the next day was the first time that I've actually gotten in to a proper argument with another boater... It's no excuse but given by now we were into day 5 of no alternator, I was feeling rather stressed. Having tied up a while back and walked ahead to check in, much to my surprise it turned out we were boat no 5 to go down - I'd walked passed 10 at least... as I walked back, I realised the hire boaters HADN'T been to check in but were just sort of queuing in the 48 hour moorings.... I suggested to one woman that she needed to go and check in as I was actually logged to be behind the boat they were following... LONG story short, when she reported to the "skipper" (I think it was her son) he had a paddy and came to have a go at me for 'pushing in'. I think HE was having just as rough a time as me (only bloke on holiday with his mum, an aunt and wife) and feeling he had to "be the man"... anyway - I let him vent and then after pointing out what an arse he was being, offered to let him go in front of me seeing as I OWN my boat and have all the time in the world unlike him... I don't think that helped. cause he then insisted on pulling his boat back out of the way to leave a space NOT quite long enough for me to fit in. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5S_7UWs_fcUPM7z8503ioujAZL_byxcPUlatSQB2tlEXGfu4yvmovYsgvZTYZA7k-7e8VC_ePcFIm45IHKHzQ1VnkMdJJ_tX6tqR79QRo5q13fnYmN0lJj-XOeO1t7VV_6rDewLqMM4k/s2643/20210908_122154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="2643" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5S_7UWs_fcUPM7z8503ioujAZL_byxcPUlatSQB2tlEXGfu4yvmovYsgvZTYZA7k-7e8VC_ePcFIm45IHKHzQ1VnkMdJJ_tX6tqR79QRo5q13fnYmN0lJj-XOeO1t7VV_6rDewLqMM4k/s320/20210908_122154.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg168nasUAelN4k-28yxeOKurZXe5uSwNs3umnYsnMFSNJllAESyFwWeaHji5nF2uh4CCEQCDnZYY7ZBSPtSH_zGBDRUVymRrEJWQ-U3T8Vza35UAESXBeRIpzLUIg90YkMxUa4dB9wP8g/s2643/20210908_130209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2643" data-original-width="1189" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg168nasUAelN4k-28yxeOKurZXe5uSwNs3umnYsnMFSNJllAESyFwWeaHji5nF2uh4CCEQCDnZYY7ZBSPtSH_zGBDRUVymRrEJWQ-U3T8Vza35UAESXBeRIpzLUIg90YkMxUa4dB9wP8g/s320/20210908_130209.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3k07c65J58JGJEhZx6R4xm0LlOOFUtEgtmJiQV-26_Djn-tN2qsqWsqdNS1JA_D6yOFW8JVUK5Z2Sofj6bfRyCXzwHu6AIRv8MjCFupyFf7k8GoxrQ3yx6O7Xi9UtOsnsd_qTkRELFzM/s2643/20210908_132719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="2643" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3k07c65J58JGJEhZx6R4xm0LlOOFUtEgtmJiQV-26_Djn-tN2qsqWsqdNS1JA_D6yOFW8JVUK5Z2Sofj6bfRyCXzwHu6AIRv8MjCFupyFf7k8GoxrQ3yx6O7Xi9UtOsnsd_qTkRELFzM/s320/20210908_132719.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSYdYW7N95KTQz7aYmEGNgWFEYRVMq3mjiz59bTkIXnvvFiKMWhp5AhQAQBMl3ZJvE5_QUqXCbjxg21fhSiZmeOdoH-jbHV9fOg0M_9-DlpBYurx8hHWdgAXwG3-qT1ZHTmTv424-3mg/s2560/20210908_163525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2560" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSYdYW7N95KTQz7aYmEGNgWFEYRVMq3mjiz59bTkIXnvvFiKMWhp5AhQAQBMl3ZJvE5_QUqXCbjxg21fhSiZmeOdoH-jbHV9fOg0M_9-DlpBYurx8hHWdgAXwG3-qT1ZHTmTv424-3mg/s320/20210908_163525.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqvbvWoeLRUarfmCC_OwYXHQMJ1Ys0mDQ5kUSnqHK1LCouC2spRTJkl3H_FaWcCLess-OO4vwj6NA_2VSvr48TUdSuTsprt-0HXsFKIC5iithb2UIWzODL_0OqJywEjsU54lpeV8TH4I/s2560/20210909_074133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2560" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqvbvWoeLRUarfmCC_OwYXHQMJ1Ys0mDQ5kUSnqHK1LCouC2spRTJkl3H_FaWcCLess-OO4vwj6NA_2VSvr48TUdSuTsprt-0HXsFKIC5iithb2UIWzODL_0OqJywEjsU54lpeV8TH4I/s320/20210909_074133.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Suffice to say, we spent the entire lock flight with them glaring at the back of our heads.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway - once down, we turned right and went up the arm to Market Harborough . I have to say how lovely it is. I really took to it and it's on my place of places spend a winter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next day, I called in to the office to pay for the mooring AND collect the new alternator.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPNeNiczhwWBSOA5P_GHCGCFf2j9XG3p7impC6KiUyjjLipr_1-zgul_2y2r6CNNcq2ibAF6TOtqJv8VOlW-HzDZunIH9T8z7aWUTuegpSs8DejEEjpeUjZAROCg783cuvt2NQSRbXDM/s2643/20210911_145746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="2643" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPNeNiczhwWBSOA5P_GHCGCFf2j9XG3p7impC6KiUyjjLipr_1-zgul_2y2r6CNNcq2ibAF6TOtqJv8VOlW-HzDZunIH9T8z7aWUTuegpSs8DejEEjpeUjZAROCg783cuvt2NQSRbXDM/s320/20210911_145746.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAb-crlpaB2url4c8i7-vH5EEcxpVO3xD4Ru4R-IiYMfgz580wq1OcMm5Iq-Q2M6DFUYnUmz27tLv5lGLLqdR_5qNrSY-QLeisSXm9CB2U0arxqAGk0C00WHAhUbeJCEtyNF1EELePTI/s2643/20210909_115730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2643" data-original-width="1189" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAb-crlpaB2url4c8i7-vH5EEcxpVO3xD4Ru4R-IiYMfgz580wq1OcMm5Iq-Q2M6DFUYnUmz27tLv5lGLLqdR_5qNrSY-QLeisSXm9CB2U0arxqAGk0C00WHAhUbeJCEtyNF1EELePTI/s320/20210909_115730.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Before fitting it, we moved from outside the pub/restaurant to the other side (it's a bit noisey outside the Waterfront late a night). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once I'd fitted it, all appeared fine (but as we were still on shoreline) but it soon became apparent things weren't resolved.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next day, a former guest but now firmly in the friend category, arrived for the start of our 3 week trip back to Marple - via the Ashby again. We chugged off to get an emergency pumpout as the one in the arm was not working properly (apparently) and enjoyed a walk up the locks for a look at the site of the old incline.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0kuE4kfWxqguNyT9-L_gPGxExYdVaIcTPCVhLn1U0Oce1yON0QeP_ctdOSHvqwGhSGwi2LCgdOJHxfRgqrx0VloUtjLu7mruYTkTcAl7dH-CVsuD3z_tAYVSe1F02I85yRfFOsPYPTs/s2643/20210914_101344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="2643" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0kuE4kfWxqguNyT9-L_gPGxExYdVaIcTPCVhLn1U0Oce1yON0QeP_ctdOSHvqwGhSGwi2LCgdOJHxfRgqrx0VloUtjLu7mruYTkTcAl7dH-CVsuD3z_tAYVSe1F02I85yRfFOsPYPTs/s320/20210914_101344.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6pW8Oi3P-r67tgenUhXAMMvK0NA0yNNoS__XD2_syvLXjlbUwBh5CDm-jQYrM_376pYwoV-uOfQFRlqS4__g3mN6FV9KRVjk0aWOG_cn5D78cWD8bbNhl9H88LZtEwJvfNq8zfIDN_w/s2643/20210913_161340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="2643" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6pW8Oi3P-r67tgenUhXAMMvK0NA0yNNoS__XD2_syvLXjlbUwBh5CDm-jQYrM_376pYwoV-uOfQFRlqS4__g3mN6FV9KRVjk0aWOG_cn5D78cWD8bbNhl9H88LZtEwJvfNq8zfIDN_w/s320/20210913_161340.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1YkME1h6RXL2uV_o-iRfEo-NXJXz1-NmLS1Jb8NPRkrbtTeflleAPZ9v6PbrGJ535y7VoAsSQbBj6rCVK4UZgcm7WusKaT-9oD9zC4SPi8ufPyyayAsX3AaeP0jNpxn_klmkI5SSQiE/s2560/20210913_161303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2560" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1YkME1h6RXL2uV_o-iRfEo-NXJXz1-NmLS1Jb8NPRkrbtTeflleAPZ9v6PbrGJ535y7VoAsSQbBj6rCVK4UZgcm7WusKaT-9oD9zC4SPi8ufPyyayAsX3AaeP0jNpxn_klmkI5SSQiE/s320/20210913_161303.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><br /></div>Unfortunately, the nice weather was at an end for a while and the next day (as we went back up Foxton locks)it was chucking it down... and with no solar, it soon became apparent the new alternator wasn't charging either.</div><div><br /></div><div>In despair, we chugged down the Welford Arm and asked a chap in the boat yard to test the output to confirm I wasn't being a numpty... he agreed it wasn't working so I got on the phone to arrange another replacement. I had to then pay ANOTHER £720 for that to be sent (arranging to return the faulty one asap) on to Braunston Marina - However WHEN we got to Braunston... the new alternator HADN'T so that enforced a 2 night stay there... plugged in at least.</div><div><br /></div><div>Watford locks was quiet again (despite the rumors of long queues) <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLOGV7h_FDJkNYpXSld2tkHnpLgAAY5LJbW7ytM4DiT59umLeVdfWsiHxbFYKYDFfw9av_RQQ6DBgdq1T5EVr4kk4gkuo77AylsJ0Qi3AjhAgTwIMcQWKYwcDHGMuYGgdSYywonJLY_g/s2643/20210915_100739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="2643" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLOGV7h_FDJkNYpXSld2tkHnpLgAAY5LJbW7ytM4DiT59umLeVdfWsiHxbFYKYDFfw9av_RQQ6DBgdq1T5EVr4kk4gkuo77AylsJ0Qi3AjhAgTwIMcQWKYwcDHGMuYGgdSYywonJLY_g/s320/20210915_100739.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9jYU4oGTRwa0LoP-EtRdYxtO2yEJKxZnYP0o3U-WCosTFj29yGObah5PgyQ-gBQLf0vET9YAZlFN6K9LpFORvRmaxf8mkuD-wJjlh_xdasmTmAh8B_7yme95L9Ri9R-mJqMIUvUVqq8/s2643/20210916_101924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="2643" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9jYU4oGTRwa0LoP-EtRdYxtO2yEJKxZnYP0o3U-WCosTFj29yGObah5PgyQ-gBQLf0vET9YAZlFN6K9LpFORvRmaxf8mkuD-wJjlh_xdasmTmAh8B_7yme95L9Ri9R-mJqMIUvUVqq8/s320/20210916_101924.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Sn4W88wA4wI1uK8lPzFYxO-6_Q1f-ai-P5aq-oPEnMlLUz9a_Ew0nUlAI24BZ9HUj33GMzktHFHIfFKyinZ1QNZgsaxKwPhsChk8be7VZODgVmojc0x-zK2c6P4NHS51ySDDROPkAsQ/s2643/20210917_111037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="2643" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Sn4W88wA4wI1uK8lPzFYxO-6_Q1f-ai-P5aq-oPEnMlLUz9a_Ew0nUlAI24BZ9HUj33GMzktHFHIfFKyinZ1QNZgsaxKwPhsChk8be7VZODgVmojc0x-zK2c6P4NHS51ySDDROPkAsQ/s320/20210917_111037.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><br />Whilst waiting for the 2nd alternator to arrive, I got a message from Adam of Briar Rose - he and Adrian were in the area and about to go up Braunston Locks... with a little time before lunch, I nipped over to say hello. I'm sure he won't mind me stealing a photo he took from their blog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxyVQWh5JRk3J_MhR7-1lAHx0rSLQi7s8wlIg9EWOkF3EAEcsdEMSR2Psm8gUo3OARlgctG2Uq_DtQOUYl_J2HwoEZbd1YM2yJFlqq-8yz_BatE0RA3l6e8lPNMfPy8NYSzALkEhEocY/s2048/IMG_2253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxyVQWh5JRk3J_MhR7-1lAHx0rSLQi7s8wlIg9EWOkF3EAEcsdEMSR2Psm8gUo3OARlgctG2Uq_DtQOUYl_J2HwoEZbd1YM2yJFlqq-8yz_BatE0RA3l6e8lPNMfPy8NYSzALkEhEocY/s320/IMG_2253.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Looking at it, I certainly DO see the 2 stone of blubber I need to lose this winter!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyway, whilst helping them through the bottom lock (and having a good old moan I admit), I got a message from the boat to say the 2nd alternator had arrived. Wishing them well, I wandered off back down the towpath to the marina and prepared to fit it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiVxAddw8-3FMNJkOCSo9jo_3014a6cqFoo02uB59Jn-aZ8o3beVae5HZRlkalVx9go7hENCC-v6yMSPDJaUDzxur7mlSUECMI5VQ50VCLSxB1CTZm_FJAIUe608hJZHc4Ur_sNA6JNA/s2643/20210917_125120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2643" data-original-width="1189" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiVxAddw8-3FMNJkOCSo9jo_3014a6cqFoo02uB59Jn-aZ8o3beVae5HZRlkalVx9go7hENCC-v6yMSPDJaUDzxur7mlSUECMI5VQ50VCLSxB1CTZm_FJAIUe608hJZHc4Ur_sNA6JNA/s320/20210917_125120.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVL3HKinFiaM-Dmw7UXcF8v4LnNmvj7dfk13b34IVV8JlHcs1VzIdvNjqj0dV5Z6oatIvLvSAP9gu1MUBUyxc2dl-d5zrK45MM0W2dNMouSC8yUg_BKNZQJTuMkQk7E19BwdaEsLEf3so/s2643/20210917_135901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2643" data-original-width="1189" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVL3HKinFiaM-Dmw7UXcF8v4LnNmvj7dfk13b34IVV8JlHcs1VzIdvNjqj0dV5Z6oatIvLvSAP9gu1MUBUyxc2dl-d5zrK45MM0W2dNMouSC8yUg_BKNZQJTuMkQk7E19BwdaEsLEf3so/s320/20210917_135901.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once done, I cranked up the engine to check if it was working. NOTHING!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I won't lie - I sat and had a little cry. Pathetic I know but I really was just at the end of my tether trying to run trips, make out everything is fine and manageable when in reality I didn't have a clue how I was going to get things working again. Thing is neither the bosun nor guest were all that bothered about it... making the best of things whilst I panicked. Taking the 2nd new one off, I called a taxi and took ALL THREE of them to a place in Daventry to have them checked out... ALL of them worked fined apparantly. WHICH the meant that something else was wrong. IT also turned out the place (I forget the name but I've a bill somewhere for 60 quid) could source the equivalent model of alternator for £250 + vat... STILL in shock and feeling somewhat lublessely shafted, I went back to the boat - via the marina office in the hope of a boat electricians number. They DID have one but on speaking with him (via messages cause he didn't answer the phone) began trouble-shooting what else could be wrong.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also started a thread on a boating forum and then it was a case or working through every possible option. I won't bore you with ALL The things there were tried but suffice to say, in the end (and it was a long end involving making up little bulb testers, fitting new isolation switches, making up new 300amp cables and drinking a glass of water with a cream cracker balanced on my head, it all came down to this:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZXN_9kNu59CdLt3TUplyht3gAeTqoX4sbyBuI3-jdnLB9bfmfD0r1rG19dpu49DAHAmRYfZq517qaui2q4T0u-JjLrwBks_fanDMRm87-btkeh3nOIOwbNa2QFcXvvk8T5pW2ufQjfY/s2643/20211012_174051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2643" data-original-width="1189" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZXN_9kNu59CdLt3TUplyht3gAeTqoX4sbyBuI3-jdnLB9bfmfD0r1rG19dpu49DAHAmRYfZq517qaui2q4T0u-JjLrwBks_fanDMRm87-btkeh3nOIOwbNa2QFcXvvk8T5pW2ufQjfY/s320/20211012_174051.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>A failed negative lead between battery 1 and 2 - ergo, for 5 weeks, the whole boat had been running of just one battery! It's no wonder I'd been on constant battery alert... Anyway - I've made a whole new set of leads which I will fit shortly .... we've still got one trip to do and as it's working fine now (I made up a new one but with the only cable I had - 50mm2 red) I'd rather wait until there is no one booked to come aboard for a while. Saying that, if we get a nice day I might just bite the bullet and get them done. I've a list of winter jobs as long as my arm to get through.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">BACK to September again - we had a bit of an Indian summer for a while and our trip up the Ashby was rather lovely - </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What with the alternator not working, we had the occasional night in a marina and added Trinity at Hinkley to our possible winter list.... and whilst in there, the guest treated us to a night in a hotel (for a bath) whilst she 'boat sat' ... it did feel strange leaving someone alone on Ellis for the night but the lure of a bath was too strong lol. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MvISJpPsaDueUTwifmQJh_4hFm3c7H8HcoqGZIDFx3vWucY_1d_b0MmQbxs4V6TceJuwa6LXKo9SytYlqTgyreD2PH_4W110ZC_zzn5Fy8SOPMsOzvLWvZ41LoqwLVS3Y1gjwq5PyuM/s2048/20210923_202451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MvISJpPsaDueUTwifmQJh_4hFm3c7H8HcoqGZIDFx3vWucY_1d_b0MmQbxs4V6TceJuwa6LXKo9SytYlqTgyreD2PH_4W110ZC_zzn5Fy8SOPMsOzvLWvZ41LoqwLVS3Y1gjwq5PyuM/s320/20210923_202451.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>The weather stayed with us for a short while longer - enough to get down the Atherstone flight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVFTprNN8s7zPaJZb_HxJunZore-iUgaJkIicKqIgXbSmXyReqoFeMdIYKGtT72z6guPA4Nc2tb82idawpHhffHckO40gyuGX0LVdqC8F200Vo__0l6t5l_2lH_96jUu2Y_1EqkUUq2w/s2643/20210924_163648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="2643" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVFTprNN8s7zPaJZb_HxJunZore-iUgaJkIicKqIgXbSmXyReqoFeMdIYKGtT72z6guPA4Nc2tb82idawpHhffHckO40gyuGX0LVdqC8F200Vo__0l6t5l_2lH_96jUu2Y_1EqkUUq2w/s320/20210924_163648.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>and we even did some night time cruising (to beat the expected queues at the locks the following morning)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdIoB9_RppGEhqChD4aWkAhlZKehIigbnwed36B0z1_pCmMK7kVzxmr4-Vg8k1BRBanT9B7j048LGl-4QaIRLk9c5XHsZfNmo0mJS0QpOCQXwN-exSS3-eVyRel0bQ_7O7plkt689BWU/s2643/20210924_201739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="2643" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdIoB9_RppGEhqChD4aWkAhlZKehIigbnwed36B0z1_pCmMK7kVzxmr4-Vg8k1BRBanT9B7j048LGl-4QaIRLk9c5XHsZfNmo0mJS0QpOCQXwN-exSS3-eVyRel0bQ_7O7plkt689BWU/s320/20210924_201739.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>As we worked our way back up the Trent and Mersey we stopped in to the Marina in Stone for night (more shoreline luxury) and then back to the Macclesfield Canal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOlNXOI9j7H4_MJ-CTgb67UAbAUIk5buU7HcN99NEYA1AQZevRCVlRFOUAfFYJHv5YUpKUHk-Qs1WSaPJJLBbJYjPopaE5M2Hf9hDVqHsH4Lxlx8RWqTBis1VNC2etq8m7uVZ1zUjmraI/s2643/20210927_141704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2643" data-original-width="1189" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOlNXOI9j7H4_MJ-CTgb67UAbAUIk5buU7HcN99NEYA1AQZevRCVlRFOUAfFYJHv5YUpKUHk-Qs1WSaPJJLBbJYjPopaE5M2Hf9hDVqHsH4Lxlx8RWqTBis1VNC2etq8m7uVZ1zUjmraI/s320/20210927_141704.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The decent weather had now left us and the journey up the Macclesfield was a little bit miserable at times... mainly (for me) cause I was still stressing about the lack of charging of the auxiliary battery bank.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Rather than stop in Marple (as had been planned) we decided to go on to New Mills and plug in to shore line again for a few days... it meant I could stop worrying, get some petrol for the genny and pause for breath before the penultimate guest of the season joined us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Whilst up on the Peak Foresst, I we took a sojourn up to Bugsworth Basin to see the upper part drained (they are rebuilding the wall)...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1QjThV9oaS_yy65xh0rmd2EslXatF4XjrT9Lqy3zwJOzPO0Y_Hp24azVHs0LiGCgoSnrglZ91LKs6Ryj0P7S_fN9J812QX1ZtpPM6igDggazhNQfUh4UTlKu11XDVU54PDGkcpwXy3Q/s2560/20211007_151455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2560" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1QjThV9oaS_yy65xh0rmd2EslXatF4XjrT9Lqy3zwJOzPO0Y_Hp24azVHs0LiGCgoSnrglZ91LKs6Ryj0P7S_fN9J812QX1ZtpPM6igDggazhNQfUh4UTlKu11XDVU54PDGkcpwXy3Q/s320/20211007_151455.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rzX34hjpvj1ybySJb7NV2xY4u_vYusOzkJErMNPqsUMXsJHcpoK8ic30VPyTozBY9RrNiTxMLyZ_Pvupweu5T147AE5svxcQInWzI9JB97sHLdJZGM1JJH6BZ2ZLuQGQZF5lCmGJRP0/s2560/20211007_151420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2560" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rzX34hjpvj1ybySJb7NV2xY4u_vYusOzkJErMNPqsUMXsJHcpoK8ic30VPyTozBY9RrNiTxMLyZ_Pvupweu5T147AE5svxcQInWzI9JB97sHLdJZGM1JJH6BZ2ZLuQGQZF5lCmGJRP0/s320/20211007_151420.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our Journey back down the Macclesfield (for the time of year) wasn't too bad - a few days of rain I admit but as it was with another friend on board, it didn't feel too miserable ... it was good to be able to bounce ideas off each other as to what could be the problem . In the end, after moving wires around and then the low voltage alarm going off on the inverter, we were able to isolate where the circuit was failing and on doing that, sort it out once and for all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">ALL that faffing around for weeks (not to mention the expense) has taken it's toll somewhat, but after a few days tied up in Aston Marina (earlier than planned but the final booking isn't until 9th Nov), I think I deserve a bit of R & R - that said, I STILL need to lose that weight so have joined the local gym and are currently at the start of a 5 month fitness/diet/healthy living regime... I MAY sneak a few gins in here and there but I will without doubt, get back to 12 stone by the start of next season.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until next time - which MIGHT actually be sooner than previously lol...</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>Quaysiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372015225898397642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5946325688134943823.post-88576503851212182202021-09-13T07:22:00.001+01:002021-09-13T07:22:07.081+01:00Rubbish at keeping up to date<p> I know I know I know.</p><p>The short version is that when folks are coming and going and I'm organizing trips/trying to work around emergency stoppages, dealing with mechanical problems (both alternators failed just as new guests were arriving) and trying to get 'Ellis' to the right place at the right time - whilst still fitting in with timed lock flights etc., I just really struggle to find a few hours to do updates here.</p><p>In fact, right now I don't have time to do one either as a new guest is arriving this morning and we are having to make a detour from where we intended (which was straight up Foxton Locks) the other way for a few miles for a pumpout - one that had been planned for here but a combination of bad timing for the wharf and a dicky pumpout machine is meaning its not guaranteed</p><p>Normally, it would be a oh well, we'll wait until the next boat yard situation - however, because the last week has been spent dealing with no engine powered battery charging (we've had to chug with a genny running at the stern), all my thinking went into arranging a new Aux alternator and sometimes scaling 6 ft fences in order to buy petrol for the aforementioned...</p><p>So, here is a photo stream of the last month. showing repairs, general maintenance and some lovely boating views.... at some point I may come back and annotate what's what.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_p4MWgixK-S2EpNJt4K2qV0_8wJar4mWg_1GjOsJ9JsqYLhIUygW1owZemF4g4Dt4s7ZpDSuAjjh4obRkFxWy4fpZOjGt33RhMwseU2C0oJFpqnIwaY_zJxWobfZ4-BWbnpReHfei1o/s2560/20210802_123210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_p4MWgixK-S2EpNJt4K2qV0_8wJar4mWg_1GjOsJ9JsqYLhIUygW1owZemF4g4Dt4s7ZpDSuAjjh4obRkFxWy4fpZOjGt33RhMwseU2C0oJFpqnIwaY_zJxWobfZ4-BWbnpReHfei1o/s320/20210802_123210.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7aUyGDdLVaCJlm1BUhMLigI7DDYsr-c87Ok4mwdIA-UX_vCJX3Z17i1AoLUcxCRNCDy9S8eK2h1Q6TXSyKSewjQBgnm6G9NC7TlS-xLdIMhQs6hFaldhfucqDSCLpV1hnK-2EH2i07Y/s2643/20210802_131456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="2643" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7aUyGDdLVaCJlm1BUhMLigI7DDYsr-c87Ok4mwdIA-UX_vCJX3Z17i1AoLUcxCRNCDy9S8eK2h1Q6TXSyKSewjQBgnm6G9NC7TlS-xLdIMhQs6hFaldhfucqDSCLpV1hnK-2EH2i07Y/s320/20210802_131456.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguI16tLM4qmDmGZtDui7fBo41fblq5zpbbwjxJgkJslx3ofeqq-YKnudIZta9gu0Vk-QdCZpbtTQiGtD3ncM65anyZ-udn4auBvrJE2IaFZwXzOQslyIEBIV0Uasg_y2RrIEv09brDiaY/s2560/20210802_133155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguI16tLM4qmDmGZtDui7fBo41fblq5zpbbwjxJgkJslx3ofeqq-YKnudIZta9gu0Vk-QdCZpbtTQiGtD3ncM65anyZ-udn4auBvrJE2IaFZwXzOQslyIEBIV0Uasg_y2RrIEv09brDiaY/s320/20210802_133155.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrw501SUuotlk6OSwScdBM0R8iNNpxSSqxqKGdG3ih4qiNdumY-fohNY4E3fXBfw4Pxh8JriQRbCKBGPlg4_kVe2jSNf_W-ySKIduoalPeqJzF6ntQ54aITfKt80_fHJZS1OfDmOA4QC8/s2643/20210802_144528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="2643" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrw501SUuotlk6OSwScdBM0R8iNNpxSSqxqKGdG3ih4qiNdumY-fohNY4E3fXBfw4Pxh8JriQRbCKBGPlg4_kVe2jSNf_W-ySKIduoalPeqJzF6ntQ54aITfKt80_fHJZS1OfDmOA4QC8/s320/20210802_144528.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPOAP_fAE2bbtwqF4yDmGL4G0Axxd9yUsldZ5k19j4u7B8FFZOUeOVJe4fvtrUsG_W_W9ouEmjsodkwWi6hM3ZOdo9akjUGZEzBCy0VXz0Iaoz7ISNb84MsnnEql5mVsI1kZlQBizGXU/s2643/20210803_114837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="2643" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPOAP_fAE2bbtwqF4yDmGL4G0Axxd9yUsldZ5k19j4u7B8FFZOUeOVJe4fvtrUsG_W_W9ouEmjsodkwWi6hM3ZOdo9akjUGZEzBCy0VXz0Iaoz7ISNb84MsnnEql5mVsI1kZlQBizGXU/s320/20210803_114837.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsvksM313ivxoklRETiqJywDEjCSUPsTJS0qlwUGstOHjhV8lwFtCPqw6Pp6ApTg5kClI9WwLn0ZYdWdb8mpP0xWRBSf_BgG4woWz2pyop2Ov_9eQYKpktj-b97L4ozfpZkoeATadxkWY/s2560/20210803_175237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2560" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsvksM313ivxoklRETiqJywDEjCSUPsTJS0qlwUGstOHjhV8lwFtCPqw6Pp6ApTg5kClI9WwLn0ZYdWdb8mpP0xWRBSf_BgG4woWz2pyop2Ov_9eQYKpktj-b97L4ozfpZkoeATadxkWY/s320/20210803_175237.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9L2P3puKcb1XJwbHgKqyVSO9OczVrn6zQsmVdOIkGY6MYDeKic58CgkshqWq_HjQi2hCkl7mWuJZNNa-G_VnNyrqepgmo37lQJDPay4DvUjTLjE_L_nORVEWpKh7tTCIFVQgebhw4Bc/s2643/20210804_171255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2643" data-original-width="1189" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9L2P3puKcb1XJwbHgKqyVSO9OczVrn6zQsmVdOIkGY6MYDeKic58CgkshqWq_HjQi2hCkl7mWuJZNNa-G_VnNyrqepgmo37lQJDPay4DvUjTLjE_L_nORVEWpKh7tTCIFVQgebhw4Bc/s320/20210804_171255.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfXJbEXzjsy0UB6ntqlWDAfrIvYfF5Yb_LcbS3f6sAhsljnvvCBTFHF8MAMe3A85CRyFElVgXHVs-VQ3ztlNdat_C0lL_hgTQjDGbGfYED8Y_LJtVzZOzrFbFvEa7Ze8WaKH1AeDoKCI/s2560/20210804_172505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfXJbEXzjsy0UB6ntqlWDAfrIvYfF5Yb_LcbS3f6sAhsljnvvCBTFHF8MAMe3A85CRyFElVgXHVs-VQ3ztlNdat_C0lL_hgTQjDGbGfYED8Y_LJtVzZOzrFbFvEa7Ze8WaKH1AeDoKCI/s320/20210804_172505.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0AqJp401AM1GEqMOGJnyQQMZa47FyMCRePHDLdYdFCerrU8zvHejO8lr9pSD_r1i8042FwKn1hllr53p-yrqU-urTDuFzcuA5yB4rAHXVRPKfUASP-YEu7D3c51aP3NgBBzNGqWwG2_s/s2643/20210805_085036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="2643" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0AqJp401AM1GEqMOGJnyQQMZa47FyMCRePHDLdYdFCerrU8zvHejO8lr9pSD_r1i8042FwKn1hllr53p-yrqU-urTDuFzcuA5yB4rAHXVRPKfUASP-YEu7D3c51aP3NgBBzNGqWwG2_s/s320/20210805_085036.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyQOArV8ccHa70AXQmKisU-ikbE59WWBpRVPFwuRnpTK5P93cYSECsur8obks6Zc9zGraAFjtLgv7bzxfrSt_sSqoVLP3bOlcbzrlhKN1tNj_hUQlmn1LYl6XgTNAGswAbys5OlWnf56I/s2643/20210810_104404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="2643" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyQOArV8ccHa70AXQmKisU-ikbE59WWBpRVPFwuRnpTK5P93cYSECsur8obks6Zc9zGraAFjtLgv7bzxfrSt_sSqoVLP3bOlcbzrlhKN1tNj_hUQlmn1LYl6XgTNAGswAbys5OlWnf56I/s320/20210810_104404.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARWpQ0e-rWriBJlp-Q8yIxFllJipZv0_IV6f9KVQXc8Clxwd0S8gWFPhtWPRFkbBsObhm5wjEFFLBOFxjWt1s3J9XURcQJmswtmBXBLuwxrAZEYlj2-S7A3X9uSbe-uAWAK5vMIKQ3x0/s2643/20210814_174936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2643" data-original-width="1189" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARWpQ0e-rWriBJlp-Q8yIxFllJipZv0_IV6f9KVQXc8Clxwd0S8gWFPhtWPRFkbBsObhm5wjEFFLBOFxjWt1s3J9XURcQJmswtmBXBLuwxrAZEYlj2-S7A3X9uSbe-uAWAK5vMIKQ3x0/s320/20210814_174936.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxGxSUM7wabYgOgcxGX7KQBQzFU_XXtP9UG__FMxhQppzy8LzazFEbtIS1HvHmFfdKNgCu4PgqLObKP1WKml-GjLDfiCdFX4yHdjqcw2NNTziYrM41OMmRycgypqWoMt7i6fMhDLARFw/s2643/20210817_124513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2643" data-original-width="1189" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxGxSUM7wabYgOgcxGX7KQBQzFU_XXtP9UG__FMxhQppzy8LzazFEbtIS1HvHmFfdKNgCu4PgqLObKP1WKml-GjLDfiCdFX4yHdjqcw2NNTziYrM41OMmRycgypqWoMt7i6fMhDLARFw/s320/20210817_124513.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvLlKdoCgFt2YTc8MufsZX4ZXfPbFdhlsAtjavBlocIoqCMq-hFgNRNVW_ctgNhvKwCiS0tVSKQRRT4bzBOI7pjFk45_BGvjHRZhzbjEXidYutEj-YH6N2cTGgD5h1TrKGDAY2tDUojQ/s2643/20210820_132159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="2643" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvLlKdoCgFt2YTc8MufsZX4ZXfPbFdhlsAtjavBlocIoqCMq-hFgNRNVW_ctgNhvKwCiS0tVSKQRRT4bzBOI7pjFk45_BGvjHRZhzbjEXidYutEj-YH6N2cTGgD5h1TrKGDAY2tDUojQ/s320/20210820_132159.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HMbSjrvbDFOVG5afMnSoOFTiLHgUbHb2ruqSzxpG840ckeJevQ18NUpvIplsXaSqLBz0sjcmSlnus-Dzh6q4z5cN7zbyM95vOTSJvIGvNTUKXuLrZJyWuRDI5muGy2glnZmfPr698Ks/s2560/20210820_161843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HMbSjrvbDFOVG5afMnSoOFTiLHgUbHb2ruqSzxpG840ckeJevQ18NUpvIplsXaSqLBz0sjcmSlnus-Dzh6q4z5cN7zbyM95vOTSJvIGvNTUKXuLrZJyWuRDI5muGy2glnZmfPr698Ks/s320/20210820_161843.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVNFRpoCYTKylSXWJ6W0RoNPG9P8YZWkWbfrKLJRhaN5NKhLcYqiHdrb0a0IY3A1K86Tfp5okKts05P-K__xSrfnsqOdGArcmmdTxjWI1GA3UFRP5ajERyzWS8q1DADB4KrELlfEN0vM/s2560/20210822_062648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2560" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVNFRpoCYTKylSXWJ6W0RoNPG9P8YZWkWbfrKLJRhaN5NKhLcYqiHdrb0a0IY3A1K86Tfp5okKts05P-K__xSrfnsqOdGArcmmdTxjWI1GA3UFRP5ajERyzWS8q1DADB4KrELlfEN0vM/s320/20210822_062648.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtLpzQbDdAgT01ID6z41d6AEzMyNJYrT8LwenpWRSEJ_BaeSnvr6Waz4WYKjV3ezYt6ViLzSJ76xtoLI_g_tKNgOsFy-gCsbBVijOxYZyPs8g05I51TbZXc2aNBSCGEEinvAigIw12bw/s2560/20210822_062652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2560" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtLpzQbDdAgT01ID6z41d6AEzMyNJYrT8LwenpWRSEJ_BaeSnvr6Waz4WYKjV3ezYt6ViLzSJ76xtoLI_g_tKNgOsFy-gCsbBVijOxYZyPs8g05I51TbZXc2aNBSCGEEinvAigIw12bw/s320/20210822_062652.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOd90b9UXPJsLG38QRfjWA7qIAxMQrSeJtCpOipQJ-0oCHNKvo309ZNeewp7kHQpqapFAWS0QX_1MPuCrUIjiIeYb3WyZPAWkaF4XISHMiYdJ1CmbCXvzzIhYoiRXDM2_uPaOWkbhqzU/s2643/20210827_144841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="2643" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOd90b9UXPJsLG38QRfjWA7qIAxMQrSeJtCpOipQJ-0oCHNKvo309ZNeewp7kHQpqapFAWS0QX_1MPuCrUIjiIeYb3WyZPAWkaF4XISHMiYdJ1CmbCXvzzIhYoiRXDM2_uPaOWkbhqzU/s320/20210827_144841.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKz4Y7011pwQnyPVE6u_A9_KIeM5ANClGO1m9_x4sWhY1GH8k_AizJr86Rc96beFyiiayNJu35frTrO_3TFdHvOW-jBG9T6did51Puqddl-fv7jX6QTB5hWMijCxrH6NpKHbzwcBzdqV8/s2643/20210828_144501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="2643" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKz4Y7011pwQnyPVE6u_A9_KIeM5ANClGO1m9_x4sWhY1GH8k_AizJr86Rc96beFyiiayNJu35frTrO_3TFdHvOW-jBG9T6did51Puqddl-fv7jX6QTB5hWMijCxrH6NpKHbzwcBzdqV8/s320/20210828_144501.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7GDmU0LZ4Q6uZrW2pHIuO8dAuwtbiSVleb57RT5BITSeacQCBbNZHf740Wz-jUVr36teujcWcClB_9b0ERFNVl0d9neYv8GCz-LceIwgJHbba6FSAW5z-PYDVqB08ONTaQ34cn2qIt4/s2560/20210903_105449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2560" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7GDmU0LZ4Q6uZrW2pHIuO8dAuwtbiSVleb57RT5BITSeacQCBbNZHf740Wz-jUVr36teujcWcClB_9b0ERFNVl0d9neYv8GCz-LceIwgJHbba6FSAW5z-PYDVqB08ONTaQ34cn2qIt4/s320/20210903_105449.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Nsra3QiJ5bCiaGozwpJO1Vkxu5MKMDx3E4WkjspXUNLUTRSJ6k7Ea_osZ86o1T87dXx9ouGEvJkjq6y9usJshMc93dpalG6A19w7bV8ZdkQbbwb39Y788ifZeaZ9n92YlDJZwttcNm4/s2560/20210903_115853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2560" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Nsra3QiJ5bCiaGozwpJO1Vkxu5MKMDx3E4WkjspXUNLUTRSJ6k7Ea_osZ86o1T87dXx9ouGEvJkjq6y9usJshMc93dpalG6A19w7bV8ZdkQbbwb39Y788ifZeaZ9n92YlDJZwttcNm4/s320/20210903_115853.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKcr2jjbHzmjCZnRvAeGtFLLWXaaOETLKR9Zi0puAAgq8GnWhi6-T3zreMHc9Ndtrq3PtVd-74ypewn2KbnqCW_sqmq2wT84KxNtvmOmTrVgba7P_OjiN1i_My56NrQgjvCN6hkRW2SU/s2643/20210905_075749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2643" data-original-width="1189" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKcr2jjbHzmjCZnRvAeGtFLLWXaaOETLKR9Zi0puAAgq8GnWhi6-T3zreMHc9Ndtrq3PtVd-74ypewn2KbnqCW_sqmq2wT84KxNtvmOmTrVgba7P_OjiN1i_My56NrQgjvCN6hkRW2SU/s320/20210905_075749.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnNoRebxYemN-bxM7BvqskAVoiHvj3kK_MPX6aEJV29Nb1GygBV4vD8tlWsg6n8U8CRfACfACVT0AOeOxDp2BfafNX3vmQieWQbRymQZnqrm3OUuw2D7sKxtfYspWB9p9d94yyMyK8WU/s2560/20210905_081930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2560" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnNoRebxYemN-bxM7BvqskAVoiHvj3kK_MPX6aEJV29Nb1GygBV4vD8tlWsg6n8U8CRfACfACVT0AOeOxDp2BfafNX3vmQieWQbRymQZnqrm3OUuw2D7sKxtfYspWB9p9d94yyMyK8WU/s320/20210905_081930.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1K4MB-Bwl4hI0MNdFF3ZHvTlC13dnyXL6qQo1Pwk-UNp-8YLp88GgptijYAM6pqJzPs21MkflRdJuLCPxxwsUpX4QweKa1yr1E4kTZsWKZZ1HATPEgG_AUdJPXv90muevKNJThE_QQg/s2643/20210905_114320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="2643" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1K4MB-Bwl4hI0MNdFF3ZHvTlC13dnyXL6qQo1Pwk-UNp-8YLp88GgptijYAM6pqJzPs21MkflRdJuLCPxxwsUpX4QweKa1yr1E4kTZsWKZZ1HATPEgG_AUdJPXv90muevKNJThE_QQg/s320/20210905_114320.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhFGP-dQFtlH423fenk-NCnq_MvW4F6xdoGjaR4JfgQt5QAoMbJVeHQkqdHwuymDS2ayT3eSaKJdRMWdiCQhPPhooSVfZBRzFXYp_v0j3pZUugpuO60azUsJJn3m3xYWugFNCieZUfRM/s2643/20210905_143331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="2643" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhFGP-dQFtlH423fenk-NCnq_MvW4F6xdoGjaR4JfgQt5QAoMbJVeHQkqdHwuymDS2ayT3eSaKJdRMWdiCQhPPhooSVfZBRzFXYp_v0j3pZUugpuO60azUsJJn3m3xYWugFNCieZUfRM/s320/20210905_143331.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLEWj9M4rbHiCnCaAE1BbvUJcLARVWQaJiLbeKgp4op8bi2ym-azTzNo-ZXwid4XoNy0jFDWee4uacVUko5ImyiSPg0SVZcNFuulCIEprPAYyCOpEIKptyxEr9fSmWtwBHssHBsJZT-c/s2643/20210905_165207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="2643" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLEWj9M4rbHiCnCaAE1BbvUJcLARVWQaJiLbeKgp4op8bi2ym-azTzNo-ZXwid4XoNy0jFDWee4uacVUko5ImyiSPg0SVZcNFuulCIEprPAYyCOpEIKptyxEr9fSmWtwBHssHBsJZT-c/s320/20210905_165207.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2NdjOQYuulkDxDS4jc5UVWaDYG38aLyUYr1sWIN1E1sNs6ihJi86UGFpCc6q4x0DHjnD1OafxF7MTZhOQCGpkmkL_1xw3jJOTiPliXdR0iyBkvadCkkldgTsxWeUvkM2Myq3YtDNtdY/s2560/20210906_112621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2560" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2NdjOQYuulkDxDS4jc5UVWaDYG38aLyUYr1sWIN1E1sNs6ihJi86UGFpCc6q4x0DHjnD1OafxF7MTZhOQCGpkmkL_1xw3jJOTiPliXdR0iyBkvadCkkldgTsxWeUvkM2Myq3YtDNtdY/s320/20210906_112621.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6-k6VynFvAA2GqpC_ucwZeLajW8UL8b3pMUsMygR3k_NQ7Vgm_a4VmDoSDW7USGgtv5vd2PemPxa5wu44BVpFgTP2yZEvXN_i6-D72B5FqfcLXikZyXrlDAhr-HyMjJYO0-6_C7mG1Y/s2643/20210906_130413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2643" data-original-width="1189" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6-k6VynFvAA2GqpC_ucwZeLajW8UL8b3pMUsMygR3k_NQ7Vgm_a4VmDoSDW7USGgtv5vd2PemPxa5wu44BVpFgTP2yZEvXN_i6-D72B5FqfcLXikZyXrlDAhr-HyMjJYO0-6_C7mG1Y/s320/20210906_130413.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhRxIsMBU845vVtBCTVMdVFU6ulBzWcTJCVYWAEj5WRSfnHOFKkJ2mg5zf-utPiBWwBID4nPaUglaAPDetUc6Gu8rT6Xz8kfCsb9EdJE1OoC2ke1Y6x6U7r8vJgFrcAompEVjyS_b8wM/s2643/20210907_141847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="2643" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhRxIsMBU845vVtBCTVMdVFU6ulBzWcTJCVYWAEj5WRSfnHOFKkJ2mg5zf-utPiBWwBID4nPaUglaAPDetUc6Gu8rT6Xz8kfCsb9EdJE1OoC2ke1Y6x6U7r8vJgFrcAompEVjyS_b8wM/s320/20210907_141847.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeLZQAjdiRakNVEA8VxyI_CSJMR3R7ahKITqUJg8-1ubBBn2gkrS5HY-pHaTrVnijwdpavYOPasXH0M6WwPpz_WrjEkLaJRE5D5d_-6GBldWfoYFVg-Tf7V_tQR2DxMgtMjMvC4DvnpMs/s2560/20210907_193036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2560" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeLZQAjdiRakNVEA8VxyI_CSJMR3R7ahKITqUJg8-1ubBBn2gkrS5HY-pHaTrVnijwdpavYOPasXH0M6WwPpz_WrjEkLaJRE5D5d_-6GBldWfoYFVg-Tf7V_tQR2DxMgtMjMvC4DvnpMs/s320/20210907_193036.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzj9HZBxerr-9tpdjXRRhpfoPtEcGbipHd8rjY-m6plhU70T77ofXYqoAWGf50dEUgyF9M5V6R18aML3QqlbS1q44ZH2Afzzr7l3bWe4w85KA7jzTKHQRwJsjfIOkjLrCC3vKQJDr84d8/s2643/20210908_125211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="2643" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzj9HZBxerr-9tpdjXRRhpfoPtEcGbipHd8rjY-m6plhU70T77ofXYqoAWGf50dEUgyF9M5V6R18aML3QqlbS1q44ZH2Afzzr7l3bWe4w85KA7jzTKHQRwJsjfIOkjLrCC3vKQJDr84d8/s320/20210908_125211.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSp9CSmZiHUfFdBMpdlXboMUyVDBLfW2C5RNH-Am4qdwLoCkSubb5gdZcak7tgkoWp69GPtXI_C2_Oh9OVuvnKvT1Y3XsX8tQLDBJau1AOcul1zaENnWC1HTiOQO6zpxjyZj7YJRpmVb4/s2560/20210909_085925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2560" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSp9CSmZiHUfFdBMpdlXboMUyVDBLfW2C5RNH-Am4qdwLoCkSubb5gdZcak7tgkoWp69GPtXI_C2_Oh9OVuvnKvT1Y3XsX8tQLDBJau1AOcul1zaENnWC1HTiOQO6zpxjyZj7YJRpmVb4/s320/20210909_085925.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfaQFefKaLGuPTM5s31CAgpaiGHjQAH0X2TmbOHfk-E1AY4Fj1Wwdr_DN6K-GcFlI3UCcdhvn7xZrK7K2AKCeDPKxTWXyj1tZFMywmVRIG9-eROF2FyMpapJxbixofTm4JfDEnutcY1w/s2643/20210909_115730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2643" data-original-width="1189" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfaQFefKaLGuPTM5s31CAgpaiGHjQAH0X2TmbOHfk-E1AY4Fj1Wwdr_DN6K-GcFlI3UCcdhvn7xZrK7K2AKCeDPKxTWXyj1tZFMywmVRIG9-eROF2FyMpapJxbixofTm4JfDEnutcY1w/s320/20210909_115730.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMd7Gy4kU_FhuhAyUHqdlVnxVDckxQyZ_iHGisjuPS3ARU0_UvQN957YSK4XQ2y3cMyVRJfqnn_T8SxBxQd025-YdRQlEvOSRutIMhqJ3E6OeNAqqc4k-eKLyqqz0v2cYtiGH-o2pQg2Q/s2643/20210909_161049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2643" data-original-width="1189" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMd7Gy4kU_FhuhAyUHqdlVnxVDckxQyZ_iHGisjuPS3ARU0_UvQN957YSK4XQ2y3cMyVRJfqnn_T8SxBxQd025-YdRQlEvOSRutIMhqJ3E6OeNAqqc4k-eKLyqqz0v2cYtiGH-o2pQg2Q/s320/20210909_161049.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5O_NtFCx3lJrFtxZMzkt2FL7mKrpcYPITasq79o2ZRTFiVhdbhakWNPk-blI-7g76ldrLy5jsH0mu17KQ27MUUzvgTlpxCkgDWURUY00ma6We1EmnCfXqLcoo544HpBb2xW6NIep1aD4/s2560/20210910_155532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2560" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5O_NtFCx3lJrFtxZMzkt2FL7mKrpcYPITasq79o2ZRTFiVhdbhakWNPk-blI-7g76ldrLy5jsH0mu17KQ27MUUzvgTlpxCkgDWURUY00ma6We1EmnCfXqLcoo544HpBb2xW6NIep1aD4/s320/20210910_155532.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFId0fKZXJUvH-vn-8NSDQNwGK8BrLyVC4kdYahXsiK8ITueVrzQMlY1lNgz2NahOwxSOJpkSjuVFCCotjrKYmdWUPMEmqZ5qjFXcCOGS5LGf1qDTIGV3oYa1Lo2R3is_2bKpvV6vE34s/s2560/20210911_070027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2560" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFId0fKZXJUvH-vn-8NSDQNwGK8BrLyVC4kdYahXsiK8ITueVrzQMlY1lNgz2NahOwxSOJpkSjuVFCCotjrKYmdWUPMEmqZ5qjFXcCOGS5LGf1qDTIGV3oYa1Lo2R3is_2bKpvV6vE34s/s320/20210911_070027.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>I promise I will make more of an effort to up date this place - I tweet lots but only because I can do that from my phone on the hoof and 'stage' a photo which makes life look relaxing, whilst at the same time I've got a pan of carrots on the go and something in the oven lol.</p><p><br /></p><p>Until next time...</p>Quaysiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372015225898397642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5946325688134943823.post-40021530035851642032021-08-08T09:05:00.001+01:002021-08-08T09:05:08.969+01:00New Batteries, R & R, missing adverts and some more down time.<p> I gave in. </p><p><br /></p><p>Trying to keep the batteries going was wearing me down... way too much battery management going on rather than enjoying boating - add to that guests who want to charge devices over night etc. and it was just getting too much.</p><p>SO - I bit the bullet and ordered 4 new ones from Tayna... next day delivery supposedly. A Saturday order, arriving Tuesday. In theory that would have been fine as we had a few days between guests so we'd booked in to New Mills Marina (which incidentally is quite nice ... the Lovey Sue and Rufus being very hospitable). I HAD tried to buy them from the Marina (whenever possible I DO try to give business to boatyards/marinas etc) but the only ones they had were the wrong size/ratings. I asked before ordering and they were perfectly happy for me to have them delivered there. All good (or so you'd think)...When they hadn't arrived by Wednesday morning, I began to get a bit miffed - we had guests to collect in Whaley Bridge from the 2.46 train so had to leave around lunchtime... STILL not batteries. Oh well, assuming they'd come in the afternoon, I arranged to call in the following morning as we chugged by on our travels to Marple. </p><p>You've guessed it though - by noon Thursday when we arrived... the batteries hadn't. Grrr. So there was only one thing for it... chug on and get back to our day.</p><p>Annoyingly, once we'd got to Marple (and tied up so our guests could have an explore) I got a phone call from the courier firm to say they were at the Marina with my batteries ffs. There wasn't time for us to turn around, head back to New Millls AND get back on track with out timings to make it to Bosley Locks (within the stupid 8.30 - 1pm restricted opening hours) so I resigned myself to having to wait until the end of this trip and then come back up for them . However, when an overseas guest then cancelled, it meant we wouldn't have needed to come back up - except for the batteries... ergo, I called a taxi and whilst did have to stomach a 30 quid fair, it did save a weeks chugging.... AND the cab driver helped me carry 2 of them back to the boat from the bridge in Marple.</p><p>It'd been quite nice having a few days off between customers - quite good timing too as my old phone (cracked screen) was playing up so it allowed time to get the train to Manchester to go to EE and get a new one - my contract had expired so the outcome of that is that I got a new phone AND saved 30 quid a month. Result.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Whilst rushing back to catch the train back, we bumped into my ex and his ex (at least I think they are still exe's ... who knows) - luckily there wasn't time to stop and chat and to be honest, it would have been very awkward for both the bosun and whoever the other chap was... we did exchange polite messages later in the day and both agreed, stopping and chatting would have been difficult. It's strange to find the prospect of talking face to face with someone you shared 14 years of your life with so daunting but there we are - life moves on.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIJXqjybBtAdciTH6MBuyCcYu2pr5q8kop-7VI5GKBq2yDgGGLXmKb2U7LESQt3Uk4wSamGE4zHgRDRfQKRAswAElIng6Kg4Ilr8WUcTv-CrJ0MChWdVY2ERKalSJdKcBCy9QLMLNZj8/s2560/20210717_173543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIJXqjybBtAdciTH6MBuyCcYu2pr5q8kop-7VI5GKBq2yDgGGLXmKb2U7LESQt3Uk4wSamGE4zHgRDRfQKRAswAElIng6Kg4Ilr8WUcTv-CrJ0MChWdVY2ERKalSJdKcBCy9QLMLNZj8/s320/20210717_173543.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>A glass of wine and read in the evening sun later and all was well with the world again.</p><p style="text-align: center;"> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . </p><p><br /></p><p>As we worked our way down the Macclesfield canal, rather than (as usual) look for sunny spots to give maximum power to the batteries from the solar panels, SHADE was the order of the day as it was simply too hot for comfort... despite all portholes being open, the inside was like a furnace so we grabbed the last bit of shade (a bit too close to a bridge for comfort tbh) and then settled down for the day.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JlEQW9NBpgEZ-tb-zwIrk-nHQjS8_peSkNmAeFHItqOozekQPMmpIJCodSqFV-LbelrPhyphenhyphenNvnLRVrDmqSwZ6DUtYrjgqAi_9ARJdnDSlDLsmrOBm9X7StHIkDWGHViKbn7z98Q5wSxY/s2643/20210722_153027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="2643" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JlEQW9NBpgEZ-tb-zwIrk-nHQjS8_peSkNmAeFHItqOozekQPMmpIJCodSqFV-LbelrPhyphenhyphenNvnLRVrDmqSwZ6DUtYrjgqAi_9ARJdnDSlDLsmrOBm9X7StHIkDWGHViKbn7z98Q5wSxY/s320/20210722_153027.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Still, having new batteries ready to fit, did mean I was able to relax a bit and just let the batteries get used up . The down side being having to store 4 bloody heavy lumps in the saloon... luckily, they sort of fitted either side of the chairs and didn't cause too much of a nuisance. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAGgKg5lKxAL2KBqBrg8slMJ7GkvhmnnXou3ijx4tKa212o794PP8CBPrCFCBHF3gJX5XowCDCcy-qwKL1xeCq2TXxQxKq_owbBduzoYR8c316QWwdKkx7_Pnul9XXGxFAvlv0bqMteE/s2643/20210722_180812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="2643" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAGgKg5lKxAL2KBqBrg8slMJ7GkvhmnnXou3ijx4tKa212o794PP8CBPrCFCBHF3gJX5XowCDCcy-qwKL1xeCq2TXxQxKq_owbBduzoYR8c316QWwdKkx7_Pnul9XXGxFAvlv0bqMteE/s320/20210722_180812.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>There was no way of fitting them after we stop for the day as the engine compartment is unbearably hot then... and no time to fit them on a morning before we start as due to tunnel and lock flight timings (not to mention the need to run the engine for hotwater first thing)... they'd have to wait until the guests had left.</p><p>Speaking (well writing) of guests, we had a nice time with them - a returning couple who whilst on occasions have opposing opinions to myself, were able to rub along nicely with mutual respect preventing major frictions... THEY get the 'live-aboard' experience and both of us enjoyed our time together... they even took us out for dinner on the last night as a thank you... which was much appreciated AND meant I had a meal in reserve for the freezer lol. </p><p>During our travels, we even got lucky (first time ever for 'Ellis') and dropped on to an empty pontoon mooring in Macclesfield town - another chance to put my feet up for half an hour and plod on with an awful book I'm forcing myself to get through... it's rubbish but I've only got about 100 pages to go now so I will finish it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzYURjkt6tiffwCOsTigx-jjT7YVZMY95_vwbmVlvdX7-53rlGISLzioT5WZgekFYdwMR6jTlZCPvkDCtVRGn6Pb8vZB5Cp-PfgxNgfpZp8BfEe43GuziGL_I0oDOq1k19bFfPNxUI9M/s2560/20210723_160043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzYURjkt6tiffwCOsTigx-jjT7YVZMY95_vwbmVlvdX7-53rlGISLzioT5WZgekFYdwMR6jTlZCPvkDCtVRGn6Pb8vZB5Cp-PfgxNgfpZp8BfEe43GuziGL_I0oDOq1k19bFfPNxUI9M/s320/20210723_160043.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>Once down Bosely, we chugged and spent a night close enough to the tunnel to be able to try for an earlier than booked, passage. This gave me chance to call into the marina and buy some new centre lines (the old ones were frayed where they rub on the fair leads) - NOT a problem on canal if they snap but more on a river. They do get a lot of use as cause even when I've got crew, I still pretty much single hand... using the centre line for everything. The ropes were dear enough but when they wanted a fiver each for splicing an eye on them I decided to have a go myself again... Youtube to the rescue and half an hour later, 10 quid saved. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpCbAqGtaLQJJle2FivThaI-juylkk_26M55LSTfejmcKm_xrwEtzOUQWUcbGcdGUPReyLXyWK-tDjaeY_dxgZdBUstgnbIDh0xt8epS2xPoNXzy9ub8aQEAEwWrgbJW6AcwG_o9hCl_8/s2643/20210725_171003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="2643" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpCbAqGtaLQJJle2FivThaI-juylkk_26M55LSTfejmcKm_xrwEtzOUQWUcbGcdGUPReyLXyWK-tDjaeY_dxgZdBUstgnbIDh0xt8epS2xPoNXzy9ub8aQEAEwWrgbJW6AcwG_o9hCl_8/s320/20210725_171003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Once at Harecastle, we'd just missed the tunnel by 10 mins (sods law) but I did have a very productive conversation with a crt chap - it is possible! I'd been moaning about the tunnel times making a relaxing cruise difficult... he explained the thinking behind it being that the new manager wanted to make better use of the staff... so rather than have folks sitting around all afternoon at both ends of the tunnel waiting for a boat that may or may not arrive, by booking slots in the afternoon (and suggesting boats come early if they can) it frees up staff to go off elsewhere and do maintenance tasks, such as greasing etc. I get it... it's not ideal but finally something proactive from someone at CRT.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7coxC4-QnCAd-sc3GffkpkdmhItgaia6swVStADze0-1KthPuMc-IGo1GXyV92RjKoKbmPwCjxgi3bXKOagUYhWKGpUdwqqMh_nUc43T2vI3Dt-y5-8u1zwUiDT5KJkVdiJ6OXHRco0/s2643/20210726_123515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="2643" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7coxC4-QnCAd-sc3GffkpkdmhItgaia6swVStADze0-1KthPuMc-IGo1GXyV92RjKoKbmPwCjxgi3bXKOagUYhWKGpUdwqqMh_nUc43T2vI3Dt-y5-8u1zwUiDT5KJkVdiJ6OXHRco0/s320/20210726_123515.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>We were 2nd in a convoy of 4 boats and did get through about half an hour before our booked slot - that gave us the last mooring at Westport Lake and time for a wander around before tea... and of course a few mins feet up time again.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Wk0Wp_nvSjFwCDSOZ2fDrzXxZJJmgfcZsyhon_HZFxEotqnmtpamVxDNTBqUFjRiTcDi5AAjowp3HCfRdK_IotsRVJPBz9ovnxJvHNYUxtMcguO8ftkyXiLjo6wXhQPK_BWoqrRG_DI/s2560/20210726_164420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2560" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Wk0Wp_nvSjFwCDSOZ2fDrzXxZJJmgfcZsyhon_HZFxEotqnmtpamVxDNTBqUFjRiTcDi5AAjowp3HCfRdK_IotsRVJPBz9ovnxJvHNYUxtMcguO8ftkyXiLjo6wXhQPK_BWoqrRG_DI/s320/20210726_164420.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>We spent our last night at Etruria and then got up early to get down Stoke locks (5 before breakfast) to the train station. We carried on (in thunder and torrential rain) all the way down to Stone - we'd half planned to stop off at Wedgewood but once soaked through figured we may as well just get there.</p><p>Luck was on our side again and we found a spot to moor just up from a couple of boaty friends. Having a couple of days spare, we made the best of things, explored Stone on foot and were lucky enough to be able to meet them in the pub for a lunchtime session. </p><p>It's not often we're able to stop and enjoy 'boat life' fully - but an afternoon in the pub drinking wine, chewing the cudd and generally being silly was wonderful. It was after 5pm (and probably 5 bottles of wine) by the time we left and made our way back to our respective boats... via Morrisons which on reflection was perhaps NOT the best idea. To say we bought the wrong stuff is an understatement. Bed by 7.30 though as we really were trolleyed... all good fun and a lovely way to spend an afternoon.</p><p>Next stop was the Marina where we're over wintering (all booked and first 3 months paid for now) and time to change the batteries. It was the usual kerfuffle and I knew the day after my back/legs/ arms would be killing me... but it's done now.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbf5EqolLHqAxlOxE2Ug-qGuCS-WmyCV4JrRSGQWo-WL0-rF4J1kOzQDMGN7wvqjSgag9IKK7t_VB3l852f3UslY6SzXalP5rRSAPn6E_ptT3SK3nqpx8AYvrYATBkw_UIuxMkC-4Fb1k/s2643/20210731_100654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="2643" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbf5EqolLHqAxlOxE2Ug-qGuCS-WmyCV4JrRSGQWo-WL0-rF4J1kOzQDMGN7wvqjSgag9IKK7t_VB3l852f3UslY6SzXalP5rRSAPn6E_ptT3SK3nqpx8AYvrYATBkw_UIuxMkC-4Fb1k/s320/20210731_100654.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJeeiCHwM5_6Hn7ivfbqp3fIqhzLKlgOHP1qH1ESJMfgwRNo_HvUBd1OUJ_t1D15GsW-5CU50ZsmT-Er_HQmZE1_vJxESL2Af3Q5cCUV99_CFkyml6PAJqwPlU75MAdo3SDtQ1AtqgYFU/s2643/20210731_084601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2643" data-original-width="1189" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJeeiCHwM5_6Hn7ivfbqp3fIqhzLKlgOHP1qH1ESJMfgwRNo_HvUBd1OUJ_t1D15GsW-5CU50ZsmT-Er_HQmZE1_vJxESL2Af3Q5cCUV99_CFkyml6PAJqwPlU75MAdo3SDtQ1AtqgYFU/s320/20210731_084601.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I HATE doing that job!</p><p>Whilst in the engine hole, I spotted a choc block that connects the solar to the solar fuse, had melted a bit ... I must have not had a big enough one for the job so that meant a walk into town to get the biggest one I could find and that was replaced. The BSS is due in January so better to have spotted that now than then.</p><p>On route to town, I spotted a late clutch(if that's the right term) of cygnets - perhaps 'new' parents too...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQtk0FRd0aWvBJsunZhBiGA63puF8ouLEeurUIkVcN3n0QYsijTilppu9prkbW5LzauyQurtmkPMbXDBOTvVNjuExRwAv8SM2Yv1rx0bvuzBu4aH7r233Nn5TlSSsBzHfKkKYcmfeEXbI/s2643/20210801_100749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="2643" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQtk0FRd0aWvBJsunZhBiGA63puF8ouLEeurUIkVcN3n0QYsijTilppu9prkbW5LzauyQurtmkPMbXDBOTvVNjuExRwAv8SM2Yv1rx0bvuzBu4aH7r233Nn5TlSSsBzHfKkKYcmfeEXbI/s320/20210801_100749.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I hope they get big enough to survive the winter before it arrives.</p><p>The down side of having the new batteries (and no car) was that I now needed to get rid of the old ones...in a new low , I loaded them onto a borrow cart from the marina (not approved of but I didn't ask) and walked them the half mile to the scrap yard... it nearly killed me in the heat but did raise another 45 quid for the blacking fund.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZHvhyphenhyphen7tZGUSmPptgoICRiK9m97H-o0qNaWUOC84EBBNkRWnYZCUuF_chsVyo0tnS59xhpUP0PuZ_4jHiTtc8xSdK7guFyuYO_JP0GEpKTyRM8wXqNYayr4p-0yZwivd_-ov9eYZdcM4/s2643/20210802_093520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2643" data-original-width="1189" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZHvhyphenhyphen7tZGUSmPptgoICRiK9m97H-o0qNaWUOC84EBBNkRWnYZCUuF_chsVyo0tnS59xhpUP0PuZ_4jHiTtc8xSdK7guFyuYO_JP0GEpKTyRM8wXqNYayr4p-0yZwivd_-ov9eYZdcM4/s320/20210802_093520.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5v-feooKAcaYLzXTWQLZ6FnsP9ocmPImxafQbPIZaje0OhJQLpclshphfZCY1hc9VOO-6jETQb-soft-hsafNdduiINQqrlFzu1mut45CflSbhH39auHE2HzcMFxjr5n-WeEBFP_WL4/s2643/20210802_092219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="2643" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5v-feooKAcaYLzXTWQLZ6FnsP9ocmPImxafQbPIZaje0OhJQLpclshphfZCY1hc9VOO-6jETQb-soft-hsafNdduiINQqrlFzu1mut45CflSbhH39auHE2HzcMFxjr5n-WeEBFP_WL4/s320/20210802_092219.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga73W1xRKlds0MgRbI5ak5wCCzzq5l3GpgA2hrHdM6njNomUuaAjSElr_PWL82C33y2T1Zs4d5uLDYdZ7RoCgWofLHOtzy2lFbJga9lt6x0zi9B03Q2vegvxepMWknDDOiRK3uWWbGHXs/s2643/20210802_085815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="2643" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga73W1xRKlds0MgRbI5ak5wCCzzq5l3GpgA2hrHdM6njNomUuaAjSElr_PWL82C33y2T1Zs4d5uLDYdZ7RoCgWofLHOtzy2lFbJga9lt6x0zi9B03Q2vegvxepMWknDDOiRK3uWWbGHXs/s320/20210802_085815.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Due to another overseas cancellation, we now have a few days off again to do chores... plenty of them as always but I think we'll go boating up the Caldon first.</p><p><br /></p><p>Until next time...</p><p><br /></p><p>Oh btw - you may have noticed the Adverts have stopped appearing on the page... I know they are a pain but they DID generate a bit of passive income - alas, apparently some of the blog traffic 'clicks' have been from the same place and they've put me on block for violating their traffic policy... nowt to do with me if folks from the same ip address click on the adverts - however it has meant I'm on the naughty step for a month whilst they consider my appeal. Hey ho.</p>Quaysiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372015225898397642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5946325688134943823.post-3560240949327498012021-07-20T08:31:00.003+01:002021-07-20T08:38:40.013+01:00Failing Batteries, a quick catch up and a moan.<p> I'll pretend it was only yesterday I was last here!</p><p>We escaped the Llangollen but not without injury. During an emergency "hirer enforced stop" 'Ellis' clonked her prop on something hard under the water and as well as bending a fin more than it was designed to be, it gave the outer edge an additional chamfer (can't spell that word).</p><p>This has meant that at certain revs - which is basically the ones you WANT to travel at, it 'chatters' ... rather annoyingly! </p><p>Trying to go just below or above said speed is a dark art - one which Alan Rickman would probably struggle to achieve too.</p><p><br /></p><p>I'd resigned myself to having to spend (even more) money I don't have when a friend suggested it would probably be covered on the boats insurance policy - that had never even occured to me. Upon making a phone call, right enough, GJW said I could arrange it's replacement and they would pick up the bill. GREAT I thought... well that was the theory - the reality was that late June/early July is not the easiest of times to get into a dry dock!</p><p><br /></p><p>I made a few phone calls but the general consensus seemed to be if it was an emergency we could fit you in between blackings.... apparently a bent prop (that makes the shaft spin out of line thus eventually knackering the stern gland) ISN'T an emergency until said gland is knackered! ffs. I thought I'd been thrown a lifeline briefly at Nantwich when it was suggested I call in with the boat on Monday morning for someone to look at... only to find a precious 'chief engineer' who (and I quote) "I'm not putting my hand in the dirty canal to feel it" <strike>couldn't give a flying fart</strike> was too busy to take a proper a look and diagnosed it by running in gear whilst tied up from the noise. So - when the expert says it will take a while before any damage is done and that I should just tolerate it, what else is there to do?</p><p><br /></p><p>Anyway - we've pottered on ... still trying to find the sweet spot that doesn't annoy the hell out of me. It's not easy.</p><p>Our travels have taken us UP and down the Macclesfield a coupe of times - we HAD been heading through Standedge tunnel again but the woman form CRT has been ignoring my emails requesting an update on the passage procedure ... so in despair, we binned our bookings and let some other fool have THEIR boat banged through the tunnel by a <strike>dad's army</strike> a well meaning volunteer.</p><p>Not that the Macclesfield has been much easier - the Bosley Lock flight is under reduced operating hours due to water supply problems - THEM being Todbrook reservoir still not being repaired... in theory it's ok for the same number of boats that need to go up or down the flight to make the trip - just during a shorter period of time.... I just dont see HOW that helps with saving water...it just makes a it a pain in the arse to get the boat to the top or bottom at the right time or end up in a big queue with no where to moor along with a load of other boats in the same predicament. Bonkers.</p><p><br /></p><p>On our most recent desecent - it was absoulytly hammering down and we were about half way down when everyone ground to a halt - a v-lockie came ambling back up the hill to say we should stay put as a paddle had broken and drained the pound above lock 11. Crt had been called and would be there in about an hour.</p><p>An hour is a long time to hang around in a lock flight in the rain but luckily mother nature decided to chuck us a bone and let a little sun out for a while.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTPnOUkG6iEBANfs8HaPARTrNVowHpQ8q_TNjC_G4kSkefl7b0e9qauX-niy5MYA31NibELVudaG3ekI9l3kqohavTKI_s31RMVUeUiOA8O668BUk45QxDLcdpv7752OvVptEmTdzLl0/s2608/20210704_112834.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTPnOUkG6iEBANfs8HaPARTrNVowHpQ8q_TNjC_G4kSkefl7b0e9qauX-niy5MYA31NibELVudaG3ekI9l3kqohavTKI_s31RMVUeUiOA8O668BUk45QxDLcdpv7752OvVptEmTdzLl0/s320/20210704_112834.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkxzV1-LBHFwJtB5Mgn-2S9UdE_ugdOHiSQO6rwhhocwwUJ8cOwRPn6usWLJQQr13ZWMr0UNPIIkFWl2VW6gvJMcaI_mlyA6yKjChrTt7wvK1ln5cKDOoigUsjqpToLitsKRiA94ADc0/s2560/20210704_123023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkxzV1-LBHFwJtB5Mgn-2S9UdE_ugdOHiSQO6rwhhocwwUJ8cOwRPn6usWLJQQr13ZWMr0UNPIIkFWl2VW6gvJMcaI_mlyA6yKjChrTt7wvK1ln5cKDOoigUsjqpToLitsKRiA94ADc0/s320/20210704_123023.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXY4wNH_25gwCvJPxjoWo2u2ossjLrzknafuvpWwIp41wloQWKFFhmSth-4pjngmfS6qsxhKwbltYP9F2rVsgUkn8hVI6fgqFD7RssT7Drb9NLibVTST3rjsxHKL99gweKST_UsnKv3Vw/s2608/20210704_123448.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXY4wNH_25gwCvJPxjoWo2u2ossjLrzknafuvpWwIp41wloQWKFFhmSth-4pjngmfS6qsxhKwbltYP9F2rVsgUkn8hVI6fgqFD7RssT7Drb9NLibVTST3rjsxHKL99gweKST_UsnKv3Vw/s320/20210704_123448.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIG7MJ399pEAiGSUyaysVGFPq6gWcF3H6AEYTGM_n7eHMWNY4RFiUcRuFeosTbvnzoqpsSaygaGwtK_7Re8PzhKhYZyj6huUvwp33kp2Dg3fo5ga3Ymhw7R4X25lrbOpY8_gX5iuJthns/s2608/20210704_123600.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIG7MJ399pEAiGSUyaysVGFPq6gWcF3H6AEYTGM_n7eHMWNY4RFiUcRuFeosTbvnzoqpsSaygaGwtK_7Re8PzhKhYZyj6huUvwp33kp2Dg3fo5ga3Ymhw7R4X25lrbOpY8_gX5iuJthns/s320/20210704_123600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2C7Q67jJa4W8HU0eJa6KIsQXx7SGgdvC-kcspfK27lZRERRNH-0xjSnb3VnUOPextn9YbFGdqNXhB9amGTIi-JaNIjbWYc6e_rV9qUUsCR8FmwNUxdslVqKmdVj3PylS8fio9MtYV0U/s2560/20210704_123604.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2C7Q67jJa4W8HU0eJa6KIsQXx7SGgdvC-kcspfK27lZRERRNH-0xjSnb3VnUOPextn9YbFGdqNXhB9amGTIi-JaNIjbWYc6e_rV9qUUsCR8FmwNUxdslVqKmdVj3PylS8fio9MtYV0U/s320/20210704_123604.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>To be fair, the Crt worker bees DID arrive at about the time promised... having to walk down the flight to the lock - by then we'd had a good old nosey around and I decided their lump hammer would not be the only tool they were going to need - ergo, I had a wander down to <strike>interfere</strike> assist ... complete with a crowbar ... which turned out to be JUST the thing they needed!</p><p>That wasn't the end of it though as because the flight was due to close entry at 1pm, when things got moving again (down to one paddle on the offending lock) some hire boats began their ascent of the flight.... ONLY to be turned around by the v-lockie who wanted to lock up the flight as soon as possible and beggar off home. The logical thing to have done would have been to leave the locks OFF for the night so that the backlog of boats could get through and then start again tomorrow... since when did LOGIC ever come into these things though?</p><p>A hire boat in the pound I was in was trying to turn around but I pointed out to him THAT would mean the following morning he'd be the wrong way around to begin the flight again - between us, the bosun and I helped him reverse down the lock he'd just come up and at least then he'd be pointing the right way without having to travel miles to a winding hole in the (now raining again) bad weather.</p><p>Our Journey continued without problems - well the usual "closed pub" or "broken swing bridge" but they are pretty much the norm now. We got down as far as Stone with our guest - a new lady on for 2 weeks...I don't usually take a 2 week booking from someone unless they've been on before...it's TOO long if you don't know (from either side) what you are getting. It was a gamble that paid off as the lady was lovely. Self aware, independent and generally happy to be on /off the boat doing her own thing. </p><p>I'd taken the approach THIS year that ANY booking that came in would be accepted... to try and repay some covid borrowings from last year AND make inroads to the divorce loan. It's fair to say the last couple of years have caused a major fiscal headache for 'Ellis' - this <i>business</i> was never intended to earn enough to pay enforced borrowings back ... the whole point had simply been to earn enough to live over the winter - perhaps with an out of season holiday somewhere warm now and again- NOT commit to 4 and 10 years for divorce and covid bounce back respectively.</p><p><br /></p><p>We're still here though and managing to cling to the wreckage but boy we're tired. Another thing about "this year" was that I put the schedule together PRE-COVID and MID divorce... ergo, I had to have short turn around times to fit more trips in to try and earn the money to make the loan repayments - it was always going to be tight but even "ginger super heros" can get tired. Especially when you get the occasional guests who HAVENT bought into the 'Live-aboard experience' but just want to save a few hundred quid on a Hotel boat.... I've lost count of the number of times Ive had to say "this is not a Hotel boat - we are a live-aboard-experience"... ie. MAKE yourself a cup of coffee without passively aggressively mentioning to your other half that you've not been offered one yet! GRrrr.</p><p><br /></p><p>Still, for the most part I'd not swap this life for my former one - or most other peoples ones I suppose (well maybe the retired couples with a bank balance who have time to explore places/have meals out) lol. </p><p>Writing of meals out - we took our last guest out for tea (so I didn't have to cook) in Stone and although the meal wasn't the best I've had, it was nice - made even more so when she insisted on paying. I must have been looking tired /grumpy . </p><p>We've also managed a few pub visits just for drinks but have to say that all this table service outside DOES take an age and frankly the sooner I can go to a bar to order the better. </p><p>Whilst down in Stone, we called into the Marina and I paid the deposit for THIS winters mooring... it was nice to be back and we spent a couple of nights there giving the guest a chance to explore and us time to catch up with chores/laundry etc on the shoreline.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxjuveou1si4CWMNn6W0XD4c-5YJJygNjJSLoTMmxwpSTFFHDxBTNB1hDs3w-VZojjjaHOMiE4lukf1BfTz9l68Hs6WnNJ9TjNsijShB5vt28owHWE033xVzCr_7JH3i9xma4miha1sY/s2560/20210708_143734.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxjuveou1si4CWMNn6W0XD4c-5YJJygNjJSLoTMmxwpSTFFHDxBTNB1hDs3w-VZojjjaHOMiE4lukf1BfTz9l68Hs6WnNJ9TjNsijShB5vt28owHWE033xVzCr_7JH3i9xma4miha1sY/s320/20210708_143734.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjuyh-VHWRKHqt-LRed-LjqrqwHgj6jbSA59ghGs83Mn7a3Kfgulodp4QBAR0YH8yrrnel0rXqIbWXN4FdUJFHNMk6JeuK67xC0AYJ1hB4Ibtf7DEi3R6OVdU3MKZl7Ldgc0AeOXSjgo/s2608/20210708_143151.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjuyh-VHWRKHqt-LRed-LjqrqwHgj6jbSA59ghGs83Mn7a3Kfgulodp4QBAR0YH8yrrnel0rXqIbWXN4FdUJFHNMk6JeuK67xC0AYJ1hB4Ibtf7DEi3R6OVdU3MKZl7Ldgc0AeOXSjgo/s320/20210708_143151.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Speaking (well writing) of shoreline, whenever possible at the moment we are popping into marinas for a night to give the batteries a rest - tbh, I was hoping to get this season out of them but they are just about hanging on by the skin of their acidic teeth. NOT helped by a lot of cloudy days meaning the solar has done bugger all. The constant battery management and use by the inverter for the new fridge freezer is tipping them (and me) over the edge.</p><p>So - I've bitten the bullet.... having tried to buy from the marina (but the ones they had were not the right size), I've got some coming today which I'll have to get fitted pronto - I'm RELLY not looking forward to doing that in a heat wave (it's 20th July today and el-scorchio). </p><p>JUST when you think there is going to be enough in the wallet to cover winter, something on the boat has other ideas... I suppose that's why folks joke about BOAT being an acronym for 'Bring out another thousand' - You've got to laugh... otherwise you'd cry!</p><p>Still, at least (assuming they arrive) from tomorrow I can relax a little and just let the batteries/solar and charger get on with job. Before then however I probably should defrost the freezer so it's working as efficiently as possible, clean the boat and make room for an Asda delivery booked for lunchtime.</p><p><br /></p><p>Tomorrow we set off back down the Maccclesfiied on my final "hang over" trip booked and paid last year that covid messed up... TIME to stick a testing swab down my throat and up my nose to reassure the guests all is well.</p><p><br /></p><p>Until next time...</p>Quaysiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372015225898397642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5946325688134943823.post-27060458910199656362021-06-12T08:28:00.004+01:002021-06-12T08:46:45.435+01:00A Busy Month, bit of a cop out, a birthday, too much laundry and very little time!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> Guilty as charged. Yep - time has been very illusive of late.<p></p><p>Basically, I'd forgotten how much organizing (shopping, cleaning, laundry and boat prep) goes into having folks on board again... since we've been allowed to operate once more, any "days off" are anything but... WHICH of course means I've just not long enough to sit down and <strike>cobble together</strike> write a literary masterpiece of a blog.</p><p>SO - in a bid to bring you up to speed, this is a total cop out post with mainly a photo stream of what's been happening, preceded by a list of statements - that probably won't even tie in with the photos but you can't always take a photo of things happening... especially when they involved death defying leaps onto boats etc.</p><p>1) In Ellesemere during a horrible thunderstorm, the bosun and I had to take charge of a hire boat when the hirers panicked, got wedged on the offside after crashing into everything in site.</p><p>2) We picked up a guest at Chirk, went to Llangollen Basin, back to Chirk, down the Monty (in gale force wind and rain), down to Nantwich - had a meal out, raced back up to Chirk and had a lovely time. (12 days)</p><p>3) Quick turn around in Chirk followed by another couple for 4 days playing around between Llangollen and Frankton Junction - including a meal in Lion Quays (and a nights mooring on the rickety pontoons)</p><p>4) Rescue of another hire boat wedged across the canal with 4 oaps on who really should not have been let out on one... I blame Tim and Pru for giving folks the impression it's a sedate pastime... it may be in places but the Llangollen canal is NOT one of those places!</p><p>5) Quick turn around (1 day) then a returning couple for a 2 night Llangollen to Lion Quays again trip - plenty of drama to do with 70 foot hire boats causing mayhem.</p><p>6) Quick turn around (1day) another returning guest for a repeat of the 2 day aforementioned trip (well Chirk Station to Llangollen and Lion Quays again) - Hire boat AND private boat chaos... this time the private boat causing problems by stopping every time a boat came towards us (up stream) but with 3 boats following him, it meant the rest of us had no where to go each time he stopped... it's the closest I've come to wanting to fire a torpedo! - this went on for 5 hours as we had a table booked for drinks and couldn't just pull over and let him chug on alone!</p><p>7 ) I had a birthday - complete with a beautiful watercolor gift (an early big one) presented by a guest who'd had it commissioned from a photo she'd taken previously... and I'm only using the term 'guest' out of habit ... she's a friend 1st, and the customer status is superfluous. </p><p>8) LOTS of cleaning and Laundry!</p><p>9) Bosun booked me a birthday bath as a surprise.</p><p>10) Did a bit of boat maintenance in the form of touching up paintwork in my waders in Llangollen Basin.</p><p>11) Walked up a bloody big hill to the remains of a castle (stopping half way up for a bottle of fizzy)</p><p>12) Was crashed into several times in one day by red-perils.</p><p>13) Walked back down a bloody big hill from a castle needing a wee.</p><p>14) Told a lock keeper at Grindley brook he really should be managing ALL The locks, not just the stair case</p><p>15) Fell out with another boater due to the afore inferred chaos at Grindley Brook.</p><p>16) Met lots of lovely boaty people... be them hirers, share owners or private owners. This canal is Alive (but very chaotic) and full of daily adventures.</p><p>17) Got a new gas bottle down in the town and only THEN remembered I'd have to carry it up the ruddy big hill to the boat in the basin.</p><p>18) Had a Chinese take-away</p><p>and lots of other things that I've forgotten about.</p><p><br /></p><p>oh - and I need a haircut too but that will have to wait until Next week when we arrive back in Nantwich after we leave the Llangollen canal for this year.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7D3AT9qphPNIJLCuCaV35oCfmJBETydCjKx_T46f2_adghyo7Zh0mqEN5dQZ-ut4BYSdehUcVTjDhI87bUdCUlji15HUl8j0MAN5EC4uFIpQd5tse6oCuaRB3Yja3dK7VXutf8ktYTcI/s2608/20210511_153437.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7D3AT9qphPNIJLCuCaV35oCfmJBETydCjKx_T46f2_adghyo7Zh0mqEN5dQZ-ut4BYSdehUcVTjDhI87bUdCUlji15HUl8j0MAN5EC4uFIpQd5tse6oCuaRB3Yja3dK7VXutf8ktYTcI/s320/20210511_153437.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVQcZM_IU8lrmW3kvXYmmXwf6RyXeU7w4_NkG0lR6Zq8pUkCyDGBgwqUiSx_-iuH0RDM29a6_Mdsy3tXN03RmogS1Vr7Gub8tMkUusrDWn6v26UsV2iD-TCWVs-S5FCJoSG3v4uAW_Rw/s2608/20210514_093819.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVQcZM_IU8lrmW3kvXYmmXwf6RyXeU7w4_NkG0lR6Zq8pUkCyDGBgwqUiSx_-iuH0RDM29a6_Mdsy3tXN03RmogS1Vr7Gub8tMkUusrDWn6v26UsV2iD-TCWVs-S5FCJoSG3v4uAW_Rw/s320/20210514_093819.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMa5Pdz9rE9EEY_NuQjAeoe_UX2m2qWGBvJJJbQqX2SggN06kc99S_STllPVu7JdKc0GhDFYM1zzwXit8VtnGJtKNGRVozcwRwHYVAIX_fJOHtT-4ZlMx-h4XPMfaBuMgFh7aOUguWto/s2560/20210516_082016.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMa5Pdz9rE9EEY_NuQjAeoe_UX2m2qWGBvJJJbQqX2SggN06kc99S_STllPVu7JdKc0GhDFYM1zzwXit8VtnGJtKNGRVozcwRwHYVAIX_fJOHtT-4ZlMx-h4XPMfaBuMgFh7aOUguWto/s320/20210516_082016.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkyuzmqGsoYfqaHujKyyhV1uLLk9BlSX4-qYS-eJ21M2bMcOD3hoBesmtEP7bnYRdtFPTjPbtQR0yJVPzStz0PfwwQl_rjfXhnmnPhW0TRYIum7pa13f2tLjsgt-RPGni63cYAniVy-g/s2608/20210518_164626.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkyuzmqGsoYfqaHujKyyhV1uLLk9BlSX4-qYS-eJ21M2bMcOD3hoBesmtEP7bnYRdtFPTjPbtQR0yJVPzStz0PfwwQl_rjfXhnmnPhW0TRYIum7pa13f2tLjsgt-RPGni63cYAniVy-g/s320/20210518_164626.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7AdLZTb8BBaldBZsadc9bOi9MwgLc7IoP41CrOIhM_zl_gZ77-m1EtZ_togjPX4VkH6yfGtZ6SgIdeZyWYCOUnC6OCK7v9e4Zd-2GCVXjaX3WK5bAc7pU28ibb7xigIcTUR4I9O4nXy0/s2560/20210519_180416.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7AdLZTb8BBaldBZsadc9bOi9MwgLc7IoP41CrOIhM_zl_gZ77-m1EtZ_togjPX4VkH6yfGtZ6SgIdeZyWYCOUnC6OCK7v9e4Zd-2GCVXjaX3WK5bAc7pU28ibb7xigIcTUR4I9O4nXy0/s320/20210519_180416.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhon3XCOE9YuahJViNjksWASIXTzGtXb1G8KA2OtZ1SFeWkTmJjfH61Rdfy-IUJe9jokyxeFB3Nm0cFnbWxBrE3OtVAmaC9Aw34eq6m2MZ7qWozuPFth4gcQG6gyukyzSO54TQRrft6nco/s2560/20210522_200055.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhon3XCOE9YuahJViNjksWASIXTzGtXb1G8KA2OtZ1SFeWkTmJjfH61Rdfy-IUJe9jokyxeFB3Nm0cFnbWxBrE3OtVAmaC9Aw34eq6m2MZ7qWozuPFth4gcQG6gyukyzSO54TQRrft6nco/s320/20210522_200055.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWPEeKIzY01CZRS2l1lem7LBM-eFX5HubaAokSBo88CDGcXL19SGlXr1u9vqfKu9LZP-qQ7qtzT_6AhoKFPzFYP5S00iArsABo5u6S0-T8QVMM-D_wy_NqSP8TBWcPfQ5eAq9zG7UplE/s2560/20210524_194232.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWPEeKIzY01CZRS2l1lem7LBM-eFX5HubaAokSBo88CDGcXL19SGlXr1u9vqfKu9LZP-qQ7qtzT_6AhoKFPzFYP5S00iArsABo5u6S0-T8QVMM-D_wy_NqSP8TBWcPfQ5eAq9zG7UplE/s320/20210524_194232.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-jH3fD-byRYBisgKfbjqc3_75nt5qPLOFBZqyZNbHQjV2-G9DhmD0DuNcV7Z4yGpAKluHAoVVdXOJjyDMbu1wRM7EcMuHcklTs3nBaQ6lQJxnY-fM3kWBQRwN1HZXiCL2-XYPxnk2QI/s2560/20210526_204046.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-jH3fD-byRYBisgKfbjqc3_75nt5qPLOFBZqyZNbHQjV2-G9DhmD0DuNcV7Z4yGpAKluHAoVVdXOJjyDMbu1wRM7EcMuHcklTs3nBaQ6lQJxnY-fM3kWBQRwN1HZXiCL2-XYPxnk2QI/s320/20210526_204046.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3CInu8VKOkNJl1J1uaSEFGughomq_on8Fp-sDkFFYpAWzNv3z_ccKdAEcOFPZaHYV4DY9grm6lRelldgGnDo3Vdzm6STdosUUOSY7okX6bHX-y-uU0fOwdtkHGd3X4bH_1hiduKYwBM/s2560/20210529_105559.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3CInu8VKOkNJl1J1uaSEFGughomq_on8Fp-sDkFFYpAWzNv3z_ccKdAEcOFPZaHYV4DY9grm6lRelldgGnDo3Vdzm6STdosUUOSY7okX6bHX-y-uU0fOwdtkHGd3X4bH_1hiduKYwBM/s320/20210529_105559.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CmZjjhqa3B9_Fo5BYNbQU9qG5-OUFQa6fxNN8IpDi_pt5Riqht93THBjZDtshmlCxSxksDvX37BzEfhI79UzRiPJBLXdyFXidRnvOY0UNHn1PTi7b2dgB9VI6e1D_YXUAupJrDEuS2I/s2608/20210529_124613.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CmZjjhqa3B9_Fo5BYNbQU9qG5-OUFQa6fxNN8IpDi_pt5Riqht93THBjZDtshmlCxSxksDvX37BzEfhI79UzRiPJBLXdyFXidRnvOY0UNHn1PTi7b2dgB9VI6e1D_YXUAupJrDEuS2I/s320/20210529_124613.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge32YHx27zIPkAD6Mf8vDqqtUo2eProbnqH2xxeFDM9tBOSWctg53qJX7poBWQsdVrXz_ciZr7duKEj6dvTSaivRYAX442gQWI0Qe0rQDOcxeKMSa2xG_dYiOHYDO8V9kSzhyphenhyphenpBX4TVjA/s2560/20210601_212458.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge32YHx27zIPkAD6Mf8vDqqtUo2eProbnqH2xxeFDM9tBOSWctg53qJX7poBWQsdVrXz_ciZr7duKEj6dvTSaivRYAX442gQWI0Qe0rQDOcxeKMSa2xG_dYiOHYDO8V9kSzhyphenhyphenpBX4TVjA/s320/20210601_212458.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdDWowNk-a_acYyi9NfihysaTgp0PcMjBSkAG0dx3_lmaENb7Yx_0WooIiNZjwzqARARFmzEOSv6uGN4J_1JjrE12pi2RM7UfNcmprXqArziXuYv6JWXefUs1ODpR6PmaZ1_Ywr06Tps/s2560/20210605_162212.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdDWowNk-a_acYyi9NfihysaTgp0PcMjBSkAG0dx3_lmaENb7Yx_0WooIiNZjwzqARARFmzEOSv6uGN4J_1JjrE12pi2RM7UfNcmprXqArziXuYv6JWXefUs1ODpR6PmaZ1_Ywr06Tps/s320/20210605_162212.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikvBsPN1m2-7IMZ5-CCgoSEDJGGhQjEd8MbLmQQu9lh7vd30bEk7z3tx_7f-SGqPvbV5AIZ63oQ7GB48MKptl9-VFGYVF_vLLHyBUgfWk_eHAw-wpvK4DHTsvlCtPFrx2Mc8xlYHdHiw/s2560/20210606_141530.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikvBsPN1m2-7IMZ5-CCgoSEDJGGhQjEd8MbLmQQu9lh7vd30bEk7z3tx_7f-SGqPvbV5AIZ63oQ7GB48MKptl9-VFGYVF_vLLHyBUgfWk_eHAw-wpvK4DHTsvlCtPFrx2Mc8xlYHdHiw/s320/20210606_141530.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkJN6XDj6tqgxXnrOnUYsWNxjyGQqTCNqYFS5V1ajq3PBjbvUWbNfwAnQqO5odhxxaaWpezdRyYtY6o3t_H5YtJjFUEMmuGRhTjmV5JcHmVrkBo2WWXyEa_52150fVjXBmYeA1eKnFXw/s2608/20210607_095805.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkJN6XDj6tqgxXnrOnUYsWNxjyGQqTCNqYFS5V1ajq3PBjbvUWbNfwAnQqO5odhxxaaWpezdRyYtY6o3t_H5YtJjFUEMmuGRhTjmV5JcHmVrkBo2WWXyEa_52150fVjXBmYeA1eKnFXw/s320/20210607_095805.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoa0DgnUUGAiclKwrAy6wPSSXy4tZOKvW8IswQB-kMZQgpG_-YCUmXJ6Ezx7JjreiMn694KjvqpEq7Tn3EToqWtMMNgAKMO0wicHokUJZ-SuE1K0mA0uU8DOn7JwpKjCX1FxJ2xG0r5yk/s1599/IMG-20210522-WA0001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1599" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoa0DgnUUGAiclKwrAy6wPSSXy4tZOKvW8IswQB-kMZQgpG_-YCUmXJ6Ezx7JjreiMn694KjvqpEq7Tn3EToqWtMMNgAKMO0wicHokUJZ-SuE1K0mA0uU8DOn7JwpKjCX1FxJ2xG0r5yk/s320/IMG-20210522-WA0001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_O4NDE0DJw0TD0pkVDCBUtq4KYoWt8qOGipGf7G4iw08ixWphysM8QSLLludX1I_AE4kT8MNn2yVqyrrmdQJhm-GmNJljzSRtWnqcM-LcZTvglTxwY1HQnKPQS0-VNgOiV4vsIVvb9EI/s1600/IMG-20210529-WA0014.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_O4NDE0DJw0TD0pkVDCBUtq4KYoWt8qOGipGf7G4iw08ixWphysM8QSLLludX1I_AE4kT8MNn2yVqyrrmdQJhm-GmNJljzSRtWnqcM-LcZTvglTxwY1HQnKPQS0-VNgOiV4vsIVvb9EI/s320/IMG-20210529-WA0014.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jRjGSf8XS_j6xHJi9DjNk4QOEXE2ZlcHMT5HrhuE66GTBMBQLUOwuk8HHB9vp6RyPVSUrnGmdWn2Rstwrp7Q72_ZyqNlg4ZvXVD0fptiafdp7TMwSSwLDdIu3VbPvQQFEO6nhveMKwQ/s1600/IMG-20210529-WA0016.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jRjGSf8XS_j6xHJi9DjNk4QOEXE2ZlcHMT5HrhuE66GTBMBQLUOwuk8HHB9vp6RyPVSUrnGmdWn2Rstwrp7Q72_ZyqNlg4ZvXVD0fptiafdp7TMwSSwLDdIu3VbPvQQFEO6nhveMKwQ/s320/IMG-20210529-WA0016.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61bTS_wzgr1ixqDeflK9ZeDG8IR5EwFN5Mlb8eG1Ck4dmLlGU6iTvxgounbKwY1YfJd2T0wVb3ohm9GTzD4qY_E2dNUWOEQpuuHukyQ6IavrfuxyDdsZWDUHMgBd_Lj09jMXkFNU_oJ0/s1600/IMG-20210529-WA0017.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61bTS_wzgr1ixqDeflK9ZeDG8IR5EwFN5Mlb8eG1Ck4dmLlGU6iTvxgounbKwY1YfJd2T0wVb3ohm9GTzD4qY_E2dNUWOEQpuuHukyQ6IavrfuxyDdsZWDUHMgBd_Lj09jMXkFNU_oJ0/s320/IMG-20210529-WA0017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgx87FhhCvvuDJNCDlPmtsSR1z7Jn8mn1yi3Qbe0infHwND7Yuae8C1GdpWYZMrLdA4nbgLo04MFFHcbwvn8SBcT0kNSV9bDC3oLzjkk4QNKmrCeSeLwdODfmqNnBegpidG_PRJNhRVc/s1600/IMG-20210529-WA0019.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgx87FhhCvvuDJNCDlPmtsSR1z7Jn8mn1yi3Qbe0infHwND7Yuae8C1GdpWYZMrLdA4nbgLo04MFFHcbwvn8SBcT0kNSV9bDC3oLzjkk4QNKmrCeSeLwdODfmqNnBegpidG_PRJNhRVc/s320/IMG-20210529-WA0019.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsuwntQotA6L5sQAqqwNYeAcR1PpZhX89aphKXE7lO2QewzXH8kzQDx0ouBp9HuhfefUhn7zt2mNRzhBV3Gy8P_BbnWDMDTd8MkccVZAp8olv2gllSkMHbYkMA584eNk9C9R-e1ZCyxk/s1600/IMG-20210529-WA0021.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsuwntQotA6L5sQAqqwNYeAcR1PpZhX89aphKXE7lO2QewzXH8kzQDx0ouBp9HuhfefUhn7zt2mNRzhBV3Gy8P_BbnWDMDTd8MkccVZAp8olv2gllSkMHbYkMA584eNk9C9R-e1ZCyxk/s320/IMG-20210529-WA0021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8sqTFru2NCI_q4DdgzfQTlqNoW5v7mOTOgwyLDAAK0Ph3TSH77WnZhntDXYNc3gXOQ59CH23csxLRbhrbsWgVmrBSmSL7Dis10-pkckGiz_FFWg9kViVlHP3GOx-PyM1qO1iphX2-Q4/s2608/20210601_213914.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8sqTFru2NCI_q4DdgzfQTlqNoW5v7mOTOgwyLDAAK0Ph3TSH77WnZhntDXYNc3gXOQ59CH23csxLRbhrbsWgVmrBSmSL7Dis10-pkckGiz_FFWg9kViVlHP3GOx-PyM1qO1iphX2-Q4/s320/20210601_213914.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDcAPrLendSpXtMSN-t1vIFSK7G3tiEXAnKDzbE-Q-swURZVfg8o4FvSvGKp5XP1K3wUfDTZMHIiyervQ4IWLawo6jeir97IPL7wlxWEIoKCHjnlhd-IEfCc43fgqyJc1UgAx7KCL5X8/s2560/20210602_162207.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDcAPrLendSpXtMSN-t1vIFSK7G3tiEXAnKDzbE-Q-swURZVfg8o4FvSvGKp5XP1K3wUfDTZMHIiyervQ4IWLawo6jeir97IPL7wlxWEIoKCHjnlhd-IEfCc43fgqyJc1UgAx7KCL5X8/s320/20210602_162207.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNv3Da6fJB1fwyjkWRHLCjOerpFqjXdtoH6xtiJuA507RHYj6_3lgN3h2b6cgTkRsG9zthiFQxufGkfUKWDCL_aYI15G3JyvJTjIM6oC3DcpXombkb-ItPL-GdT7OTVWymol1iEM4KSM/s2560/20210602_203712.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNv3Da6fJB1fwyjkWRHLCjOerpFqjXdtoH6xtiJuA507RHYj6_3lgN3h2b6cgTkRsG9zthiFQxufGkfUKWDCL_aYI15G3JyvJTjIM6oC3DcpXombkb-ItPL-GdT7OTVWymol1iEM4KSM/s320/20210602_203712.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbF-5_9ME7E_1j_S_dM_zeHB8TEvMbra8RwcvRt5Y2U_5hSwKrNQT4Z9vRhBrGuD70O7bSMDGjMqdHcgocVVPdimQ77NqVNz8dtFBqU-7sWvtEhZreighP9reClz_tiipmA8KcwKVqODA/s2608/20210605_072509.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbF-5_9ME7E_1j_S_dM_zeHB8TEvMbra8RwcvRt5Y2U_5hSwKrNQT4Z9vRhBrGuD70O7bSMDGjMqdHcgocVVPdimQ77NqVNz8dtFBqU-7sWvtEhZreighP9reClz_tiipmA8KcwKVqODA/s320/20210605_072509.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9RTYwOAoMohJzPdDQIVyhuL3avGB7_-9h1OOFCPgk1vraj_nEGqi6azmI_PQfRe3Kzr0HlxwTjgMyWvNY3XsAShdqox1cnuGgtW4qpfbVtXq4wckswCnKlBm462BbjVtEIZPKzgUFM1o/s2560/20210605_103315.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9RTYwOAoMohJzPdDQIVyhuL3avGB7_-9h1OOFCPgk1vraj_nEGqi6azmI_PQfRe3Kzr0HlxwTjgMyWvNY3XsAShdqox1cnuGgtW4qpfbVtXq4wckswCnKlBm462BbjVtEIZPKzgUFM1o/s320/20210605_103315.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>until next time ...<div><br /></div><div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Quaysiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372015225898397642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5946325688134943823.post-49601570400818582142021-05-14T08:01:00.002+01:002021-05-14T08:19:06.014+01:00Fly-boat Ellis again...<p> It surely can't be 2 weeks since I last <strike>moaned</strike> blogged on here? - Time has flown.</p><p>You'll recall we were hanging around in Manchester for a couple days at the end of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal trip - mainly to await the notice from CRT in regards the collapsed culvert 'Emergency repair' on the Llangollen canal... to see IF we would be able to get on to the canal proper, once they'd opened up the single file channel on the Trent and Mersey.</p><p>When the good news came that it was open with (and I quote) "a robust temporary repair to enable boats to use the canal for this season" , whilst briefly elate, we did find our selves questioning HOW come such a speedy repair could be done here, whilst the Macclesfield was barely progressing... the answer of course being the the LLangollen Canal supplied Hurleston reservoir with it's water supply - some 12 milltion gallons each day making it's way down from the river at Horseshoe falls to supply the town of Nantwich (or surrounding areas)... and of course, if that was stopped for long (they' installed pumps to bypass the leak which would be costing a lot to run AND be at risk of failure) the good folks in Cheshire would very soon be down to using standpipes for their water supplies... and that wouldn't do would it?</p><p>It's a shame they have proven they CAN make "robust temporary repairs" so quickly cause it then flags up WHY they can't do the same in other <i>less political</i> places. Hey ho... what do I know.</p><p>SO then - we set off from Manchester about 1pm on Saturday... we' have gone sooner but we needed a pump out and top up of diesel... sod's law dictated that every time I tried to move from the pontoon we'd stopped on to the service point, some other boat jumped in before us. Oh well... </p><p>The forecast for the trip to ahead was NOT looking good - we'd decided to make the trip as quickly as possible so as to get 'Ellis' back to where she was supposed to be in readiness for being able to operate on 17th May. In theory we could have gone a bit slower but that would have messed up with the bosun's 2nd covid jab so a long schlepp seemed logical. We hadn't spotted this was taking place on a Bank Holiday weekend - they mean nothing to us these days.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qiT7Q4b2O-pCD50FIco2eLKytO3N5J_Zki3eog-yQv-FkbbxzCnfR_9yon9Yly5IPDCSa7i0NCh1QvR268oIa4EZsQXRxAvLMOztYni-bW-tjSoqrZsV_WGB7iCOFOM7BcXtE8FoZvE/s2608/20210501_133210.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qiT7Q4b2O-pCD50FIco2eLKytO3N5J_Zki3eog-yQv-FkbbxzCnfR_9yon9Yly5IPDCSa7i0NCh1QvR268oIa4EZsQXRxAvLMOztYni-bW-tjSoqrZsV_WGB7iCOFOM7BcXtE8FoZvE/s320/20210501_133210.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">as we left the outskirts of Manchester, we encountered a few kayakers/canoeists which was to become a bit of a theme for the journey - I JOKED on twitter about getting extra points if you sink 2 at once... and then received some offensive DMS ... not even from folks that follow my boating account. SOME folks need a sense of humor transplant, never mind a covid jab.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was about about half 7 when we got to Preston Brook tunnel and once again, some kayakers arrived and asked if we'd mind them going ahead of us through the tunnel... I really don't like sharing tunnels with vulnerable boats but they assured me they would zoom off ahead and had good head and rear lights - so that's what they did and to be fair, they'd left the tunnel long before we did</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaQGBqykPS5bz8-SyNPQNHRnwfVd5WVFbdxRaTHDMLCDiNqTVe9pHQtM-TuVQZCTBhXyNVDRAlWkTZo3bJr0nFfNcJLMCS6wxgv8bqDkuFhpVara5L0bmvqYbvWsAYyIteeDrdOOZlfQ/s2608/20210501_192033.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaQGBqykPS5bz8-SyNPQNHRnwfVd5WVFbdxRaTHDMLCDiNqTVe9pHQtM-TuVQZCTBhXyNVDRAlWkTZo3bJr0nFfNcJLMCS6wxgv8bqDkuFhpVara5L0bmvqYbvWsAYyIteeDrdOOZlfQ/s320/20210501_192033.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once through the tunnel (it's amazing how less stressful a tunnel is when you are steering your OWN boat) - <i>perhaps someone should tell crt that.</i>.. you know, the 'well being charity', we chugged on for a short while and tied up when we could for the night - it being about 8.30 when we had dinner.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Knowing the weather for the next day was going to be best for a while, I left the bosun in slumber and set off at 6.45 the following morning. IT was a lovely cold, misty morning so whilst pretty, That turned out to be a school boy error (not the slumbering bosun but the time)... I'd forgotten how SLOW this section is compared to the deep bridgwater canal -ergo, we arrived at the NEXT tunnel (Saltesford) 2 mins AFTER the end of the timed slot so had to wait until the next - 38 mins later. OH well, it gave me time to make a bacon buttie.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAklfOJsXtOBMfmw_YcTGuHkhJZBh0to6g4n1sbtrP_0ha58LGEkNMsUTsdCcibzWNOW4Ot6dGvpO27tgenqEblK6XJuUzFYKoXZk2atyq9ESc8_eQb-tMonQSJhJV_FVIh4tLfGfQi8o/s2608/20210502_071004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAklfOJsXtOBMfmw_YcTGuHkhJZBh0to6g4n1sbtrP_0ha58LGEkNMsUTsdCcibzWNOW4Ot6dGvpO27tgenqEblK6XJuUzFYKoXZk2atyq9ESc8_eQb-tMonQSJhJV_FVIh4tLfGfQi8o/s320/20210502_071004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">An uneventful but pleasant enough journey - we soon arrived at the landslide (that happened in January and had only just been cleared enough for boats to pass) ... did it REALLY take 3 months to work out how to put some waders on and dig a channel through? - if indeed that's what was required? apparently so... it sounds like I'm crt bashing but REALLY? - 3 Months??? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicS-0nUiO6DlxEwo5chZtF8Pi90dJ9qiJ0W1EM6v9RtRPgGKVfl0e0h9NDny_nTUfLCCLQpYowRN5iDx-IoD8_0VCPbM0PCvn7vlm3XavRWcMzwHiAM5JjzBSV9Xyqs9JXnSaYnBg6uP0/s2608/20210502_090643.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicS-0nUiO6DlxEwo5chZtF8Pi90dJ9qiJ0W1EM6v9RtRPgGKVfl0e0h9NDny_nTUfLCCLQpYowRN5iDx-IoD8_0VCPbM0PCvn7vlm3XavRWcMzwHiAM5JjzBSV9Xyqs9JXnSaYnBg6uP0/s320/20210502_090643.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTImVyvxevQUj9FjbEgvwWW6SOUbdPSxN_rDiGQ2vt6VS77M5szpdpJi3MQ7TsB_tt_nMij11nw0N2njU1xCQTvIc6lqWczQWQ_89ahCff39lYP_Y6UZ7RTVHzGCSVmMkJPc-PT6DQPdA/s2560/20210502_090609.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTImVyvxevQUj9FjbEgvwWW6SOUbdPSxN_rDiGQ2vt6VS77M5szpdpJi3MQ7TsB_tt_nMij11nw0N2njU1xCQTvIc6lqWczQWQ_89ahCff39lYP_Y6UZ7RTVHzGCSVmMkJPc-PT6DQPdA/s320/20210502_090609.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdYam9kM0H15Q88XFcN_JU4lI9HVpQGbgczXf5Yo9aacne6wO5kb2yqhbxFJtKaVcXZfa-EczjlX0-nxwOovWK5__QrokU0mWyD7OoDTu6I14Ohz1iAiyvLnQV9ndQXGI0i8Kta2qf20/s2608/20210502_090532.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdYam9kM0H15Q88XFcN_JU4lI9HVpQGbgczXf5Yo9aacne6wO5kb2yqhbxFJtKaVcXZfa-EczjlX0-nxwOovWK5__QrokU0mWyD7OoDTu6I14Ohz1iAiyvLnQV9ndQXGI0i8Kta2qf20/s320/20210502_090532.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once through this very dangerous bit,before too long (well it was a long time but in the dry it's not a problem) we'd made it to Middlewich and as you'd expect on a bank holiday weekend, crt worker bees had very kindly left a hopper moored on the lock landing at the top of big lock<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyBscJ7HdkgJQGmmzzU41H9W-cs83xNPrgsb9AFGgMh0OE_-xqg_YyW7wG8ZJxhhLGtJDRE-gElL5ZId0MYXyJ__pR866xxEcAvONYCPzym5imbDzaRMEwNtiEMEWLR4_YfNmWXcppIQ/s2608/20210502_133540.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyBscJ7HdkgJQGmmzzU41H9W-cs83xNPrgsb9AFGgMh0OE_-xqg_YyW7wG8ZJxhhLGtJDRE-gElL5ZId0MYXyJ__pR866xxEcAvONYCPzym5imbDzaRMEwNtiEMEWLR4_YfNmWXcppIQ/s320/20210502_133540.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">By the end of that day (Sunday) we made it through the recently re-opened Middlewhich branch and up Hureston Locks to the bottom of the Llangollen - ending the day in the dark at about 9.30pm, tired and grumpy the last thing I needed was to stand in some dog poo on the towpath as we moored up. Grr..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ignoring the unpleasantness that ensued the night before, Monday morning saw a better start to the day weather wise than had been promised... with that in our minds, we set off and went for it. By the time we'd gotten to the bottom of Grindley Brook Staircase we were soaked to the gusset - to the point that it was actually running down my inside leg and filling my boots... at which point as it wasn't cold (but very windy) we decided we may as well work our way UP to the top (no queues for a change) and then tie up for the day... RIGHT when the wind was at it's peak! At one point, a fender blew off the roof and began dancing it's way down the canal behind us - having just paid £20 for said thing, I slung into reverse and went after it... in hindsight this may not have been the cleverest of decisions but I DID retrieve it - much to the amusement of a few boaters twitching curtains, as 'Ellis' went sideways down the cut.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Weather wise - we left the on what had to be THE windiest day on the cut... we crapped our way through rain, hail and thunder storms to Ellesemere and were lucky enough to get tied up right outside Tesco. I still don't LIKE Tesco on account of their militant behavior during the covid lock downs but needs must and it's very handy being able to wheel a trolley to the boat.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbCF1keTA2ANrn27-p6aUzaayRpRpePH56RlwrCRKzhD_frO8N2fjH1_en7QZF0j5jJIZM0Lvc8vQIoIHA3ki6U99nSnVMmwJsC9cfKjIcVu-QYQkT_Mrv-oISAFITmkDPNXgT1UHnGM/s2560/20210504_154148.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbCF1keTA2ANrn27-p6aUzaayRpRpePH56RlwrCRKzhD_frO8N2fjH1_en7QZF0j5jJIZM0Lvc8vQIoIHA3ki6U99nSnVMmwJsC9cfKjIcVu-QYQkT_Mrv-oISAFITmkDPNXgT1UHnGM/s320/20210504_154148.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiChtI9k7-DXhhUCfl4ZdgCbb8u-OJ6BynelRNQX-fCx6TD9Rwfq2e-Uqvs78lPlDi8v0UGolnqTpMAOMg9aaKOcfTlUAMEyvFOFhZ_yELRR7U0BI7zxl9rKWruMXZUvD0U1GYygOa-WXI/s2608/20210504_152028.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiChtI9k7-DXhhUCfl4ZdgCbb8u-OJ6BynelRNQX-fCx6TD9Rwfq2e-Uqvs78lPlDi8v0UGolnqTpMAOMg9aaKOcfTlUAMEyvFOFhZ_yELRR7U0BI7zxl9rKWruMXZUvD0U1GYygOa-WXI/s320/20210504_152028.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our next stopping place was The Poachers pub - where we'd booked a table outside... only to arrive and find a notice on the door saying "closed due to bad weather" - "bad weather" we'd chugged 5 hours through to get there lol.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The next part of the journey from there, through Chirk Tunnel, Whitehouse tunnel and across the Ponty was in semi sunshine which made a nice change. Needing diesel again, once over the aqueduct, we reversed to the diesel point a Anglo Welsh and filled the tank - we'd used 90 litres from Manchester which was more than usual but I suppose due to the wind, we HAD had (good English I know) to use more power than ideal for a lot of the journey.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ahead of us was the final few hours up to Llangollen Basin - and my favorite bit... I just can't help singing "The hills are alive with the sound of music" as we chug up the narrows... Channeling my best Julie Andrews all the way lol.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJI-dxjB84FLT14b2bc_WiFA-_7Cx_Hs6gsxHc3xVdVH7FQfuU6ziueUw8_l7cQI__mGL0IUEQaVMexdKZZrppe_iBV7s8hJraIh45E9Th6YA8IBZw05Wd-gfPdoe0nG8fyVKb5jdmAFY/s2560/20210506_130307.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJI-dxjB84FLT14b2bc_WiFA-_7Cx_Hs6gsxHc3xVdVH7FQfuU6ziueUw8_l7cQI__mGL0IUEQaVMexdKZZrppe_iBV7s8hJraIh45E9Th6YA8IBZw05Wd-gfPdoe0nG8fyVKb5jdmAFY/s320/20210506_130307.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXp4OZ2XFHoStxFNuhrNpd6YObaU5BP_guvhfl8IO2Im7kxoXB54IZPfJ2NfbLYxuBto9otXc6QXG2B_8xaTfYg4wlsaTLjEq1IG-EtTaX0ASFwCaBrHJFirqpwavw7d3fTjVq7KFDF34/s2560/20210506_130311.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXp4OZ2XFHoStxFNuhrNpd6YObaU5BP_guvhfl8IO2Im7kxoXB54IZPfJ2NfbLYxuBto9otXc6QXG2B_8xaTfYg4wlsaTLjEq1IG-EtTaX0ASFwCaBrHJFirqpwavw7d3fTjVq7KFDF34/s320/20210506_130311.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2johURFcE-s19IUXbkGC9zsemMH_5VmnOVAttiTcEvfru41pfWYm4teXmppuJ6jpN59CQTVNSuvE2eOeYKMX816NfYIHvqcRlMoz45XslGiMLQHfrLnOqAgVuTw_FP_sTodSLqoM5pcM/s2560/20210506_130802.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2johURFcE-s19IUXbkGC9zsemMH_5VmnOVAttiTcEvfru41pfWYm4teXmppuJ6jpN59CQTVNSuvE2eOeYKMX816NfYIHvqcRlMoz45XslGiMLQHfrLnOqAgVuTw_FP_sTodSLqoM5pcM/s320/20210506_130802.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The sun remained with us for a few hours more and once tied up in the basin (NOT where I was aiming the boat but the wind had other ideas so I settled for the nearest pontoon at a critical moment) I had a wander down into the town to remind myself how lovely it really is. It's fair to say, I really do love the place.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNh6ZLe9py6Z7Tnen1KeebuH32tNhH8gn64lzP7t2PILMpSUwl2dNuqP-hAh0e7_m72OacGT514Don3x8_73aDgjPsOIXYBoEtAbcmCD7lq11VWcRe-OG_h2VAOZo0yjBpPufWc0B_GU/s2560/20210507_085739.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNh6ZLe9py6Z7Tnen1KeebuH32tNhH8gn64lzP7t2PILMpSUwl2dNuqP-hAh0e7_m72OacGT514Don3x8_73aDgjPsOIXYBoEtAbcmCD7lq11VWcRe-OG_h2VAOZo0yjBpPufWc0B_GU/s320/20210507_085739.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTZKldcZmtEQDgOOPzA-a6QC2SSOl9oAIlNBgnqxSNWHhaxOvlmqADhpBYyiTSR9L97jCcn7tmpKiuRGpshbFv3WGKXIr6y1-fFOYlO5RWSZoTvtjRTNZzDKinNqq9F1AXwq8eJhK5_k/s2560/20210507_090333.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTZKldcZmtEQDgOOPzA-a6QC2SSOl9oAIlNBgnqxSNWHhaxOvlmqADhpBYyiTSR9L97jCcn7tmpKiuRGpshbFv3WGKXIr6y1-fFOYlO5RWSZoTvtjRTNZzDKinNqq9F1AXwq8eJhK5_k/s320/20210507_090333.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtXAOzQwfSqmp-Wm3LlEb6-BgSURz5uiGxyy8q_RKZLNBmMm2BoXTRz2jTpH5dMcTtl4rnW7QxbK_tfyHjWEjjgZlPT-tKyY_NMDEMtyEOv3D0Sg5eDbiiGLSHXS4-2HYdRKGb6Vbr1Q/s2560/20210507_131147.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtXAOzQwfSqmp-Wm3LlEb6-BgSURz5uiGxyy8q_RKZLNBmMm2BoXTRz2jTpH5dMcTtl4rnW7QxbK_tfyHjWEjjgZlPT-tKyY_NMDEMtyEOv3D0Sg5eDbiiGLSHXS4-2HYdRKGb6Vbr1Q/s320/20210507_131147.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhtmv9gSfXSFjAJkFgxH3y0gnX9knnNJH6IIiqplRA9gSIlxNrabcR6zJzgMV-K6L4XVcLdHUQ-sNQMEK0qo3Jna7pUXWac4Y3fa1tixqjnKZ_FaNWPCyt5VjklmYPuHuKjAgkGtjssE/s2560/20210507_141223.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhtmv9gSfXSFjAJkFgxH3y0gnX9knnNJH6IIiqplRA9gSIlxNrabcR6zJzgMV-K6L4XVcLdHUQ-sNQMEK0qo3Jna7pUXWac4Y3fa1tixqjnKZ_FaNWPCyt5VjklmYPuHuKjAgkGtjssE/s320/20210507_141223.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Of course, by the time I'd walked back up to the basin (and paid the mooring fee) the wind had dropped and the basin was as calm as a mill pond . VERY quiet though and on talking with the guy who manages the place, he said it's 50% down on normal still. Oh well, our gain ... it'll be full soon enough that's for sure - certainly when the next bank holiday hirers when 2 households can be under the same roof. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also spotted 'Ellis' was a few hours overdue a service so the next day it was oil change time.. I used the handily provided ppe (from the Standedge tunnel debacle) - which then led to an assumption by a mooring boater on the next pontoon that I was a boat mechanic and could I help him get his electric working!!! - this whilst I was up to my nipples in grease in the engine bay. Ever helpful, once I'd finished my filter changes etc. I poked my head into his electric cupboard for a shufty... after a bit of faffing around (it was a share boat and he wasn't too familiar with how it works), it turned out the switches on the mcbs were back to front... ie. 'OFF was ON'. Once I' figured that out, shore-power was restored and he was happy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Writing of Happy, so am I at the moment... we made it back to where the boat is supposed to be and now, once chores and errands have been done, we can welcome guests back onboard an have SOME sort of boating season - we're even doing our twice weekly covid tests!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNe6jOZKbgnEI7BrHRLLWi8JEvpQpGuRzBBJCY_1jURAjs9bRxRJ75q8bIGnY7Vn4fCry16IZA2_26JcFGHXFDjSASYJlZ4oblVYRHwv1OZcMGGnQWZUJAqeFCoHgGM3bSz2cl8wZV7g/s2608/20210511_153437.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNe6jOZKbgnEI7BrHRLLWi8JEvpQpGuRzBBJCY_1jURAjs9bRxRJ75q8bIGnY7Vn4fCry16IZA2_26JcFGHXFDjSASYJlZ4oblVYRHwv1OZcMGGnQWZUJAqeFCoHgGM3bSz2cl8wZV7g/s320/20210511_153437.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If the weather holds out, we'll take a run back to Ellesemere and stock up again (not paying Welsh gin prices - £3.20 extra on the price of a bottle of gin so they can stuff it - I'd rather spend it on the diesel to get there on principle).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until next time...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Quaysiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372015225898397642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5946325688134943823.post-41938201022491670372021-04-30T09:07:00.006+01:002021-04-30T09:46:30.420+01:00Plan a,b,c,d f and h - a lot of ranting and nice photos on the Huddersfield Narrow/shallow Canal<p> Now don't berate me. Things have been very busy and frustrating in the last few weeks. I'd be having a proper old rant right now, were it not for the despicable murder of a member or crt staff down south this week. Instead, I'm feeling more forgiving of them - certainly the chaps /chapesses on the ground at the moment AND even in praise of the statement issued by the boss man - which for a change was actually very well written and sincere!</p><p>SO then. I left you halfway between Marple and Bugsworth (Buxsworth) basin - BOTH spellings appear to be correct depending on which book/map you read! The Peak Forest canal is lovely but VERY shallow (practically impossible to get along side most of the time) and even in April with a reasonable amount of water in it, we struggle to get through a couple of shallow bits. Still, we made it to the basin (after a segway up the Whayley Bridge arm to check with water supply being pumped up from the river Goyt) - I'm not wishing to be alarmist here, but as the reservoir that feeds it is STILL empty and under repair, THIS appears to be all that is filling the peak forest and Macclesfield canals... it's no wonder they are both shallow and timings on lock flights are being introduced (again) </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-lePfOH0Vk0yfILj9Ol-xVFlviQMs_CGKl45ZKLXkyU5wTNiEkf5L073lzp6HC3zn5cAr9g4THrbM7V4uuiS94oKiyaoeOzJirAr_PUrA4rdqbTmGhm8xkZnWdcCzpPCUnJteok1pcQ/s2608/20210402_134147.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-lePfOH0Vk0yfILj9Ol-xVFlviQMs_CGKl45ZKLXkyU5wTNiEkf5L073lzp6HC3zn5cAr9g4THrbM7V4uuiS94oKiyaoeOzJirAr_PUrA4rdqbTmGhm8xkZnWdcCzpPCUnJteok1pcQ/s320/20210402_134147.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkn_VLuhKxqQzYO7N_brxXONn4L1FDVdERYHOrbhUTHFmC9w8ZHYF_hUaAG9QRY_28WMZiAj9diqY4uomYVyJ-Hmz4wmaYwkgv2gY582FzX0jGqYQtxhsbuzK9xRZ1bZTdAqJ5iFles0/s2560/20210402_081912.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkn_VLuhKxqQzYO7N_brxXONn4L1FDVdERYHOrbhUTHFmC9w8ZHYF_hUaAG9QRY_28WMZiAj9diqY4uomYVyJ-Hmz4wmaYwkgv2gY582FzX0jGqYQtxhsbuzK9xRZ1bZTdAqJ5iFles0/s320/20210402_081912.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthFeeZufsj6lwE4sWSzXUEM_p2SO4qariDnosX8WF0Um9XRtP-jQsS0u4uLhSD5PEHptPvr-Tkw96AiALNFlRJNOgNkMrzDwdhBTQnLYqrOwJtw6cbLYd6YHY00ibx2e3AzibTpy3mYI/s2560/20210401_165808.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthFeeZufsj6lwE4sWSzXUEM_p2SO4qariDnosX8WF0Um9XRtP-jQsS0u4uLhSD5PEHptPvr-Tkw96AiALNFlRJNOgNkMrzDwdhBTQnLYqrOwJtw6cbLYd6YHY00ibx2e3AzibTpy3mYI/s320/20210401_165808.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here I am moaning about water levels when once again, there are far bigger problems... take the lovely boat behind Ellis in the last photo. On stepping out and about to cast off after our overnight there, I met the owner of it. A disheveled looking chap whom I HAD been cross with for running his engine late the night before. On chatting, it transpired his poor wife (in her 50's) had just died the night before!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tragic. I won't go into details but suffice to say, we had to stay and talk a while. Poor, Poor fella. Every sentence pulling at my heart strings and catapulting me back to the early days with dad when mum died.</div><br /><p></p><p>At an appropriate time, we made our excuses, explained we'd be back in a few days and offered help/support where we can. We chugged out of the basin in a rather solemn mood but thanking our lucky stars that "our" problems were so insignificant. </p><p style="text-align: center;">. . . . . . . . . .</p><p>Now those of you paying attention (I know it's hard when waffle on) MIGHT remember, the reason why we came up here was to begin our revised route to the Llangollen (caused by that landslide on the T & M that happened 21st Jan but which CRT had done nothing about yet)... Well, during our journey, it became apparent CRT had ALSO closed the Macclesfield canal due to a collapsed culvert in Macclesfield... Curious as to HOW the works were progressing, we decided to chug as close to the stoppage as possible and take a look for ourselves.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4VGhqvTR0MKpwbpfl_IY06HTteZsPQslsx4iKIU2a0HHL97W369_HRFFE15yzUebGm2vZo5vF67Rq250lKWKC64dRF4GzvNuQcGBsTpBoZtrqKVerUjOYuZ7HVbYBnnB-9dyN6k3-2o/s2608/20210404_130154.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4VGhqvTR0MKpwbpfl_IY06HTteZsPQslsx4iKIU2a0HHL97W369_HRFFE15yzUebGm2vZo5vF67Rq250lKWKC64dRF4GzvNuQcGBsTpBoZtrqKVerUjOYuZ7HVbYBnnB-9dyN6k3-2o/s320/20210404_130154.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_JPKJ1W0YE7-rOf_KXVQl9GnQ4Z4shfET8kV71YnOArS3Rd_tTFlNOQxo4yDHJYYKzKFwbjlZ3kkOMRTvGjDb1nsglMPkHckTsjQ6a5p66osh7D4WIC7LXmTY6Wd8ojCzZGWhYLvlmk/s1600/IMG-20210404-WA0006.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_JPKJ1W0YE7-rOf_KXVQl9GnQ4Z4shfET8kV71YnOArS3Rd_tTFlNOQxo4yDHJYYKzKFwbjlZ3kkOMRTvGjDb1nsglMPkHckTsjQ6a5p66osh7D4WIC7LXmTY6Wd8ojCzZGWhYLvlmk/s320/IMG-20210404-WA0006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The short answer is that bugger all apart from blocking it off (including the towpath so that will be a priority to get cyclist's going again) was being done... Talking with the security chap on site (complete with nice dogs) he said from experience WHEN this type of job starts, it tends to take a bout a month... ie. we would NOT be going down the Macclesfield to get to Llangollen (the LONG way).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">SO - we hatched another plan... a segway over the Huddersfield Narrow (and shallow) Canal... THIS being the only one that appeared to be fully open!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">School boy error there too however as it transpired that a leak in the pound between locks 1 and 2 that was listed LAST JULY - had still not been investigated so the only way to get to Hudderfield , involved pre-booking a passage and hope a crt person would turn up to run water down to the make the entrance to lock 1 possible. MORE to follow about that later.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Weather wise, we'd been very lucky with bright sunny days but cold nights - I think it got down to minus 4 whilst in Bugsworth - in fact, on the return journey the day before we went back down the Marple flight, we got snow!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODeChQDVU0rTps4tatP9rOB3CS-SkSPO_Ks7w2NKjvyVIuGlhQniLP32UV1lHWHWT5XH_6jnnAT8zl9u-D9JgjlQ-hDoHDiN2JBJLuyDeUFw9qiUZy2epOp2_KoQYyFykJ3D1tyLiCJA/s2608/20210407_055610.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODeChQDVU0rTps4tatP9rOB3CS-SkSPO_Ks7w2NKjvyVIuGlhQniLP32UV1lHWHWT5XH_6jnnAT8zl9u-D9JgjlQ-hDoHDiN2JBJLuyDeUFw9qiUZy2epOp2_KoQYyFykJ3D1tyLiCJA/s320/20210407_055610.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhre0TLE1pHCwFLIpe1rjMBLGmUGcOKGUb59ALIIHBKrSBZ8Co2RfKvsFUws2piXeorx5d6Z1DHKvoHmhr_SPq1CS7VF8zHr6bihNBULbb3Qvi_MTAKrDeMHd6TautYJBnBP4cueMJ1SJg/s2560/20210410_113602.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1184" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhre0TLE1pHCwFLIpe1rjMBLGmUGcOKGUb59ALIIHBKrSBZ8Co2RfKvsFUws2piXeorx5d6Z1DHKvoHmhr_SPq1CS7VF8zHr6bihNBULbb3Qvi_MTAKrDeMHd6TautYJBnBP4cueMJ1SJg/s320/20210410_113602.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyxLDhj2D4MFP9gAhtz0Y5ONRCx_hMbv2IdlOvEKKJxu3WdJPir-cBap1vTakRzA46fdhuzK67OlHeN5NPw5MlPZvK-1Udxw-sstaF4s5r9EjeaXw5OkfBoEZvmWAGQQ4XmFDNq9PDXA/s2560/20210410_122107.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1184" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyxLDhj2D4MFP9gAhtz0Y5ONRCx_hMbv2IdlOvEKKJxu3WdJPir-cBap1vTakRzA46fdhuzK67OlHeN5NPw5MlPZvK-1Udxw-sstaF4s5r9EjeaXw5OkfBoEZvmWAGQQ4XmFDNq9PDXA/s320/20210410_122107.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Whilst in Marple, I called into a Chemists and picked up a few Covid testing kits for when we start taking guests onboard. They'll have had their 2nd jabs by then and we've both had our first so it's a belt and braces approach I know... but still, it does offer THEM extra peace of mind.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZ-GM7z3oZP-L3yy4lS_1HjYnENu29gZlqEETM5krFEEDxjYdQcMvQV3WlacQ522p-ozzBxT91iQgF1l7ZE3P-S-OtydODQO-yW8gIXGiGRmRnvL-TTJ-HKm6A0hnx04SVhuCF3pDpVg/s2608/20210411_073835.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZ-GM7z3oZP-L3yy4lS_1HjYnENu29gZlqEETM5krFEEDxjYdQcMvQV3WlacQ522p-ozzBxT91iQgF1l7ZE3P-S-OtydODQO-yW8gIXGiGRmRnvL-TTJ-HKm6A0hnx04SVhuCF3pDpVg/s320/20210411_073835.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The sooner we can all stop wearing these silly muzzles the better as far as I'm concerned.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once down Marpe locks, we spotted some friends moored up on their new Bickerstaff - shouting through the hatch, it transpired one of them had shingles so we chugged on and spent a night moored in Ashton -under-lyne (near the Portland Basin Museum) - <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-O6FQGFU99nIV-6iH6MVoS4WjrJ4lF0nIYHgkZxNCRUsTYEpD91scbZeATtrw3x3-HRSTeNhPAy3ZOzT2R0-ciCf10I4JC22tUeAchmRD85Tw8YfgqHv1OJvQYhCAC2jPjHG6p3sXBc/s2560/20210413_091337.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-O6FQGFU99nIV-6iH6MVoS4WjrJ4lF0nIYHgkZxNCRUsTYEpD91scbZeATtrw3x3-HRSTeNhPAy3ZOzT2R0-ciCf10I4JC22tUeAchmRD85Tw8YfgqHv1OJvQYhCAC2jPjHG6p3sXBc/s320/20210413_091337.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3rEhadyLW4QLiSGT4gCTzl4kA5dDpCZcVMlc3motK7be0hBgQFTxI5V_LSQAgDgAeNFf1COxpI9IIHUO6JrpYmSowit2iho28fvxmFoPWCxVsPX0kmJpwQDeG-DfoHI04ss4rOMlIo7E/s2560/20210412_171930.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3rEhadyLW4QLiSGT4gCTzl4kA5dDpCZcVMlc3motK7be0hBgQFTxI5V_LSQAgDgAeNFf1COxpI9IIHUO6JrpYmSowit2iho28fvxmFoPWCxVsPX0kmJpwQDeG-DfoHI04ss4rOMlIo7E/s320/20210412_171930.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes, I KNOW we are pointing the wrong way for the HNC but we'd decided it would be easier to take a detour to Droylesden to fill up with water, rather than faff about own the basin arm (and reverse back up).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The weather was still kind to us and we were soon back on route and began our ascent of the HNC.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5fRUK-5hBIeop4nGZhPv-bxSJsWnfoSRzvenXUNUsEjjbhXECpwVtznGAYx8ITjKZYYo4YyOcl2fy2vyLFQB24eTYGNt8P-ZkrWxbV4kgwEdl3_Ybf0ls7XvcLPpuLkoMA0uHIrpqtmg/s2608/20210413_131150.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5fRUK-5hBIeop4nGZhPv-bxSJsWnfoSRzvenXUNUsEjjbhXECpwVtznGAYx8ITjKZYYo4YyOcl2fy2vyLFQB24eTYGNt8P-ZkrWxbV4kgwEdl3_Ybf0ls7XvcLPpuLkoMA0uHIrpqtmg/s320/20210413_131150.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhOns2tv_YgLJgTQEe-a3nAsZZOXjHZjaEvuKCqhFPo9VsnRtiTWUg6McOAQfFC_csxkzGfyjQXaSdBIXMQTqimk6AQBDd_Rw0ItNAMnAWsKYzcH1dJKxXIlCXPX4H427zznPAaES5_c/s2560/20210413_131553.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhOns2tv_YgLJgTQEe-a3nAsZZOXjHZjaEvuKCqhFPo9VsnRtiTWUg6McOAQfFC_csxkzGfyjQXaSdBIXMQTqimk6AQBDd_Rw0ItNAMnAWsKYzcH1dJKxXIlCXPX4H427zznPAaES5_c/s320/20210413_131553.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEYLeEIoR5pP7hYu8Qmfm60JsYEm0bx4Syww1ecPCdb0_JCvBGY2ThucB34YTGZKPKBl5Kln30FZ-IXopQ-9zHmuSoEGAAXVAK-CrMnnMUwoqooLmZqtRnWA8mLE3rhwHlBHlTrGd2S-s/s2560/20210414_084632.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEYLeEIoR5pP7hYu8Qmfm60JsYEm0bx4Syww1ecPCdb0_JCvBGY2ThucB34YTGZKPKBl5Kln30FZ-IXopQ-9zHmuSoEGAAXVAK-CrMnnMUwoqooLmZqtRnWA8mLE3rhwHlBHlTrGd2S-s/s320/20210414_084632.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8Il6w9hxtUt5txudGm9kdYnpkYzDmVe_VRk8rSB2x3BopwDpCf_5Bpe5oG4T-VsfkYL5qX3E6rU77kL8DYlwDmSil4Afh5BwO3mCO21K6cZEzVJlmBJ5ekRx-jAZ2VgRuiNzcpe0V1o/s2560/20210414_133236.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8Il6w9hxtUt5txudGm9kdYnpkYzDmVe_VRk8rSB2x3BopwDpCf_5Bpe5oG4T-VsfkYL5qX3E6rU77kL8DYlwDmSil4Afh5BwO3mCO21K6cZEzVJlmBJ5ekRx-jAZ2VgRuiNzcpe0V1o/s320/20210414_133236.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7NZJT3UpGIb06e5U2S_1EtUrAwe-inrV646ou0lL7KV1Oo9qe5iYJVM6ajOzAaD4sHvJ9XVu2XAypQO67J59d9Zxa6bf_JtCMorGvp3puEbdf63ofh6kYUJ6WvkwprY2MB1_pXa0j8-A/s2560/20210414_172825.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7NZJT3UpGIb06e5U2S_1EtUrAwe-inrV646ou0lL7KV1Oo9qe5iYJVM6ajOzAaD4sHvJ9XVu2XAypQO67J59d9Zxa6bf_JtCMorGvp3puEbdf63ofh6kYUJ6WvkwprY2MB1_pXa0j8-A/s320/20210414_172825.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvO86CvWhanZWJdjjxAtRv9w55KperzA47ZKJQi3BXx_gjUq78v2vRFbTzeutA2rjgflC1SvJipvDveK3Ezpev38SU6RwOPJuiQkZG4h4IJTNfAC2k5IwYxyBQPfqczI69Niof3jjCsU/s2608/20210415_095201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvO86CvWhanZWJdjjxAtRv9w55KperzA47ZKJQi3BXx_gjUq78v2vRFbTzeutA2rjgflC1SvJipvDveK3Ezpev38SU6RwOPJuiQkZG4h4IJTNfAC2k5IwYxyBQPfqczI69Niof3jjCsU/s320/20210415_095201.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7YsaOFuaVozq4nLPOqY_4HQ-OUEfk-hIvzs5BLbo26CFLXZWtk1OCThntdPMCoA6eZ1o4LK9ez9VUwt07Jl6iojscBv_Dml3NA82sdq93dV7hLjANvqlNKGAvsMbHml8dZOFo79meV8/s2560/20210415_132356.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1184" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7YsaOFuaVozq4nLPOqY_4HQ-OUEfk-hIvzs5BLbo26CFLXZWtk1OCThntdPMCoA6eZ1o4LK9ez9VUwt07Jl6iojscBv_Dml3NA82sdq93dV7hLjANvqlNKGAvsMbHml8dZOFo79meV8/s320/20210415_132356.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JLMptSCusD1VtdShAnuFcRWpr_5ipgGYZjWkCrMEe2qUNLUpd5Ri_-5gSb0KjVvQAWQCDD9B6BNU_rK_eNYYTjKuka1hiJ_pxURO9BLbrsDPbVvyed0zzXFasrgEMZlDzchIh6vjVYA/s2560/20210415_170754.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JLMptSCusD1VtdShAnuFcRWpr_5ipgGYZjWkCrMEe2qUNLUpd5Ri_-5gSb0KjVvQAWQCDD9B6BNU_rK_eNYYTjKuka1hiJ_pxURO9BLbrsDPbVvyed0zzXFasrgEMZlDzchIh6vjVYA/s320/20210415_170754.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><p>True to form, no sooner than we'd come up lock 1 and the bosun buggered off to set number 2, did I get "stuck" on the bottom... the only way to get going again was to leave the boat in forward gear and leap off with the centre line to pull it along ... once through the shallows, we made our way up to Staleybridge and moored for a night outside Tesco. This has to be on a par with the one in Ellesmere for 'boater convenience' - shame it's a Tesco *other militant grocery outlets are available but still handy none-the-less.</p><p>As we made our way upstream, we came to our first PROPER hurdle... just before lock 9w there is a sandbank of "washings in" from the hillside... this had been here (but not as bad) in 2019 when we last came up)... NOW it's a proper problem (well for us) and we ended up beached betwix the bank (more than half way across the centre channel) and the shallows on the offside. </p><p>It took several reverses and "runs" at it to eventually get past, only to then discover the lock landing ahead wasn't usable enough to get the bosun off! - That resulted in a bit of a 'Costa Concordia' list of 45 degrees for WAY longer than felt comfortable before yet more reversing , rocking the boat and brute engine force got us off and afloat again.</p><p>Still, it added a bit of excitement to us and entertainment for some walkers who'd gather to<strike> shout useless suggestions </strike> show their support!</p><p>We broke the journey up and moored for a night in Uppermill - this time ON the old trip boat moorings (having been told it's gone for good it seemed fair enough)...</p><p>Next morning, up to Diggle - through some of the toughest locks on the system that took both of us with a windlass each on either side of the paddle gear to get moving on one occasion . We also got stuck again for longer this time just after the service block - same place as in 2019 and from memory, where Robbie Cummings did too when he filmed HIS trip over it the other year... WHY they can't just dredge it a bit more is beyond me. ANYWAY - once at the top, it was time to chill in the sun and await the next days tunnel passage.</p><p>I'm going to "gloss over a bit here" - mainly because it is all very negative and frankly I want to ENJOY this life. Suffice to say, CRT are still enforcing a policy no longer required and using Covid as excuse to do so - namely, insisting on a volunteer piloting your boat through the tunnel and if you don't agree to them being at the helm, bashing their way from side to side, you are not allowed through... Keeping it short, I expressed my concern and the stupidity of this policy - especially on semi trad where both skipper and chaperone could be 2 m apart but the pilot would not budge and shortly before 10pm I got an email from crt to put me on the naughty step until Monday when they would make contact to discuss my future (return) bookings before they would ALLOW another passage.</p><p>I waited until "office" hours to respond and sent a very fair summarization of how I'm thinking of their performance and offering suggestions to think about in regards flexible policies. I HAD considered sending this photo showing that 2.2m could be attained between skipper and chaperone but hoped when we "talked", this would not be necessary.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0wGmUh5n-bdEPc45jacp96bqsFOGV0AZC_M1PkhjgAzflYcTtvAurvmof3GA4zIJIstqUaSKKuzj__vBSb6AshFJMwJS6KA_JHfIHNPJJr92oU9E-M4DAUKyB12cK8eIvysClqNHIwc/s2560/20210421_105232.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1184" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0wGmUh5n-bdEPc45jacp96bqsFOGV0AZC_M1PkhjgAzflYcTtvAurvmof3GA4zIJIstqUaSKKuzj__vBSb6AshFJMwJS6KA_JHfIHNPJJr92oU9E-M4DAUKyB12cK8eIvysClqNHIwc/s320/20210421_105232.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7DjliTpyhdB8k4heLra0BbmETNKmyDuxlZsWbr5EGij3f4VAOR7plz6XFltjB6uRa-KnCDhkvj9KCu0PntA2VTokteCABBVNFXaSu4oUO35GZMR9ugApEj-Vg2K44fy6IvTetiIVQSc/s1600/IMG-20210416-WA0003.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7DjliTpyhdB8k4heLra0BbmETNKmyDuxlZsWbr5EGij3f4VAOR7plz6XFltjB6uRa-KnCDhkvj9KCu0PntA2VTokteCABBVNFXaSu4oUO35GZMR9ugApEj-Vg2K44fy6IvTetiIVQSc/s320/IMG-20210416-WA0003.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">me in full ppe was a bloody waste of money too... hey ho.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, knowing we couldn't' get all the way to Huddersfield without having to book (and trust someone would turn up) we decided to end the trip at Slaithwaite and spend a few days there before the return tunnel passage ... that was, if we were allowed through at all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigIGodVOFOpKzKWPS4JTJ4agycr65xvqw2KCiXtLY8PlwA1zAsUaWL8P0hJk4WJg-uKzk1hBjdOp3Na2FlzxdlYuAyjVKy6P8fnDK2LMtdVlXHrFq6ZR_43lBHdJG9xr-L41R0TGWnfBU/s2608/20210416_154427.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigIGodVOFOpKzKWPS4JTJ4agycr65xvqw2KCiXtLY8PlwA1zAsUaWL8P0hJk4WJg-uKzk1hBjdOp3Na2FlzxdlYuAyjVKy6P8fnDK2LMtdVlXHrFq6ZR_43lBHdJG9xr-L41R0TGWnfBU/s320/20210416_154427.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmVmL3kbptu_c2em3zb6FQRreT082S6ZYh4oBMdQpZOiZQiSfVvSYoVLd6SjyodTU7-izRxV8r8XALZAHZt05FMP37gQwjTKC7P3wVH9hHLCEekw_ZShCM09DINIjS4y-E7BPqBWcO9o/s2608/20210417_102225.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmVmL3kbptu_c2em3zb6FQRreT082S6ZYh4oBMdQpZOiZQiSfVvSYoVLd6SjyodTU7-izRxV8r8XALZAHZt05FMP37gQwjTKC7P3wVH9hHLCEekw_ZShCM09DINIjS4y-E7BPqBWcO9o/s320/20210417_102225.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnENTo4Q1AsNm34P_6CcCBklvWThXZHSBTxU4sFh8gg76bz7zNz3xbsRSzG3JlRjlYVaNDUXXEhtT1uR_e27PITO1GnZJ1xz37hPCPyKgZtYvyBxN_252nF-zy9WxR_Ey7yLgthClS3g/s2560/20210417_110153.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnENTo4Q1AsNm34P_6CcCBklvWThXZHSBTxU4sFh8gg76bz7zNz3xbsRSzG3JlRjlYVaNDUXXEhtT1uR_e27PITO1GnZJ1xz37hPCPyKgZtYvyBxN_252nF-zy9WxR_Ey7yLgthClS3g/s320/20210417_110153.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUwWNaJ9VZgfrCULqVS7hsf-GLuobK8Jcctdp3lBVOSWIFt7vh1lUenkkBDkTPwKsgbAt4v61rO-61E6pRSqKq-yp2oHyP-vZ5ujw9w-XDwMjqynDMlooqFN09cP2aRcaincTADUTUdc/s2560/20210417_110157.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUwWNaJ9VZgfrCULqVS7hsf-GLuobK8Jcctdp3lBVOSWIFt7vh1lUenkkBDkTPwKsgbAt4v61rO-61E6pRSqKq-yp2oHyP-vZ5ujw9w-XDwMjqynDMlooqFN09cP2aRcaincTADUTUdc/s320/20210417_110157.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZomh9aW2RQllMadvbuNH6Ifk7ozhIRHsKM_BE91cCA-_2RfhxweIOcxj-oCodu0v-45V6OF_8Z9qX-VhNnXEKOVTTjHkWqKUfo3QOsQFPgGKUI2f8IZ2DUgPPt1TfqVqFksIRUw9B9M/s2608/20210419_153943.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZomh9aW2RQllMadvbuNH6Ifk7ozhIRHsKM_BE91cCA-_2RfhxweIOcxj-oCodu0v-45V6OF_8Z9qX-VhNnXEKOVTTjHkWqKUfo3QOsQFPgGKUI2f8IZ2DUgPPt1TfqVqFksIRUw9B9M/s320/20210419_153943.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_Ktw0qnnKYYY7solwfi7juKTXyNTwUK1WqCceBW9tHA6sgxpUUHgRPR3N9NxWXJfoWi-So_PE3IOrQ4F5Pk1KnI6VchofkoyPhBJP9dw9vDqWQ9elP78DQjKuW4FAHFnCGyObHaEw3o/s2048/20210420_164357.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_Ktw0qnnKYYY7solwfi7juKTXyNTwUK1WqCceBW9tHA6sgxpUUHgRPR3N9NxWXJfoWi-So_PE3IOrQ4F5Pk1KnI6VchofkoyPhBJP9dw9vDqWQ9elP78DQjKuW4FAHFnCGyObHaEw3o/s320/20210420_164357.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p>WE even managed to get a haircut done at the 'Waterside' barbers by an ex-boater (Australian chap and very friendly), followed by a bottle of wine on a balcony overlooking the river .<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Whilst in Slaithwaite, we bumped into our boaty friend Fiona (she and her husband Chris live in the town) and they arranged to pop by for a socially distanced drink later that night. It was quite handy being moored near a bench and when they turned up (we'd forgotten they were coming and had just gotten out of the shower) we put a few layers on and sat outside on the towpath as the bats started to fly and drank the wine they'd brought with them (for which thank you btw - much appreciated). WHEN it got so cold we were all shaking, we said our goodbyes and next day we began our chugs once more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The trip back up from Slaithwaite to Marsden has 2 (now leaky which used to be ok) pounds that require water running down to get through and a lock that also is very difficult to get in. MUCH engine power required and it was done. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">ANYWAY - having been told I was on the naughty step all weekend and issued with a vieled threat, I awaited the phone call eagerly. NONE came until Thursday... and then only after I'd tried to call the sender of said email.... and by then we were mid way up to Marsden.</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Keeping it short again, we were friendly but they just kept quoting the policy (unjust as it is) and that if I didn't like or agree with it, I was perfectly at liberty not to take the tunnel passage and wait until the government relaxes the rules (hopefully) on 21st June! - Meanwhile I suppose I could book a hair appointment and sit with highlights being done by someone in a mask lest than 1metre away from me for 2 hours but it would still be TOO dangerous for me to drive my own boat through a tunnel with someone 2 metres away from me in full ppe. DURING our conversation, I was also told that crt obviously monitor social media postings and that any negative postings or barrage would be frowned upon by them... effectively attempting to impose a media blackout!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Unlike many, whilst I do make the occasional snide remark using sarcasm and irony in regards crt, I generally don't post things that are overly negative. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Moving on - they had me by the short and curlies in regards the return passage and they knew it...ergo, I had to capitulate and let it happen. On chatting with a few of the volunteers around the tunnel entrance, it transpired the crt person who'd taken offence with me, was not renowned for being either flexible or responsive so I'd be flogging a dead horse if I made a formal complaint.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once through the tunnel, I gave the matter some serious thought and whilst I felt I ought to do SOMETHING to bring their action to task - there are bigger things to worry about going on in the world right now (see aforementioned murdered crt employee at the start) - SO, whilst it sticks in my throat not to stand up to a bully, for me, life is too short and I want to continue to enjoy boating - they will be the ones whom bearing grudges will eat them up... not I.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHUNuCggOUqtw5kE3GMYuQt65E2JOsHrHEFmqSmnnWfABAKb1Nd431t4d3tMM-AzfPEjXNR30nm_mMkE0BAU682kOwH3wqOv11N7XRVN9abB8fqSYziehXi8QtP581hhmERDoJ5IL0VU/s2560/20210422_110545.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHUNuCggOUqtw5kE3GMYuQt65E2JOsHrHEFmqSmnnWfABAKb1Nd431t4d3tMM-AzfPEjXNR30nm_mMkE0BAU682kOwH3wqOv11N7XRVN9abB8fqSYziehXi8QtP581hhmERDoJ5IL0VU/s320/20210422_110545.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0q34ulXCw5iGdvyyDAaVMwDAJtqSz-Q2gYO2GZrWZIxgWHGYp2JzqZoF5Wo-_3-D4e9JiCXIP0-KKZLlJQLkVWb-s6cC8fE-mx4Z151HH4Mc_cD0kHdZsmlVYRKwRO9DP_srPUMSUmE/s2560/20210422_111416.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0q34ulXCw5iGdvyyDAaVMwDAJtqSz-Q2gYO2GZrWZIxgWHGYp2JzqZoF5Wo-_3-D4e9JiCXIP0-KKZLlJQLkVWb-s6cC8fE-mx4Z151HH4Mc_cD0kHdZsmlVYRKwRO9DP_srPUMSUmE/s320/20210422_111416.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6x0quH-63NUXgpmVD4ZDVOwJn5obK1l-8n6wNvM7bJdboJcJKYxe9n9_Q6EDFXfEjPEIwMfwypkm43V6xRgHF6-tcgki1JBGjUFtdGNZyHYw301MzkwDCyszcrCyEuKWgy1Cqm2mwrPs/s2560/20210422_123754.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6x0quH-63NUXgpmVD4ZDVOwJn5obK1l-8n6wNvM7bJdboJcJKYxe9n9_Q6EDFXfEjPEIwMfwypkm43V6xRgHF6-tcgki1JBGjUFtdGNZyHYw301MzkwDCyszcrCyEuKWgy1Cqm2mwrPs/s320/20210422_123754.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_m0_G-DvsGw99yoX9ilg2JIQt0E2GnyL96Y1X2lM_kadVG4Qei-G7sVxSvnnAMtXaOw0euvdokdbbtUEM9StA2uq1DC2QczNYkuykID0KbFZ6BwQg0IP8NRYHCwuhW7KU3hxCo2qg7A/s2608/20210423_113615.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_m0_G-DvsGw99yoX9ilg2JIQt0E2GnyL96Y1X2lM_kadVG4Qei-G7sVxSvnnAMtXaOw0euvdokdbbtUEM9StA2uq1DC2QczNYkuykID0KbFZ6BwQg0IP8NRYHCwuhW7KU3hxCo2qg7A/s320/20210423_113615.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsT9AJhLy6CxvhsXctk3WJ3xmtIBCE_lZG6D5L-qy54ixIlCWzMqcXNFbw567tAkMZNt-BnnJPEeadRQCsfwpxwnOZWNTZrXJNLiuHg52GW1MegA3H8QcNNdUmPfwT9fH0kxsip-lPp0c/s2560/20210424_170821.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1184" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsT9AJhLy6CxvhsXctk3WJ3xmtIBCE_lZG6D5L-qy54ixIlCWzMqcXNFbw567tAkMZNt-BnnJPEeadRQCsfwpxwnOZWNTZrXJNLiuHg52GW1MegA3H8QcNNdUmPfwT9fH0kxsip-lPp0c/s320/20210424_170821.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiBN7zgUlh8803oY4dCbx8lvBb9dVeQMEqVnZ5FTdDbwZGTOK8n0X4Bdo-FVBT47G0_mrVpfqzxorAIbxVs9C1geKJRTe67z4XF5PCcr460czRO_y_JUEBPvWbajtqgc-ZukPQ51bydsc/s1600/IMG-20210424-WA0006.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiBN7zgUlh8803oY4dCbx8lvBb9dVeQMEqVnZ5FTdDbwZGTOK8n0X4Bdo-FVBT47G0_mrVpfqzxorAIbxVs9C1geKJRTe67z4XF5PCcr460czRO_y_JUEBPvWbajtqgc-ZukPQ51bydsc/s320/IMG-20210424-WA0006.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our journey back down the canal encountered the same problem at lock 9W - this time however, I applied more power on approach and did it in 2 attempts... after which, the rest of the canal was plain sailing so to speak.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once down , we went on to Droylesden spend the night before tackling the Ashton 18 - most of which were ok with only the occasional bored kid to entertain as we went down. Stopping off again in Telford Basin, we took a rest for the night before heading down the Rochdale 9 - few tough bits on there too ... including us trying to remove a barrel that had been chucked in at some point... FULL of (presumably water but might have been Rum!!!) we had to abandon it as too heavy and continue our way down to The Bridgewater ... having booked our 7 day passage online (for whatever reason they've decided to introduce that additional level of bureaucracy) and here we are - ready to set off tomorrow to Llangollen once the Middlewich branch re-opens (noon today apparently) - assuming we can get past the single file channel that has FINALLY been opened up on the T & M near the landside that happened back in January....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5iMdS4i7MWqbGoiu9D4LqqvU46qVdWCv9DeMVxzhwCeiujSxmP783EfX5uAofafHPY2ap4TGTnEGdR9Q_peIFKkSRP34vsqLsys2p5ayRy9Npbt17_snU0FpZKZC0X7zghCDTvzaethg/s1600/IMG-20210427-WA0004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5iMdS4i7MWqbGoiu9D4LqqvU46qVdWCv9DeMVxzhwCeiujSxmP783EfX5uAofafHPY2ap4TGTnEGdR9Q_peIFKkSRP34vsqLsys2p5ayRy9Npbt17_snU0FpZKZC0X7zghCDTvzaethg/s320/IMG-20210427-WA0004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1ZUHBRfR5sdWXskU4RbyxoEKuuxg1QGDWOZke0VDq4WNgY3szS08vCesBwpN8brBmHhgQnta643U2SUOA54WwaFqGTnuk3uDuW3rbyihfdA52mhCOceUZcta9vtkRVJga1CKJGppcpQ/s2560/20210427_122023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1ZUHBRfR5sdWXskU4RbyxoEKuuxg1QGDWOZke0VDq4WNgY3szS08vCesBwpN8brBmHhgQnta643U2SUOA54WwaFqGTnuk3uDuW3rbyihfdA52mhCOceUZcta9vtkRVJga1CKJGppcpQ/s320/20210427_122023.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrs1t7q31dwBa3-Fr0dWQNrbGf7QvbECPyjwr40o3Asv3XaSgyF3eVgrSHG9LmYJocVoEwbKPT7qA8vnYs2afzbxTsD8dwgWRmWSnCeRYyDtFuidbco2bjdugjp1nZXgJElW2iJDhxw8w/s2608/20210427_114706.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrs1t7q31dwBa3-Fr0dWQNrbGf7QvbECPyjwr40o3Asv3XaSgyF3eVgrSHG9LmYJocVoEwbKPT7qA8vnYs2afzbxTsD8dwgWRmWSnCeRYyDtFuidbco2bjdugjp1nZXgJElW2iJDhxw8w/s320/20210427_114706.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Until next time...</div><br /></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><strike><br /></strike></p><p><strike><br /></strike></p><p><br /></p>Quaysiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372015225898397642noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5946325688134943823.post-6338965227106298742021-04-05T09:25:00.002+01:002021-04-05T09:25:32.796+01:00All sorts - updates, 'yellow sticker vaccines' Summer and Winter all in One week...<p> Ok - I know that has to be one of my crappiest titles... thing is, if I spend too long thinking about them, I forget what I was about to type... perhaps it's an age thing.</p><p>Righty ho. SINCE my last rambling (eek over 2 weeks ago), loads of bits and bobs have happened.</p><p>As planned we left the luxury of shoreline on 22nd (actually I think we planned on the 21st but as that was a Sunday, we'd not be able to give our key fobs back and top up the diesel tank) and chugged off in the direction of the Leigh Branch of the L & L. Another boat (newbies) left at the same time as us and we followed them for an hour or so until they got too cold and tied up for the night - we, pressed on and after stopping briefly in Leigh outside Aldi to top up the heavy stuff, continued on to Pennington Flash. </p><p>Moody skies but a lovely view none the less</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7WAcmG2Hr3KioMbv-LNlXrUpYlwvbwv36HpOBHc5fwjzapFKfvs6E1RdrWbt_A_jkinwpCqEKkqUV_8Tj55olChB9kKHQAsC7jMmAFPeIp16t7aQa8URcqK3evOKVIRQolb_7MwvA5w/s2560/20210322_161454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7WAcmG2Hr3KioMbv-LNlXrUpYlwvbwv36HpOBHc5fwjzapFKfvs6E1RdrWbt_A_jkinwpCqEKkqUV_8Tj55olChB9kKHQAsC7jMmAFPeIp16t7aQa8URcqK3evOKVIRQolb_7MwvA5w/s320/20210322_161454.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yAqXcO7WZF8NucKpiijwDiPN8fVTKZRkQRENEDqMny36H_D4pXbbYu9iNGxn_BSj50Z7pBLydJnBV_OKM8xnHDqRBY0ApYYIvXCTsFvDwMPHwLu7wSNSIONl4YKqVK45379HGAfkYnE/s2560/20210322_161450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yAqXcO7WZF8NucKpiijwDiPN8fVTKZRkQRENEDqMny36H_D4pXbbYu9iNGxn_BSj50Z7pBLydJnBV_OKM8xnHDqRBY0ApYYIvXCTsFvDwMPHwLu7wSNSIONl4YKqVK45379HGAfkYnE/s320/20210322_161450.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The bloke who seems to have taken up permanent residence on the other side (and runs his genny until late) is STILL there... I'd like to live and let live but these folks really do take the proverbial.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You may recall, the main reason for leaving the marina a week early was to test out the batteries to see if we'll get away with this season from them - first morning they were at 80 % with the inverter having been on power save mode. HAVING no shame in regards 'towpath laundry', I ran a load through and then got the little genny out to top up the batteries... I even tilted the panels to make the most of the available solar.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2FclG-jkNF3eiHtFb0BQMx9d3ENUFFw0AqMHI50EXVMjavELiNMRAWe8F0sNQqbAF1xQWUY2BwRyNULJBsLmxSXVEsy0dUZEB-D9qdbpaDPkvTAuVes-x8A9dtfTQnHLdyFTzMds0w8/s2608/20210324_130620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2FclG-jkNF3eiHtFb0BQMx9d3ENUFFw0AqMHI50EXVMjavELiNMRAWe8F0sNQqbAF1xQWUY2BwRyNULJBsLmxSXVEsy0dUZEB-D9qdbpaDPkvTAuVes-x8A9dtfTQnHLdyFTzMds0w8/s320/20210324_130620.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWiwroI1xqJtvVCWSLg9KcUd-f6E9eDbfa2WXWyb2tQCxKywi3Z7WDWQSnzwu7oYTn3vT-Da9gDlbdDs4E2Ua-KzfWQB5r6nOBtKU89uwCRhs-9ujQXwAeqvl0k_p0Ekz3bubA29mRAU/s2608/20210324_105613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWiwroI1xqJtvVCWSLg9KcUd-f6E9eDbfa2WXWyb2tQCxKywi3Z7WDWQSnzwu7oYTn3vT-Da9gDlbdDs4E2Ua-KzfWQB5r6nOBtKU89uwCRhs-9ujQXwAeqvl0k_p0Ekz3bubA29mRAU/s320/20210324_105613.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPdvN45Uoa_pWq5IO1v7fAVrvoUQJiroXytHMzlZoKAALrvw7IzdV7YGL1msOwr4rVzKmmfdQYtIccmTU-Z9RJSfUCSaatv0d0iOBmv347H3zPfHqx5JKDR6pvNeHlFZaUV9LiqBIK3s/s2560/20210324_104411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPdvN45Uoa_pWq5IO1v7fAVrvoUQJiroXytHMzlZoKAALrvw7IzdV7YGL1msOwr4rVzKmmfdQYtIccmTU-Z9RJSfUCSaatv0d0iOBmv347H3zPfHqx5JKDR6pvNeHlFZaUV9LiqBIK3s/s320/20210324_104411.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The next day, we chugged on a bit - planning to fill with water and then head to Scotsman's Flash... the sun was out and all was well with the world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Halfway to Wigan, I received a text message from my doctors to say I could book a covid jab - either Thursday (this was Wednesday) or Sat Morning back in Wakefield. Having travelled from Wigan on the train to Wakefeld a couple of years ago, that was going to be a pain - so, mid afternoon, we turned back and chugged back to Manchester ... mostly in the dark. Besides it being cold, it was a lovely journey. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vdu_FPAFjA0SIXZXLYzJevb9l43twv9bfY6qA7HsIbo2T5iFLzggFPOGp6E-EzNTzom4ehy3gqFt6w0ACsWKf16PYltd8Mz6q31YDBFewyIKI-rUTXFBCOiBkW20FnnKEXtI245xJnU/s1600/ExRsZ_JXIAcXxGm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vdu_FPAFjA0SIXZXLYzJevb9l43twv9bfY6qA7HsIbo2T5iFLzggFPOGp6E-EzNTzom4ehy3gqFt6w0ACsWKf16PYltd8Mz6q31YDBFewyIKI-rUTXFBCOiBkW20FnnKEXtI245xJnU/s320/ExRsZ_JXIAcXxGm.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We pulled up outside Old Trafford (underneath the Hotel Football) and spent the night there - in readiness to collect a hire car from Enterprise about a mile's walk away.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I arrived at the vaccination popup place, I was in and out in no time - replete with my first dose of the AstraZenaca vaccine.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhLyokvt-22agErzIxy4Zdaxvjqb7nm7Nyq8fAx3OVJacjRn6pPYylV7R6qWftNBQwqdzz0P1aSszu1iOCONpjk2fVKFXCCwa8gqHVWll1cdboApj6Ha8SssxxB6ltAzkZhrdqtGFFTw/s2608/20210325_171401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhLyokvt-22agErzIxy4Zdaxvjqb7nm7Nyq8fAx3OVJacjRn6pPYylV7R6qWftNBQwqdzz0P1aSszu1iOCONpjk2fVKFXCCwa8gqHVWll1cdboApj6Ha8SssxxB6ltAzkZhrdqtGFFTw/s320/20210325_171401.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I enquired as to how come I'd been called 'early' - (I'm under 50 obviously) and was told quite candidly that the stuff I'd just had injected, was going out of date on Sunday ... ergo, I'd just had a 'yellow label' jab.lol. This tickled me and not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, I'm pleased it was used rather than binned.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next day we travelled into Castlefield Basin (to fill with water) turned and then headed to Sale for a couple of days before we set off properly on 29th (when the "stay at home" order ended).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKmB3AJrfUPKx1LAp1PFb9hQk6DHFb4pRQsISaqEF13A9Z1JP9lDLGPZeugokKggJRZsv0Rle-DNt2_LbGbMzdaEAF1ma-X3CMAFKcR0IF5kKLD-Fjs050kVleeI_LvJf5i5Opk21eBg/s2608/20210327_165934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKmB3AJrfUPKx1LAp1PFb9hQk6DHFb4pRQsISaqEF13A9Z1JP9lDLGPZeugokKggJRZsv0Rle-DNt2_LbGbMzdaEAF1ma-X3CMAFKcR0IF5kKLD-Fjs050kVleeI_LvJf5i5Opk21eBg/s320/20210327_165934.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /></div></div>IT was nice enough being moored outside the Kings Ransom for a couple of nights - tbh , I did feel a little under the weather but like I said to the Bosun, back in the days of 'working' I've driven to London - done a days work and then driven home feeling MUCH worse. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On 29th, we pulled ropes and set off to begin our now elongated journey to Llangollen - to be in position for when we are allowed to take guests... I'm losing my patience now with crt as they've not even started work on the landslide blocking the 'normal route' AND - have closed the only other route available. More about that later.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7C8o31xQeT9ZdC_ZTYKPmSGC_jq_LRVhyphenhyphenDGZ7LsnLg72veDBpkKDcPfJgqS7DtDQLvs3ZCXNpRB_cr1oyPy5a5fiup4xe4NNB-NUGLCH6OnUcw5pAPGut6BUn9qlFeDHC5pbltmXY2Mg/s2560/20210329_121201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7C8o31xQeT9ZdC_ZTYKPmSGC_jq_LRVhyphenhyphenDGZ7LsnLg72veDBpkKDcPfJgqS7DtDQLvs3ZCXNpRB_cr1oyPy5a5fiup4xe4NNB-NUGLCH6OnUcw5pAPGut6BUn9qlFeDHC5pbltmXY2Mg/s320/20210329_121201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We stopped for lunch in Castlefield Basin and just as we were about to set off, a boat went passed which meant we could share the Rochdale 9. THAT was a relief as having done them on my own the other year, it's SO much easier with another boat.<div><br /></div><div>On this leg of our journey, we were joined by our 'bubble' lady. Last year, we agreed to form a bubble with our most returning single guest - neither party has deviated from this so we weren't breaking any rules... and as all 3 of us have been jabbed anyway, even if we had done, there'd have been much less risk than a trip to Tescos *other militant supermarkets are available*.</div><div><br /></div><div>She'd brought along a rather unique birthday <i>cake</i> for the Bosun (the 29th being his big day)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTCy1DtnZPWQc0NqVZw2Cvayki3X_vvhvV2XBGUmCsLrKSTDIbkgGvcdlZkD-BPCV-wW8o2JeRBD5J6xuCAbil8_lJHUtYUZt2qj2DeylXvxX0mga7HgrXs775v3EdT_0b64TDRd7vAo/s2608/20210329_123952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTCy1DtnZPWQc0NqVZw2Cvayki3X_vvhvV2XBGUmCsLrKSTDIbkgGvcdlZkD-BPCV-wW8o2JeRBD5J6xuCAbil8_lJHUtYUZt2qj2DeylXvxX0mga7HgrXs775v3EdT_0b64TDRd7vAo/s320/20210329_123952.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Bonkers as it may look, it was based on things he likes (being a fussy eater) such as white chocolate and Mince-pies.... scrummy!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFn3e21wRT7Ptk8m8WHXmzD9vhsmlBn1diJLay-hY4ibK_2R5ItKYW7vf2elX2b-nhWfSfHjwTUn5KJ1VrK0xMyMFi8HmcyMYYJfxU6038yCAyDg8aQB7ZirhIlO0monNa1HhJVCkKeY/s2560/20210329_143542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFn3e21wRT7Ptk8m8WHXmzD9vhsmlBn1diJLay-hY4ibK_2R5ItKYW7vf2elX2b-nhWfSfHjwTUn5KJ1VrK0xMyMFi8HmcyMYYJfxU6038yCAyDg8aQB7ZirhIlO0monNa1HhJVCkKeY/s320/20210329_143542.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIWJWgwFFnXBp4k929u-xH1tfXHrLtkwNDHWoHtrnYIZ8-7wtnLI0gL3bHFNe4Sj-GP2B-395Q0A8M5iVggj9xnQN8YswTk-V3MGmQLQTbjjenbZ_1q7P_vwyidl2S0PqXKMzYKZDU8I/s2608/20210329_145407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIWJWgwFFnXBp4k929u-xH1tfXHrLtkwNDHWoHtrnYIZ8-7wtnLI0gL3bHFNe4Sj-GP2B-395Q0A8M5iVggj9xnQN8YswTk-V3MGmQLQTbjjenbZ_1q7P_vwyidl2S0PqXKMzYKZDU8I/s320/20210329_145407.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2769tot8bQXyHbUHN_8Far7cB_Sqb3dnv9chGoK-DdCBPfIqDeDszJ7ljnhNbTSfRnTZWBY18CeaACehFaiXtE1HyZNENlBV71a_YHaPaPyBkAIM6SRK6amn0Es9DZ9yLcDP6HZ_27A/s2608/20210329_151912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2769tot8bQXyHbUHN_8Far7cB_Sqb3dnv9chGoK-DdCBPfIqDeDszJ7ljnhNbTSfRnTZWBY18CeaACehFaiXtE1HyZNENlBV71a_YHaPaPyBkAIM6SRK6amn0Es9DZ9yLcDP6HZ_27A/s320/20210329_151912.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDi8lNAEYBUfFEIuYzeimcL3cG6gaE0fVzD6_C4q-MuSDm1gnIdx3HXkM05RYqeUOa7TNOr6EkuxtJDYBnkjUdb9_Yl-eWvWgFHAJlqx9MgOPwLaWe9JTyqwkMiPIJ-zZ2Ht4NCoUEYMY/s2608/20210329_161213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDi8lNAEYBUfFEIuYzeimcL3cG6gaE0fVzD6_C4q-MuSDm1gnIdx3HXkM05RYqeUOa7TNOr6EkuxtJDYBnkjUdb9_Yl-eWvWgFHAJlqx9MgOPwLaWe9JTyqwkMiPIJ-zZ2Ht4NCoUEYMY/s320/20210329_161213.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>WE charged our way up the 9 in record time - the crew struggling with a couple of gates but tied up safely for the night in Telford Basin before an early start up the Ashton the following morning.<div><br /></div><div>The Ashton was a grubby as ever but no major hold ups presented themselves and we made quite good progress.... we stopped in Droylsden to fill with water and as the sun was out, we went beyond Portland Basin (which HAD been our planned mooring) - almost to Marple Aqueduct before trying up for the night.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ZzL05JhSjhlv3IxxacEfTspZqMdKYsj5o-yW-nIjl_Zb9NH9mazSatIPc5WKnGRhDIS0yxYcbuywkufYq4mbgtFogSci6d2DWZ2NxgD8VBLWM1k6CgIDzVdjtZqVOywkSOsryWbWJI4/s2560/20210330_084936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ZzL05JhSjhlv3IxxacEfTspZqMdKYsj5o-yW-nIjl_Zb9NH9mazSatIPc5WKnGRhDIS0yxYcbuywkufYq4mbgtFogSci6d2DWZ2NxgD8VBLWM1k6CgIDzVdjtZqVOywkSOsryWbWJI4/s320/20210330_084936.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsTjvNJODz9AVgfDcxwp2ycu3Z4-Mu5w885k2eHTzLO47v5ls_-_5C2rKDTLiB8yaO6MVtYJK7WKflltmVaIwMQomzaahwXqDS4IjFjLd1ovqPhg5XU9L009R7DLJhUScu3gcuIuxr_w/s2560/20210330_133018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsTjvNJODz9AVgfDcxwp2ycu3Z4-Mu5w885k2eHTzLO47v5ls_-_5C2rKDTLiB8yaO6MVtYJK7WKflltmVaIwMQomzaahwXqDS4IjFjLd1ovqPhg5XU9L009R7DLJhUScu3gcuIuxr_w/s320/20210330_133018.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next day was glorious and we worked our way up the Marple flight at a leisurely pace - stopping off for lunch mid way (well it was quiet enough not to cause a problem for anyone) and once at Marple, we reversed down the end of the Macclesfield canal to top up with water and (once again non-moving boats were tied up on the 48 hour moorings) then set off towards Bugsworth Basin.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkwdb-_tbXUT3AzpQ0sFe45223IzAi4PwRWs364MFGCJWw8hyFmKEESioqDnchH-_ubqzD8ejTxD8Na-L-trpbtGN3Oe4T4EN7F7twy8hmIW4R6uFDjcj8JRdTWCrdXdn6ODH3ySp9iQ/s2608/20210331_101613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkwdb-_tbXUT3AzpQ0sFe45223IzAi4PwRWs364MFGCJWw8hyFmKEESioqDnchH-_ubqzD8ejTxD8Na-L-trpbtGN3Oe4T4EN7F7twy8hmIW4R6uFDjcj8JRdTWCrdXdn6ODH3ySp9iQ/s320/20210331_101613.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKrXr8YbG8cWlFjm8nc0S2k3rod4W00wrbKXu16NZX6xDgOQ1P6xbQ6Nm77FJ5hsqq6dYCPT33ATLDF_isoYrgGcz-SS_5KdlkZAtoUKHPx7yYk0CEt0uDMuuOj6Q-41y0uAa-G6MYYs/s2608/20210331_113019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKrXr8YbG8cWlFjm8nc0S2k3rod4W00wrbKXu16NZX6xDgOQ1P6xbQ6Nm77FJ5hsqq6dYCPT33ATLDF_isoYrgGcz-SS_5KdlkZAtoUKHPx7yYk0CEt0uDMuuOj6Q-41y0uAa-G6MYYs/s320/20210331_113019.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div>We tied up for the night not far from Strines and the Bosun got his drone out for a couple of shots... only to be accosted by "Mr. Angry" in a house not far from the canal who felt the need to express his dislike of drones invading his privacy. He didn't even HAVE his house in the shots and anyone who has a baby drone will tell you, you DONT have a zoom function to look at him in his underpants of whatever... I fought back and politely explained we were just taking shots of the boat and it is perfectly legal to do so when not in a no-fly zone.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVjDciVrgqHuJZYT2h8cYZnppXnaXzEtSJxgEWuV_jMVacUV6RIIQ6UhzU8N4PLxzHwb9hkpgkKwalrDE7Lhf6atDEEbA-6MdGtHpmshFnYIeC8jjV2TGoi8QCRf9fKoF0yaEtLnigfZw/s1600/Ex3vInPXIAAJ6Pq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVjDciVrgqHuJZYT2h8cYZnppXnaXzEtSJxgEWuV_jMVacUV6RIIQ6UhzU8N4PLxzHwb9hkpgkKwalrDE7Lhf6atDEEbA-6MdGtHpmshFnYIeC8jjV2TGoi8QCRf9fKoF0yaEtLnigfZw/s320/Ex3vInPXIAAJ6Pq.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Enough for now - I'm afraid my next missive will include a bit of a rant about the NOW CLOSED Macclesfield Canal.., which we NEED!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Until next time...</div><div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p></div></div>Quaysiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372015225898397642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5946325688134943823.post-51288775618243804652021-03-21T08:04:00.004+00:002021-03-21T08:04:59.669+00:00Ready for the off, tinkering jobs and de-clutterig - again.<p> There's something in the air... (no - not covid....that appears to be getting under control with half the UKs adults already being vaccinated) - (although by the sounds of things it's going to slow down a bit cause of supply chain problems)... sods law has of course dictated that when it's my turn, I'll be in the middle of nowhere on 'Ellis' without easy access to car hire. Hey ho.</p><p>Still, outside, nature is doing her thing... new shoots bursting through, birds getting frisky - the Geese more so than ever this year... I really wish we could "mute" them... horrible things. I've got the cauldron planters on the roof full of anemone and begonia corms ready for summer and bunged in a few pansy/viola around them to I've something to look at in the meantime. Yes - spring really is just around the corner.</p><p>Chore wise, every dry /bright/warm day has seen a bit more paint <strike>being slapped on</strike> being applied to cover the scratches from last year, lockers cleaned out and even the engine hole has been given a bit of a tidy around. I still need to make room to fit in the 100m long hose real I bought when we pulled up at the marina for winter but worse case, I'll sling it on the roof and pretend to be a normal boater lol.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHlZi-qPsi4uzSJLnx3kq0fpK7CYnm4ilpYjg15vOl2vDst1VUhEO_-WQ_C3ud06v2YZjIl_J5IFucTFfcHmtF26-HhSRy_SxRq9FjgRE-C4NH7DFJMauhhfr-IY0gr_ynel6CLqDrAA/s2608/20210302_125050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHlZi-qPsi4uzSJLnx3kq0fpK7CYnm4ilpYjg15vOl2vDst1VUhEO_-WQ_C3ud06v2YZjIl_J5IFucTFfcHmtF26-HhSRy_SxRq9FjgRE-C4NH7DFJMauhhfr-IY0gr_ynel6CLqDrAA/s320/20210302_125050.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvKzQQKdKM1XljBa4rOvKmfhyphenhyphenzO_mhunhTebqAmzuaImepMtzYObpPbzE7JDRDQphksQ67r8A0hHuz4tUPwssW7pZba1ok7UgPnN9INbOLQXO9FHQaIVMsjYbzKq3abVfBNO0EpzBuePQ/s2608/20210314_094846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvKzQQKdKM1XljBa4rOvKmfhyphenhyphenzO_mhunhTebqAmzuaImepMtzYObpPbzE7JDRDQphksQ67r8A0hHuz4tUPwssW7pZba1ok7UgPnN9INbOLQXO9FHQaIVMsjYbzKq3abVfBNO0EpzBuePQ/s320/20210314_094846.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>This is going to sound contradictory - but despite the winter feeling like it's lasted forever, as usual now it's nearly over, I'm panicking cause I've not finished all my little jobs. None of them are mission critical... some however simply make life a bit easier. One I HAVE gotten around to was an easy win of fitting little racks to the inside of the larder cupboard door and also the crew wardrobe - spice racks to clear space on a shelf... it's amazing how much more room there is now to shove MORE things in lol. Its annoys the ocd bit of me that the racks had to be staggered/spaced oddly to "fit" in with the shelves/dyson etc, but I'm sure I can cope with it... function over appearance being the priority.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXLoBsSyEEfh4WLvdmm_G1Z9-6pI3tAE5oMqvgJgXm05qYkz_V6rfkIWMFNneSIT0ePmKFnB8lMEqO2oWzpFFJCr1XWQynSiidITNkQJxTFt97fthiE3fGbJ7Rz6tkhVaWqaR025z0z8/s2608/20210319_105027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXLoBsSyEEfh4WLvdmm_G1Z9-6pI3tAE5oMqvgJgXm05qYkz_V6rfkIWMFNneSIT0ePmKFnB8lMEqO2oWzpFFJCr1XWQynSiidITNkQJxTFt97fthiE3fGbJ7Rz6tkhVaWqaR025z0z8/s320/20210319_105027.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGnUaOQ39TsqXbkP7R0ciVMw70_OeiiSb7SW-GPTWScJNzkeNtweg0BBTgPBjQAtDs40kg9nxDZoGDCCMsOjY3R2KVscqmTFXV6TmwbGvSunZbFoTVH6OckovG2crECMATWqfBG-2AiM/s2608/20210319_151645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGnUaOQ39TsqXbkP7R0ciVMw70_OeiiSb7SW-GPTWScJNzkeNtweg0BBTgPBjQAtDs40kg9nxDZoGDCCMsOjY3R2KVscqmTFXV6TmwbGvSunZbFoTVH6OckovG2crECMATWqfBG-2AiM/s320/20210319_151645.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I realize having sauce bottles in a wardrobe isn't the norm but let's be honest here... I live on a boat, wear crocs (unashamedly) and spend half my life talking about pump-out verses cassette.... there's already very LITTLE normal about me lol.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The space created is big enough to swallow a couple of loaves of bread, some part baked rolls and perhaps a 'spare' dozen eggs. I'm pleased with it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Whilst in 'tidy' mode, I've also gone through the crew wardrobe in the main cabin - chucking out another 2 bin liners full of clothes that I just don't need ... why any boater needs nice shirts that require cuff-links, or trousers suitable for cruise-ship holidays is beyond me now. Not so 4 years ago but now I've learned to accept I wear shorts ALL year round, only ever put trousers on for really cold/wet days when chugging and NEVER wear a shirt. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Remember the TV return....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsz3BwRq6yzdYXtaWHWo2KUYB6fFZ0DCfvbMoSkS47YMWk8OhoKrtcvw50ikcNsx0qnfSSyFJOMheUmeOcw5hh5ZEkHZQ2NDuX2eEcAzFlR1Z8fUod7Bv57ifd_eWfplIj5J_Yb006Zck/s2608/20210309_071213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsz3BwRq6yzdYXtaWHWo2KUYB6fFZ0DCfvbMoSkS47YMWk8OhoKrtcvw50ikcNsx0qnfSSyFJOMheUmeOcw5hh5ZEkHZQ2NDuX2eEcAzFlR1Z8fUod7Bv57ifd_eWfplIj5J_Yb006Zck/s320/20210309_071213.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">well it took a while for Amazon to agree to the refund... perhaps cause I'd not been able to return every thing that came with the telly - namely, the solar panel, Wrong power supply, lamps and stand... (I'd chucked some out and given the solar panel away)...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'd gotten used to watching the gap of an evening anyway lol. Joking a side, the replacement is now in situ and working fine.... the original one must just have been the cello equivalent of a 1970's Austin Rover "Friday night Allegro"!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In other news - the other day, I went in the marina office to buy another 10 bags of coal... ready to plonk on the roof when we chug off... having paid for said coal, it transpired they only had 6 bags of the stuff I prefer left (RED)... so, rather than faff around with a refund, I perused the shelves for things I might need later in the year... and came away with a new chimney and china mans hat - lets be honest, if I get through a season without either losing or bending one on a low bridge it'll be a miracle. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOaLpXTY4XY3Lnlz46VPZq_eDoXQXUvK9HsT0XyZlqYXBAaG_kxblZqMQmnVpwzSg5ittamHqNPGdOUollVR93IMc9sktAqVY28d7UXjWTNQmrJPlGSxFhuPCVISRCOadH-3XPSVo57d0/s2608/20210315_201104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOaLpXTY4XY3Lnlz46VPZq_eDoXQXUvK9HsT0XyZlqYXBAaG_kxblZqMQmnVpwzSg5ittamHqNPGdOUollVR93IMc9sktAqVY28d7UXjWTNQmrJPlGSxFhuPCVISRCOadH-3XPSVo57d0/s320/20210315_201104.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The more observant may notice a new bilge pump... that arrived from Ebay the same day. That's a scheduled improvement for a dry day - the existing one works fine but isn't automatic... ergo, whilst the alarm goes off inside the boat to alert me to water where it shouldn't be... nothing happens about it unless I manually turn it on. This new one is going to be automatic AND manual. I'm not wiring it to 3 3 way switch (laziness - I cant face running another wire into the control panel. Instead, I 'm going to ue the existing switched cabling to the 'manual' side of the pump and make a direct to battery (fused) connection to the automatic side (with the built in float switch). The main reason I'm not doing this just yet, is I'm trying to find a non-return valve to plumb in above the pump to stop it just being on the 'edge' of operation if you follow - I'll report back in due course later in the year on that one.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another job I've finally gotten around to is re-applying the mirror film again to the saloon - you'll remember last winter I got some from China (coughs) that turned out to be VERY dark tinted... it worked well but did make the lounge rather gloomy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">THIS time around (whilst still tinted) I've found a lighter version and have re-applied it ready for some summer privacy. I'm happy enough to chat with walkers on the towpath but I do get a bit fed up of (unruly) children pressing their faces up at the portholes and commenting on the boat's interior... it's ok when it's just things like "Oh they've got a washing machine" but when it's "mum, there's a man sitting in his underpants" I get a bit narked.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZrwdfECS3dlIw9VVDP0ey-a9bZ5DdXeApsdizOGbDf6AkS1Lw6unpI0KlhK5xge4e7YcPLd7CQrOrKFgodZzEnlTMskWknvrPab2pTz3YIbHy5fT8zwBnNnLEOJC7m-P6ZP1KAS9M8s/s2608/20210316_143648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZrwdfECS3dlIw9VVDP0ey-a9bZ5DdXeApsdizOGbDf6AkS1Lw6unpI0KlhK5xge4e7YcPLd7CQrOrKFgodZzEnlTMskWknvrPab2pTz3YIbHy5fT8zwBnNnLEOJC7m-P6ZP1KAS9M8s/s320/20210316_143648.jpg" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Whilst we've been tied up over winter, I've been looking at meal plans... that's the only thing I find difficult about having guests on board... feeding them. Thing is, I'm actually quite good at it (he claims modestly) but I really DONT like cooking. I know some people do - I'm not one of them... luckily I'm quite efficient at it but it does requite a fair bit of planning to be captaining/ lock-wheeling one minute and serving up dinner the next.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It also gets a bit repetitive ... did I mention it gets a bit repetitive ? - ;-) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This year, I've added in a couple of different meals to the menu and removed some others that were too faffy.... making a new entry, is a rather nice pea and feta puree poached egg with chili oil for breakfast. I know it SOUNDS a bit mad, but it tastes rather nice and can be (poached eggs a side) prepped the night before.... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPyS27DvLydlG522Uq76v2jN7ngO0tboMmzgB19o1Qos686d2Y216YjmZwMHIx1etNQ056y5wQwLx3aB4wNPFJBHT0aqF8hcpYBx9Ct0sxHd9R5CmKYTmwYh4JpsvTaGJm0Zw5N5u6mc/s2608/20210317_122944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPyS27DvLydlG522Uq76v2jN7ngO0tboMmzgB19o1Qos686d2Y216YjmZwMHIx1etNQ056y5wQwLx3aB4wNPFJBHT0aqF8hcpYBx9Ct0sxHd9R5CmKYTmwYh4JpsvTaGJm0Zw5N5u6mc/s320/20210317_122944.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ10c-MYsuSuJZ3Wn_hKpuvWrXO2Q-GbkUMPRwcPasKZ6Nn23fU9EERJjkq9NtprQoG55JLMBZAwsAyQT9IUHNJgC2R7Q3EyOeM7JhpfiPfK2nkYFMXApWhdBSiw8O5ATDdunyi-xTjk8/s2608/20210317_123738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ10c-MYsuSuJZ3Wn_hKpuvWrXO2Q-GbkUMPRwcPasKZ6Nn23fU9EERJjkq9NtprQoG55JLMBZAwsAyQT9IUHNJgC2R7Q3EyOeM7JhpfiPfK2nkYFMXApWhdBSiw8O5ATDdunyi-xTjk8/s320/20210317_123738.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's mainly to have some variation... I'd LOVE a fry up each day but having tried that with guests, it's just too much work (and too many calories for me) with a busy day's cruising ahead... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We leave the marina tomorrow (21st) and begin our week testing off grid (with shoreline close to hand in case the batteries DONT bounce back to life). Jean in the office is on standby to order 4 new batteries at short notice if we get into problems. I've topped up the genny with fuel and plan to have a chug off to Pennington Flash for a few days to see how we manage with the inverter running 24/7 (in power save mode now that I've turned off the fast freeze button that was keeping it on ALL the time)... It was perhaps a little premature of me filling it with enough meat for the first 4-5 trips BEFORE testing it out but worse case scenario, if the batteries can't do it, we'll just run the engine outside of hours (like a lot of people do anyway) but ensure we are NOT moored near any other boats if having to do so.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once we've had a few days there, we'll turn at plank lane and try and tie up outside Aldi in Leigh - to make stocking up on soft drinks/wine and other heavy stuff that much easier. AFTER that, we'll head back to Sale for a couple of nights and then a week on Monday( 29th) begin our journey proper... up the Rochdale 9 and head towards Marple. NOW having to go to Llangollen the long way to keep to the schedule for when folks are allowed out again. The first part of the journey - certainly as far as Portland Basin not being my favorite... the Ashton canal is a bit of a dump and full of trollies for the first few miles... not to mention 'undesirables' lurking under bridges selling drugs or whatever. Still, it's only 1 hard day and then it's the Lower Peak forest canal up to Marple. I'm quite glad we'll be just about off the Macclesfied too when 'normal boating' begins on 12th April as THAT route is going to become very congested AND more worryingly SHORT of water due to the extra traffic it's going to get - what with work on the Land Slippage near Anderton STILL no closer to beginning! I should imagine too that before long, crt will be saying there's a water shortage on the Leeds & Liverpool canal again... like every year but not actually DOING anything about it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today is going to be a 'spring clean' day - ensuring we're as dust reduced as we can be with all the laundry up to date before we unplug in the morning... I'll top up the diesel tank, buy a bag of logs to give the fire a blast of heat on a morning (I swept the chimney yesterday) as it's that time of year when it's not cold enough to keep the fire in over night but instead, let it die down and start a fresh each morning... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I really can't wait to be moving again.... lovely as it's been to be here, I'm sick to death of Manchester now... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until Next time...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p><br /></p>Quaysiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372015225898397642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5946325688134943823.post-22340722989440327032021-03-12T08:52:00.003+00:002021-03-12T08:52:32.831+00:00That burning feeling, Way too much varnishing and Wading!<p> There are some things I really don't like doing on the boat. No, it's not emptying the black water (although that can be a nuisance) ... ONE thing is sanding and varnishing . Mainly cause I can never get the matt look I like - even when trying with the 'Satin' effect varnishes available. The water based Morrells that I've used inside from the beginning really hasn't been as good as it should have been... (FOR the cost anyway). The side hatches windows have suffered water-staining (through poor user operation I suppose) and the panels on the outer hatches pretty much the same. </p><p>Id' been putting doing them off for ages but a brief window of nice weather meant I HAD to pull my finger out. Unlike last year, THIS time, I took them off and outside to sand them down on the workbench. A bit of a faff I admit but it kept a lot of the dust out of the boat.... not that you'd notice given how much the fire creates. It's funny but when planning a boat, you convince yourself quite easily about how lovely a coal/wood burning stove is... cozy, welcoming etc. It's true of course but the reality is that it creates MASSIVE amounts of dust everywhere... that no sooner have you cleaned away, returns and jabs 2 fingers firmly in your face. I digress.</p><p>I sanded down the windows as much as I dare to remove the grey stains - any more would have left 'dimples' in them and then put them back on to varnish. Having decided the stain effect really WASN'T, this time it was all I could get in Wilkos. I've managed 3 coats so at least they are protected for the season... NOT a brilliant/neat job but they'll do. I've also decided that NEXT winter, the outside panels are going to change from wood to Grey... that'll make it easier for future years.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrdbPrME50Zfx4_EhxbMbbcsfFg2KcxkCvUha2M-bG0OBr2WrZ3vFOlOryc9OxpAYc8ELgClboBp_tYqMGei_MbjvuCVl1BgBVu-Slk6Bi_eTJNOOxcphcawgvqiAeTIMcGchMS9tlpo/s2560/20210305_112852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrdbPrME50Zfx4_EhxbMbbcsfFg2KcxkCvUha2M-bG0OBr2WrZ3vFOlOryc9OxpAYc8ELgClboBp_tYqMGei_MbjvuCVl1BgBVu-Slk6Bi_eTJNOOxcphcawgvqiAeTIMcGchMS9tlpo/s320/20210305_112852.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBQ0oJJudaSD08nTAM80lynHoZwKcxA52_4cg5NfQo5Z3EOrqiJPrY2vVgwuFvyIdkck341Y3AK7XXoOfF6I40mQsmtM9q2Vjux_O2YRqxfNb9NBRPHRzjSFoTWIYv7JNuOHNeRSUfhA/s2608/20210303_122523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBQ0oJJudaSD08nTAM80lynHoZwKcxA52_4cg5NfQo5Z3EOrqiJPrY2vVgwuFvyIdkck341Y3AK7XXoOfF6I40mQsmtM9q2Vjux_O2YRqxfNb9NBRPHRzjSFoTWIYv7JNuOHNeRSUfhA/s320/20210303_122523.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELmLbICmTpYJ7pBNI8hJzZjQBTba_hiEuTjc13ERtYW9OsAz-gfEZFXqedeq5qoYA6zMXBhmpBHwecB3AFiJ_rKyND0KUkwmqDLTCRZWOGJJb8a_qispGoIc09GKKg-WWlJBFHM1YcdA/s2608/20210303_124203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELmLbICmTpYJ7pBNI8hJzZjQBTba_hiEuTjc13ERtYW9OsAz-gfEZFXqedeq5qoYA6zMXBhmpBHwecB3AFiJ_rKyND0KUkwmqDLTCRZWOGJJb8a_qispGoIc09GKKg-WWlJBFHM1YcdA/s320/20210303_124203.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDizUe-cClkIh9ZoD95LSnpjaPL5U8gWziirF1ZCqNw2LE5UInFKqZdMtAorWHJYpgWsRnHAzFVRDq6qerntBumR7_Uh_6spljP5kb2UW1ThZ210X1IFUreDe3hKDISXMgTDsCjbH7OiY/s2560/20210304_113310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDizUe-cClkIh9ZoD95LSnpjaPL5U8gWziirF1ZCqNw2LE5UInFKqZdMtAorWHJYpgWsRnHAzFVRDq6qerntBumR7_Uh_6spljP5kb2UW1ThZ210X1IFUreDe3hKDISXMgTDsCjbH7OiY/s320/20210304_113310.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Sod's law dictates the photos are showing back to front order wise but you can work it out I'm sure lol.<div><br /></div><div>Whilst the mild/dry weather was here (it's gone now btw and as I type this it's absolutely chucking it down like something out of a horror movie) I thought it wise to touch up the blacking down to the water line... MUCH of last years now having come off. Thing is, I can't reach down to the water line easily and after doing all I could, my back was really not happy. Port side I had a solution for the last bit that sticks out beyong the floating pontoon - get the waders on and climb in.</div><div><br /></div><div>A simple enough plan and in theory easy win.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hmmm - I'd intended going in at the stern and then wading my ware around the front (out of sight of the marina incase things went belly up)... it was obvious when I climbed into the water that the mud was VERY deep. I'd not got even halfway down when I chickened out - the water being up to within an inch of the top of the waders (nipple height) . </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4R_SRJpU2_GpkbUpzLoZ2fn8gdvFUGeSwv07qtMG3m5j1DJKP_PJP5zJFq664pd_o3lLt0grZCbrVjuvy50k-0d9OZLi54j84QgT2hyphenhyphenKvLAKKis7JbzCD4W4rSzvgm6dCdHgxj_Vn04/s2608/20210225_091601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4R_SRJpU2_GpkbUpzLoZ2fn8gdvFUGeSwv07qtMG3m5j1DJKP_PJP5zJFq664pd_o3lLt0grZCbrVjuvy50k-0d9OZLi54j84QgT2hyphenhyphenKvLAKKis7JbzCD4W4rSzvgm6dCdHgxj_Vn04/s320/20210225_091601.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFTOaVr7lV1_iHx1J9wH9CO_sDVY863fteKt0CzWC7Q0-tTx3zIpAOHPV_aK5x3Ep9kGZQJWenRY_bdPTrke-dHrwpF4m_RaiVcSpSiY2yC94wtausSu4rmSFSHVgD0ApQ2YEl8-jWPm4/s1600/IMG-20210225-WA0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFTOaVr7lV1_iHx1J9wH9CO_sDVY863fteKt0CzWC7Q0-tTx3zIpAOHPV_aK5x3Ep9kGZQJWenRY_bdPTrke-dHrwpF4m_RaiVcSpSiY2yC94wtausSu4rmSFSHVgD0ApQ2YEl8-jWPm4/s320/IMG-20210225-WA0001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Whj-N7IsLl5A5OAGHAzzVvdUcd9GWwMCYHbl6UNUYDQESctd33W1v0JJatSPy2hBDxTx-8dTk_R20aL_s-Lny_whuQWxDmIagwSJNQ8-uE3mHceAKqG0IRUQFyb9c_Z_cWJKix3-7BQ/s2608/20210225_120657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Whj-N7IsLl5A5OAGHAzzVvdUcd9GWwMCYHbl6UNUYDQESctd33W1v0JJatSPy2hBDxTx-8dTk_R20aL_s-Lny_whuQWxDmIagwSJNQ8-uE3mHceAKqG0IRUQFyb9c_Z_cWJKix3-7BQ/s320/20210225_120657.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />and boy it was cold.</div><div><br /></div><div>SO, plan b... reach down from the bow as much as possible to to that bit and then take the boat alongside the marina diesel point when they closed for the day (3pm) and slap some blacking on then. Which as it happened went ok - I made another school boy error of also touching up the paint work TOO close to the dew point - ergo, it dried to a dull finish ... If I'd been able to do it earlier in the day before the temperature dropped, it'd have been ok.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGC-1vKAujjTImQVbjfzntSCZfRxPa96-BelfoP2ttpBWc4uLMplI24Y6PDMIXPwaChgyoZVmzcLRpQlGIRDMw5dKABvsNP8T9EFCCjyEwxuf7GVkyDWfI_yY30dZpZMzq3wywqu-O1Yc/s2560/20210226_073911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGC-1vKAujjTImQVbjfzntSCZfRxPa96-BelfoP2ttpBWc4uLMplI24Y6PDMIXPwaChgyoZVmzcLRpQlGIRDMw5dKABvsNP8T9EFCCjyEwxuf7GVkyDWfI_yY30dZpZMzq3wywqu-O1Yc/s320/20210226_073911.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Staying on the diesel point overnight, I chugged back to the pontoon the following morning and went in head first - so as to be able to do the other side... Obviously the same problem would occur with the port stern as the starboard bow (check me out - I sound like Star Trek).</div><div><br /></div><div><p>Trouble was, the NEXT nice day, a broken down boat was firmly ensconced on the diesel point... which left me back with the idea of trying the waders again - THIS time from the back of the boat into the channel. Using the pole off the roof I tested the depth - the sun being out meant I could see a firmer bottom... Which as it turned out it was... so THIS time, I climbed off the end of the pontoon "in public" much to the amusement of the nearby boaters... no mater. Armed with my floating tin of black, in a bain-marie of warm water to ease application, I had it done in no time . As I was doing it, a boat sped past causing a bit of a wave to swamp my waders... karma dealt with that shortly though as on it's reverse to turn, it's prop fell off! - I even tried to help find it in my waders but it DID get too deep then.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDxWwu6Yfm2PEnXjLt0DPr8FZN-9UamVh_1C7jWaH7mxzPbHONxv81XaIUYmNg2bHpyzUdh54F0Z0yJVp_SkNVJHDj4UGZr-Rd74CnxlXn50cIdC1Wn2zHJ9wUVfEiqOHNIHR3hr7c8Y/s2560/20210227_115810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDxWwu6Yfm2PEnXjLt0DPr8FZN-9UamVh_1C7jWaH7mxzPbHONxv81XaIUYmNg2bHpyzUdh54F0Z0yJVp_SkNVJHDj4UGZr-Rd74CnxlXn50cIdC1Wn2zHJ9wUVfEiqOHNIHR3hr7c8Y/s320/20210227_115810.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZRD_gXoOnquiLyJ5sce7RWD1mAAgH6nBG91Z4N_jQvssSfVulG6Z_Q-Y1GXn1TzxOKlQZbqk66jphVfoszV6ieh1g8L6QXR9zEywQfJUKCp_83xxhMOP8efyEygdrzaQf0H7R-yqZg4/s1600/IMG-20210227-WA0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="728" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZRD_gXoOnquiLyJ5sce7RWD1mAAgH6nBG91Z4N_jQvssSfVulG6Z_Q-Y1GXn1TzxOKlQZbqk66jphVfoszV6ieh1g8L6QXR9zEywQfJUKCp_83xxhMOP8efyEygdrzaQf0H7R-yqZg4/s320/IMG-20210227-WA0003.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One thing to bear in mind when in the water in February in Waders... TEMPERATURE... I wasn't in long but it really was freezing. I really should have been wearing trousers rather than shorts I suppose. Then again - given only a week or so before it had been frozen over for days, it's no wonder .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_6nm-jpyu1TquiJVl-K5V6z1TMunI27BRRdZVQDKZqRAMEwDqA0ql9x90IS_FvGnxOAzHYXYXrrdBZNJnWCzEWNFctrzR9fnVW0iSIeeE47xtFePktDRBN7dzfyxCrMRTT7G8RmMvMM/s2608/20210211_094919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_6nm-jpyu1TquiJVl-K5V6z1TMunI27BRRdZVQDKZqRAMEwDqA0ql9x90IS_FvGnxOAzHYXYXrrdBZNJnWCzEWNFctrzR9fnVW0iSIeeE47xtFePktDRBN7dzfyxCrMRTT7G8RmMvMM/s320/20210211_094919.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jobs done, (I do tend to work in a messy clutter)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObG87VMKq8s6GTclIh1UTBrPOaLkRItUT6HURzItlLixlnnyn2YaXrL2AB4UkPT7w-OIZqw7S2cqFzFmx4oSxQAzuUnnQnAocSderHwBMnZpDZR8lg_jYpgLeIzzMOKHkyx7LzqdQHIo/s2608/20210304_140410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObG87VMKq8s6GTclIh1UTBrPOaLkRItUT6HURzItlLixlnnyn2YaXrL2AB4UkPT7w-OIZqw7S2cqFzFmx4oSxQAzuUnnQnAocSderHwBMnZpDZR8lg_jYpgLeIzzMOKHkyx7LzqdQHIo/s320/20210304_140410.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I went off for my daily exercise (I'm still managing 10 miles a day but eating and drinking what I like - the result being the fat is no longer being lost but nor is it going back on ... for now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I came across a trolley that had been fished out of the canal - it just goes to show that even in the current state of covid hysteria, folks still have a sense of humor - I chuckled about it all the way back to the boat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCJMS3kWN2e26yi5Nbj87zB88-tUKQjuosaUa34_SFGl35ppr7fFF2a9OSYhI47Yrqu9NOmPByttnEdE33sBf37IQ5-EoSKB4Ndo6aAQ5YNKOwXHh_GRDVZUZf0LpfPqlDh6NCADVjJ8/s2608/20210302_094653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCJMS3kWN2e26yi5Nbj87zB88-tUKQjuosaUa34_SFGl35ppr7fFF2a9OSYhI47Yrqu9NOmPByttnEdE33sBf37IQ5-EoSKB4Ndo6aAQ5YNKOwXHh_GRDVZUZf0LpfPqlDh6NCADVjJ8/s320/20210302_094653.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh I nearly forgot .... remember that replacement battery powered TV I got recently? - well, whilst it's been working fine, the other evening I had reason to fiddle with the ariel (the boat was pointing the opposite way around to usual) - having rotated the ariel outside to point the right way, the picture was still rubbish... so I did the "remove cable from tv, blow in the hole and put back in" thing... ONLY to discover the coax was melting at the back of the telly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This threw me. First thought was the amplifier had gone belly up - so I quickly checked it and all seemed fine.. then I checked the other 2 tvs plugged into to it... all fine there too. On testing the Ariel socket on the new one, I found it was showing 5.3 volts.... this in theory can supply power to an amplified Ariel but must have been finding a way back through the ground on the coax to the boats batteries - ergo, enough power to melt the cable. Thinking logically about it, since I got the telly, I've mainly been watching netflix so the power to the ariel hadn't been activated by the telly. With no obvious way to turn it off in the online menus, I had a paddy and decided to get in touch with amazon to return it. THAT was a bit of a faff too but in the end it's gone back to be replaced.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNHm-e334yVkgpm2r0wVuPT1WrsVK65ed-gm_u_tczKPcJ_uyQDvsxeor4E4u_G0Q0Y83lA2TyDomYA6Cz0s1lWbyGW5fiTVKb8QbRNy6XVohVCift7_z9xqkK5Ep6vPH16BNqSHz_Vs/s2608/20210307_083838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNHm-e334yVkgpm2r0wVuPT1WrsVK65ed-gm_u_tczKPcJ_uyQDvsxeor4E4u_G0Q0Y83lA2TyDomYA6Cz0s1lWbyGW5fiTVKb8QbRNy6XVohVCift7_z9xqkK5Ep6vPH16BNqSHz_Vs/s320/20210307_083838.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">More worrying I suppose was that HAD it been on for longer/I'd fallen asleep, it might have gotten hot and melty enough to set on fire and burn the boat out... rest assured, I will be testing out the replacement as soon as it arrives. Meanwhile, I'll be getting on with more external painting touch ups as soon as the weather allows.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until next time...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Quaysiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372015225898397642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5946325688134943823.post-80061184873012094512021-02-24T08:40:00.003+00:002021-02-24T08:40:44.107+00:00Easy Wins, Monsoon February, an early engine service and Fast Freeze foolery.<p> Hey up.</p><p><br /></p><p>NOW that dry January is over, a week into February I declared it to be known as 'Monsoon February.' Having proven to myself I don't NEED a drink, I've pretty much let myself have one whenever I've fancied one of late - it's not helped with the weight control - ergo I've put on a couple of pounds of that stone I'd lost ... Still, it's not the end of the world and I've been continuing my daily walking routine. I'd much rather be boating - even skippering helps keep the weight off but until we leave here in late March, I'll just have to rely on the walking.</p><p>I do admit to have been avoiding this place again - no particular reason other than just pottering along doing little jobs here and there. It's very difficult to keep motivated at the moment - perhaps a little less so now we've had (as in the nation) a carrot dangled our way by Boris. </p><p>I don't know if you're aware, but here in England (can't even say UK anymore thanks to Sturgeon and that Welsh chap) we're still in an open ended lockdown - which began 4/5th Jan and was suggested to be at least until 15th Feb... that slipped to an announcement being made on 22nd February about the "route out" of it. </p><p>Long and short of it is, (and think playground here) IF we all behave like we are being told/ordered/guided - (pick your own synaptic) we MIGHT be let out to play - a bit at a time with a few key dates being suggested.... and that's the bit - they are SUGGESTIONS that can be changed to suit what ever the agenda of the day is at the time. I'll just roll with it and take each day as it comes. I have to say though, that this continued hysteria is grating now - more so with over 17million already been vaccinated.... I mean, if the whole point of crippling the economy was to "save the NHS" from being overloaded by covid patients, once the higher risks have been jabbed, WHO are we protecting it from being overloaded by? </p><p>If I were cynical, I might be inclined to think that a lot of people who have tasted "POWER" for the first real time in their lives have rather gotten to like it!</p><p>I'll say no more about it for now - point is, since I began typing this, we're probably closer to 18million folks protected by one of other of the vaccines which can ONLY BE GOOD news. </p><p>SO then - 'Ellis's' winter works program has been continuing in fits and starts. The exterior really does need some warm dry days so I can deal with touching up the paintwork here and there - AND the blacking needs tidying up down to the water line... much of last years NEW stuff, having been knocked off on the Llangollen I presume.</p><p>The grass at the back has been replaced with a ribbed rubber mat which I'd ordered from Ebay on a 'click and collect' basis to a pick up point a mile away... suffice to say, 5 m x1.2m rubber matting is VERY heavy!!!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KQNrd5CvU-YbbSRE7zKLSFFjB0Mzlg0g_-M607oHavLde7uP9q8u5YCkYXhLwO25ZgwMvsu7I8ywlcyTs3BF607bLbcOeGUHkSY4zAD7a-aVAQgsRJBHsUQYf0FvA3eL2KQ5brCNseU/s2608/20210201_124017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KQNrd5CvU-YbbSRE7zKLSFFjB0Mzlg0g_-M607oHavLde7uP9q8u5YCkYXhLwO25ZgwMvsu7I8ywlcyTs3BF607bLbcOeGUHkSY4zAD7a-aVAQgsRJBHsUQYf0FvA3eL2KQ5brCNseU/s320/20210201_124017.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAThN5Dy_7o8LcoZsJB02ufYGr0ka06qCKEaNb9hZLbPkQkkyUWvBs5CW_Ib-onf8nb5SO6EpdyP74e1WbHMnkEuyO5vLPzRJWgqTcme1Qf2ZeHqz3J1YMqK4f7D0W_iB2inTmM-fE_8/s2608/20210201_124436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAThN5Dy_7o8LcoZsJB02ufYGr0ka06qCKEaNb9hZLbPkQkkyUWvBs5CW_Ib-onf8nb5SO6EpdyP74e1WbHMnkEuyO5vLPzRJWgqTcme1Qf2ZeHqz3J1YMqK4f7D0W_iB2inTmM-fE_8/s320/20210201_124436.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWu1MdtQx_xajf5OOKo5QeCqlrD4Hy2PClmuMNOEVByF94Atx20dJ4Wv8z6uVovIhtPQQEapny8gdr7y0RJWmEPwrixtcAYwaqAmmUj5qwCWegRuTDTc0klID0HUGKgMIaIlE32jRgK1I/s2560/20210201_125152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWu1MdtQx_xajf5OOKo5QeCqlrD4Hy2PClmuMNOEVByF94Atx20dJ4Wv8z6uVovIhtPQQEapny8gdr7y0RJWmEPwrixtcAYwaqAmmUj5qwCWegRuTDTc0klID0HUGKgMIaIlE32jRgK1I/s320/20210201_125152.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqJ8tm2k5SrtnRxI36oWR7SNthwUqvmziva-svtPlLqupMhmHmnBCwZmrp5MSPLEVx9wLqyH4O9Izd3y52ufSsTl5sRFCOOJhViL4XEq5yZNsvt5LqRChocdZuA_zDvv0tPIHywbxQ3c/s2608/20210201_125905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqJ8tm2k5SrtnRxI36oWR7SNthwUqvmziva-svtPlLqupMhmHmnBCwZmrp5MSPLEVx9wLqyH4O9Izd3y52ufSsTl5sRFCOOJhViL4XEq5yZNsvt5LqRChocdZuA_zDvv0tPIHywbxQ3c/s320/20210201_125905.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>There was enough on the roll to cut a spare for the counter, replace the grass in the well deck too and also make a few 'mats' to go under coal bags on the roof. All in all, a good value easy win. </p><p>I've sika-flexed it to the weed hatch cover so it doesn't blow away but lifts up on the hinges for access... a lesson learned there losing a previous matting during high wind in Granary Wharf Leeds.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">. . . . . . . . . . . </p><p>Since I was last here, Winter briefly made herself known and one morning (sods law <strike>some ginger idiot </strike> the Capt. had let the fire die down too much overnight) it was down to Minus 6.2 outside and only 15.3 indoors!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv4ZThInwHaEZpjegWFYfEWwbUCLlLfG5gxaZKlv_zKE1PL7vtuMZPRhi0BQQtQKeXeYoA2JfgSWQ3wXrhf30V7WdWnFtN0Wv9GrL_Y2N-KPaQl-LmWR0v8DFln4_GFy6i61ygGXQYE30/s2608/20210211_094919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv4ZThInwHaEZpjegWFYfEWwbUCLlLfG5gxaZKlv_zKE1PL7vtuMZPRhi0BQQtQKeXeYoA2JfgSWQ3wXrhf30V7WdWnFtN0Wv9GrL_Y2N-KPaQl-LmWR0v8DFln4_GFy6i61ygGXQYE30/s320/20210211_094919.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6KacYIN8pEUeZGV7pG5CtmRlMDBXMdc2C7mqxHVzPrMOidpEhKiGDjM_onVCjfpJn01ls0Z-8Qu6pacI_wXmNPceHXQguWJw7g4SXnO8qT4C98-_ZlHDjoWaF_aX4ZrPV-mthXbVP01I/s2608/20210211_071713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6KacYIN8pEUeZGV7pG5CtmRlMDBXMdc2C7mqxHVzPrMOidpEhKiGDjM_onVCjfpJn01ls0Z-8Qu6pacI_wXmNPceHXQguWJw7g4SXnO8qT4C98-_ZlHDjoWaF_aX4ZrPV-mthXbVP01I/s320/20210211_071713.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It looks nice I'll grant you but the problem with being frozen in is - when the winds blow and the boat moves around a bit on it's ropes, you end up slamming into the ice around it which is both noisy and disconcerting during the night. I DID have a brain wave on the 2nd day of the freeze to run the engine in gear (reverse) for half an hour whilst tied up...my thinking being that the friction of the prop on the water would generate HEAT, pushing warm water under the boat to the front and thus melting a decent area around the hull - it worked too. The result being a more comfortable night's sleep... until it froze back over again and the cycle needed repeating the next day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">JOB wise, I've had a squeaking floor board outside the crew loo... you don't notice it until you reverse in during a middle of the night wee ... but it's very difficult to avoid and like most noises in the night, seemed really loud.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The solution was to take up the oak floor, cut a hole in the subfloor and then brace it... simple but effective and squeak is now totally cured. WHAT took 5 seconds to type however, in true Ginger style, took most of an afternoon!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2Gv-59uqgXvaTg7_Lf_7EnRl5AWFBOORncuhe6FtL_hmjN4bCfTQNnZCpC_gSqpelHOjHigMuKJe7xftx3O1jjseL1qWnaCrEny2N8trHyVZnk4dWQglkXoZY7_kiN3kODQ4tCJ9q-s/s2608/20210211_133231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2Gv-59uqgXvaTg7_Lf_7EnRl5AWFBOORncuhe6FtL_hmjN4bCfTQNnZCpC_gSqpelHOjHigMuKJe7xftx3O1jjseL1qWnaCrEny2N8trHyVZnk4dWQglkXoZY7_kiN3kODQ4tCJ9q-s/s320/20210211_133231.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTGOdyQyT3NcqW7uLOPjO8YaJsQm7k6AAvmSTq3O1W6Z76Y7tKhdqbCm-rHaEHeIkhmWb1Dvc-SmGLWFheEfzE95D3rwHqTzYpAa-nkzeYoASypKGKX-Fkfzvnht_hOvBgNXYShu1774/s2560/20210211_135346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTGOdyQyT3NcqW7uLOPjO8YaJsQm7k6AAvmSTq3O1W6Z76Y7tKhdqbCm-rHaEHeIkhmWb1Dvc-SmGLWFheEfzE95D3rwHqTzYpAa-nkzeYoASypKGKX-Fkfzvnht_hOvBgNXYShu1774/s320/20210211_135346.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3fHTCbKJJRnLcPu6dWlMWZCG-lkgpsHRZUCsKO37bjD0ZfsCyKAFq3D1iPcL7OW2SUIyce7MvZFOKXtYH7i6R9ir3_zFy52WxcLHnFICd9OFP2Tzctgpnsoeqhrjf9n3g5Xehor6L69Y/s2608/20210211_135449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3fHTCbKJJRnLcPu6dWlMWZCG-lkgpsHRZUCsKO37bjD0ZfsCyKAFq3D1iPcL7OW2SUIyce7MvZFOKXtYH7i6R9ir3_zFy52WxcLHnFICd9OFP2Tzctgpnsoeqhrjf9n3g5Xehor6L69Y/s320/20210211_135449.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I did take a video clip of before and after but can't for the life of me find it now - trust me, it's sorted though.<p></p><p><br /></p><p>Another easy win was the remote inverter switch - I'd bought one when I got the inverter eons ago... it had been 'filed' away somewhere... well, whilst servicing the engine, I found it (whilst looking for an oil filter)... Alas, having fitted it, I discovered that 4 years stored in an (un airtight) box in the engine hole isn't conducive to working operation of delicate electronics .</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVeM7HYgpf21fmrOOYx183I-bpUs_S-SOwR24hC3wl-Avw93xb5jlVmg2yVGqve2rE_9ENi0rkWzr50L0AM_3HqAWT2bGGHpoKQ63nzVrDcK5pcWE8nI9ysscg0PBGilPyIaef8-w1CA/s2608/20210215_155243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVeM7HYgpf21fmrOOYx183I-bpUs_S-SOwR24hC3wl-Avw93xb5jlVmg2yVGqve2rE_9ENi0rkWzr50L0AM_3HqAWT2bGGHpoKQ63nzVrDcK5pcWE8nI9ysscg0PBGilPyIaef8-w1CA/s320/20210215_155243.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sohcBj58MmMqoeTK4EWA8kHFLCzvsFdrE-FifTdhClx6rAs8DApyV_EtZfcn5ErdRaZv5K1iCGuaQIFOpm_gvNRMFyqirVh6xFMgmzJXRcfLOMSRKu7mDOwkCbyBWF8w0nZ4psybDYQ/s2608/20210215_163051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sohcBj58MmMqoeTK4EWA8kHFLCzvsFdrE-FifTdhClx6rAs8DApyV_EtZfcn5ErdRaZv5K1iCGuaQIFOpm_gvNRMFyqirVh6xFMgmzJXRcfLOMSRKu7mDOwkCbyBWF8w0nZ4psybDYQ/s320/20210215_163051.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The "on" switch element works fine but the "power save" side didn't... so I took it apart, sanded down the connections and briefly brought it back to life... I say briefly as within a couple of days it had stopped working again... SO a replacement has been ordered from Photonic Universe (now only 14 quid - twas 29 when I bought the first one)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The reason for fitting it now was because (if you cast your mind back to the new fridge freezer installation) when we are away from shoreline, the inverter needs turning off on a night before bed and back on first thing... mainly because 'something' in the fridge wouldn't let it go onto power save mode... ahem, well... I might have found what that was. You see, INSIDE the fridge is a button ... on or off... I presumed it was power on off ... well, For some or other reason the other day, I opened the fridge from the 'wrong side' and noticed a label ... THIS label .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELFeY2I-9pBiJQZSybHtg6r81mrzB91tIvYUy9lo33Vl6DdiXBl4oWe5MgaDtNhvNaPJhWTn11CetXUQaniPHbv5Rj3Flw3V8lTmxdLOm5NvzXHo6LzpJIr-dZOY04WXk489Jbv39jOI/s2608/20210212_081712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELFeY2I-9pBiJQZSybHtg6r81mrzB91tIvYUy9lo33Vl6DdiXBl4oWe5MgaDtNhvNaPJhWTn11CetXUQaniPHbv5Rj3Flw3V8lTmxdLOm5NvzXHo6LzpJIr-dZOY04WXk489Jbv39jOI/s320/20210212_081712.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In layman's terms -<strike> the ginger idiot</strike> installer had had (good English) the thing on FAST FREEZE since it was fitted. NO WONDER the inverter couldn't go on to power save mode!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Idiot!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">ANYWAY - Having disconnected from the mains power, turned off the fast freeze and "waited" - sure enough the power save mode kicked in and the inverter went from drawing 5 or so amps down to 2. Ergo, the batteries MIGHT last another year after all. Time till tell on that one as it's an expense I can really do without right now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, when the replacement switch arrives, I'll remove the old one, wire it in and then have the convenience of not having to open my tool cupboard to control the inverter. Simple things bring so much pleasure sometimes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I mentioned a few paragraphs back I'd done an early engine service - 125 hours early to be exact but not without good reason... you see, last time an oil change had been due I'd not been able to get hold of the right stuff so 'made do' with an api sf grade instead of the cc it SHOULD have. The result being a bit of white smoke on start up ... NOT the end of the world, but this engine needs to be in tip top order given all I ask of i so having now picked up a few containers of the proper stuff , it seemed a good idea to do a pre-season service. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9sXHo8nlnpi8yt3LMafCZwcidshf2M8ufFwbldnNLrvVZEdJ09R2nsXnVnMNgOqhQqUnDm9cATWtZyCP7QxqmLLZSYxxXwiGF_21pNpjy1dOLIBYzWCADnAjh9Q6KmhnfUp_geckNhuk/s2608/20210215_113956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9sXHo8nlnpi8yt3LMafCZwcidshf2M8ufFwbldnNLrvVZEdJ09R2nsXnVnMNgOqhQqUnDm9cATWtZyCP7QxqmLLZSYxxXwiGF_21pNpjy1dOLIBYzWCADnAjh9Q6KmhnfUp_geckNhuk/s320/20210215_113956.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzlEFPVske0naI_jqXc2Uz-3zx1-CuojMgTyc0Y83Zu2rbhm1Pt07Fcxq40aezxnP8r-nlKp1Mu-Cgtr1PvYePieN79KZgRJ5hCY_iHOt8qr0SqqWGHAhRYwxhZ7AILFKj9dMEkWdRWo/s2608/20210215_113948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzlEFPVske0naI_jqXc2Uz-3zx1-CuojMgTyc0Y83Zu2rbhm1Pt07Fcxq40aezxnP8r-nlKp1Mu-Cgtr1PvYePieN79KZgRJ5hCY_iHOt8qr0SqqWGHAhRYwxhZ7AILFKj9dMEkWdRWo/s320/20210215_113948.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div>I'm very pleased with the compatible diesel filters I've sourced instead of the engines plus ones... they are 26 quid a pop whereas when buying a few, I think they are now coming in circa 12 quid each. Result! I've also FINALLY found an oil filter too to use in place of the deadong ones... not such a saving (circa 5 quid cheaper) and on handling them, I noticed they are WAY lighter... so much so, I actually put them on the scales... the "proper one" being 15 oz and the compatible one only 11 - on that basis, I think I'll stick to the "proper ones"...for the sake of a fiver, I'd rather know the engine was getting the clean oil it deservves.<div><br /></div><div>Until next time...<br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p></div>Quaysiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372015225898397642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5946325688134943823.post-62733159587615730082021-02-06T10:15:00.001+00:002021-02-06T10:15:12.989+00:00TV woes, Scratch removal and 'Heath Robinson' foot rests.<p> A while back , I mentioned I'd been having TV problems - to be more accurate, a certain <strike>fat arsed ginger person</strike> slightly clumsy Capt. scratched a big mark down the middle of the screen with his floaty key ring <strike>whilst a little bitt worse for wear.</strike> during high-seas. The result being whilst watchable still, it was blooming irritating.</p><p>So, I took a deep breath and logged into Amazon to source a replacement. I'd heard about the new generation of Cello 12v tvs that NOW include a built in battery pack - the theory being they charge up during the day from the solar panels/engine running and then can provide between 6-10 hours viewing from the internal battery. This seems a very good idea for a boat. </p><p>Having found the closest size model to the existing one (so it would fit in then 2nd generation tv cabinet I made) it was ordered to be delivered to a hub at a local shop... I say local, it's about half a mile a way on foot - far enough away to be a pain in the bum carrying a big box. No matter, it came next day but on opening it, I discovered it appeared to be an already returned item. Not TOO deterred, I began the assembly instructions (which included taking the back off and connecting up the internal battery) - only t find this had already been done.<br /><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfuex4BN1hP0kQMzgXy4IszTZHMUJMXq5-lWTIRJpYXq9OGUfmOXRLJWrDtOd4yeyoIB206amCjRvyV__9SttisZ83x62RCh0Kgi23CgGpoVozmd-1t0yXAOPGLPzVLrRtKduk9l2RHWQ/s2608/20210104_155250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfuex4BN1hP0kQMzgXy4IszTZHMUJMXq5-lWTIRJpYXq9OGUfmOXRLJWrDtOd4yeyoIB206amCjRvyV__9SttisZ83x62RCh0Kgi23CgGpoVozmd-1t0yXAOPGLPzVLrRtKduk9l2RHWQ/s320/20210104_155250.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguih-lv9vou2_1JE9P6zcE_1t6u6BLo_U5BaK6SkQYUfjIeHQUJCRTaCXvRUP5F-Az4n-aGFs2Pj0_eSxjOns0oFnQLgA1_CT-SuxkX3AH6ir33W0YpI5Avm3_sX5982a6rtBnDhvmkqw/s2608/20210105_181554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguih-lv9vou2_1JE9P6zcE_1t6u6BLo_U5BaK6SkQYUfjIeHQUJCRTaCXvRUP5F-Az4n-aGFs2Pj0_eSxjOns0oFnQLgA1_CT-SuxkX3AH6ir33W0YpI5Avm3_sX5982a6rtBnDhvmkqw/s320/20210105_181554.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">IT wasn't the end of the world but I did feel a bit irked at being sold a 2nd hand item without a discount... ergo, I got on the phone (well that was the plan but it turned into an online web chat) with Amazon and after a while, they offered a partial refund. FINE .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">OR at least I thought it was fine... NEXT evening (after leaving it plugged in all day to charge) I tried it out on the battery... it lasted all of 12 mins before going off.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">BACK on line with Amazon I asked for a replacement battery pack - assumingly (wrongly ) that it was faulty... Their reply was far from helpful... "send the telly back" was the only option. BUT they can't collect from a hub only HOME address - very helpful with me in Manchester and that being in Wakefield...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway -I tried charging it again and then spotted the voltage on the battery being 12.8... the charger supplied being only 12v. THEN it clicked... you can't charge a 12.8v battery with a 12 v charger... you need a higher voltage. Having now decided it was the wrong charger, I got on the phone to Cello in Bishop Auckland and they couldn't have been more helpful. The lady explaining it should have been an 18v one... AND she could send me one to the marina here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Armed with that information, I got BACK on to Amazon to explain I'd like to try and keep the TV once I have the correct charger (having already tested out the theory by bastardizing my jumpstart thing which has outputs from 12 - 22 volts... and finding it worked to charge the battery).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Amazon were not keen to help with the supply/cost of the correct charger - after many different people joining the support chat however, they finally agreed another partial refund and I could keep the tv. IT took 3 hours of circular conversations but we finally got there in the end - AND once Cello had posted the right charger, the TV is now operational. It's not perfect though as despite what the manual says about it having a headphone out socket (to connect to a sound bar) it doesn't have one... I can get around that in due course with a soldering iron and 3.5mm socket when it arrives from ebay. It also doesn't have a dvd player built in (like the old one did) but it does have built in Satellite decoder - although I don't have a dish (or plan having one)... swings and round abouts spring to mind lol.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Moving on from the telly faff, I've been meaning for a while to get around to doing something about some scratches a guest skipper made down the starboard side last year... it's hard to tell from the photos unless you zoom in, but there are quite a few. I'd half a plan just to repaint (it's still on the cards for next year) but thought it worth a go with the scratch remover and polish first.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTI_aT1EJmw3eeLO3AQmeoQ9YpruhVGmBTwOpRsCJO_H1fbYOt_F5_WTVL2GEE1E_Ojv6DpQD6e7MboAX-mbaP4cpve5uUwlaQ1FFdOeqiys4oEDMTt8HQ-5h_h3IIGDL1_3Xmdhi310/s2608/20210203_120821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTI_aT1EJmw3eeLO3AQmeoQ9YpruhVGmBTwOpRsCJO_H1fbYOt_F5_WTVL2GEE1E_Ojv6DpQD6e7MboAX-mbaP4cpve5uUwlaQ1FFdOeqiys4oEDMTt8HQ-5h_h3IIGDL1_3Xmdhi310/s320/20210203_120821.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir7z_koUTFXe7ZrksGheAJvhZlMeiIH20NMBqeFN9yPe9p73uwqbgHEq97A9q3_s5G3jiHwOMgS2dV4xQueeCx1XDz41kxcH42B_4r1ugyAk_eQEnpZlFXiV6VO8NM-SJ1MxXdCGiieqY/s2608/20210204_092743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir7z_koUTFXe7ZrksGheAJvhZlMeiIH20NMBqeFN9yPe9p73uwqbgHEq97A9q3_s5G3jiHwOMgS2dV4xQueeCx1XDz41kxcH42B_4r1ugyAk_eQEnpZlFXiV6VO8NM-SJ1MxXdCGiieqY/s320/20210204_092743.jpg" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdI3U1NpkeG5tig1i8m9AigwpTI_4yCQKh0sskrBo8YsaOMoNomR21jbtoPGK5wSOUAHVnNxaWMLvyjpPseynps8uoquBu5b6g11IjdFX8vQiKM4Xxe6hiaOKdCEU9bGEFGcuZc6cmHGo/s2608/20210204_114006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdI3U1NpkeG5tig1i8m9AigwpTI_4yCQKh0sskrBo8YsaOMoNomR21jbtoPGK5wSOUAHVnNxaWMLvyjpPseynps8uoquBu5b6g11IjdFX8vQiKM4Xxe6hiaOKdCEU9bGEFGcuZc6cmHGo/s320/20210204_114006.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've never been afraid of hard work polishing... not so keen however doing it whilst dangling from the gunwales... a couple of close calls but luckily no 'winter bath' on this occasion. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The result isn't bad - I will come to regret using a silicone based polish when I come to repaint (it'll mean having to really rub it down or the new paint won't stick) but it has made a massive difference to appearance . More noticeable when it rains (which btw, it does a lot in Manchester)... you can see how nicely the polished side beads the water compared to the other... I'm almost inspired to have another go at it next time the rain stops for a few hours to build up a better shine.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0bsuhUM69uIh-Rd_MJBXFLzu2oDUU4BK9tOqWbP_c3cTyvj5XiQJTnSV2Doc_-mkZ4z4z1InVK1wbOpxnW6Mv4_ay3d4eh_OCXUWZNDhM951Ll1tUdi3vI0cbYYc6jZYV5JAb8OcDDVg/s2608/20210206_082655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0bsuhUM69uIh-Rd_MJBXFLzu2oDUU4BK9tOqWbP_c3cTyvj5XiQJTnSV2Doc_-mkZ4z4z1InVK1wbOpxnW6Mv4_ay3d4eh_OCXUWZNDhM951Ll1tUdi3vI0cbYYc6jZYV5JAb8OcDDVg/s320/20210206_082655.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubSfy0dTIMwdLZwIQs5JnrruWJ_dFyzZ-bypX_fZtuPONTMvIHd2q4M45QW9t4DwKZPaM9NfZFl32SodCgIXLFX84IFziui36u8NTz_HHYiEJg5Xi-5vbiiUeUjgdYIvFeGVuvIYG5Kg/s2560/20210206_082739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1184" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubSfy0dTIMwdLZwIQs5JnrruWJ_dFyzZ-bypX_fZtuPONTMvIHd2q4M45QW9t4DwKZPaM9NfZFl32SodCgIXLFX84IFziui36u8NTz_HHYiEJg5Xi-5vbiiUeUjgdYIvFeGVuvIYG5Kg/s320/20210206_082739.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Of course NOW I need to do the port side too... which is TOTALLY dangling over the water unless I take the boat along side elsewhere to do it... which tbf, I probably will... WHEN this next bit of bad weather is over... it's hammering down now with weather warnings for the next week or so.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In other news, the 10mm ribbed steel bar I'd ordered from Ebay arrived the other week and I did a little sketch of the bends I 'd like in it and asked Mal at the marina if he'd do it (for a fee). Having tried, we decided to modify the design away from a 45 degree at one end and 90 at the other, to 2, 90s. In principle this worked fine... but even when trimmed down, the resultant 'step' was too wobbly to be safely used as a foot rest.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8S0Q3PrEVxTyLec5nCwcvgh17JDNAp8Mz7VGEwE9G_VFYrIpnlDJwF1qU6ySd0V2lNBO_Lt8gaLlIe5i5jgfT640qBF5hALO2f6kXdERvhPlxOmfFTvr5CnZ4ubH7YmdVy2CzgHDYybI/s2608/20210122_141658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8S0Q3PrEVxTyLec5nCwcvgh17JDNAp8Mz7VGEwE9G_VFYrIpnlDJwF1qU6ySd0V2lNBO_Lt8gaLlIe5i5jgfT640qBF5hALO2f6kXdERvhPlxOmfFTvr5CnZ4ubH7YmdVy2CzgHDYybI/s320/20210122_141658.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKY7vc-vTi_M9e4xDY2vDF2jF3oFaehZqYiQtIY8rjgBhjjidpU4Nx5mPGof1EoQwh3OkYkDm4WMU6MB4jSilzvQvug3fTelStVegwoHXFtPMDZveThbImai8cZyR4KDNpcCKsXiSyhyQ/s2608/20210122_080404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKY7vc-vTi_M9e4xDY2vDF2jF3oFaehZqYiQtIY8rjgBhjjidpU4Nx5mPGof1EoQwh3OkYkDm4WMU6MB4jSilzvQvug3fTelStVegwoHXFtPMDZveThbImai8cZyR4KDNpcCKsXiSyhyQ/s320/20210122_080404.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYp3OXxmLSOtexN0ClsR_JiP2xZ34OAF-vkEBsZn4A3eOatskpJmrJ3gUuZS4mXRQmbcsbGEF9s3TSFFkujNF7294LvSrp59BaRhttmVOD1K7_6y7vtUd4nrzVU61dQM0wrOFChjlmx4/s2608/20210114_145504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYp3OXxmLSOtexN0ClsR_JiP2xZ34OAF-vkEBsZn4A3eOatskpJmrJ3gUuZS4mXRQmbcsbGEF9s3TSFFkujNF7294LvSrp59BaRhttmVOD1K7_6y7vtUd4nrzVU61dQM0wrOFChjlmx4/s320/20210114_145504.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0Kqf3WcuspWb9P8vRv8tynmhJGCZzJIRiiDI9_XO8g379lBU-o-Y9Edd6UiO6NmLzu6RTSbt-6lttxJ-wihlplJd4wDN_Z9jOKQoAJcDPlsbZ38JLYSqQ1ny72136g9oP0BwqvK1WL4/s2608/20210129_125908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0Kqf3WcuspWb9P8vRv8tynmhJGCZzJIRiiDI9_XO8g379lBU-o-Y9Edd6UiO6NmLzu6RTSbt-6lttxJ-wihlplJd4wDN_Z9jOKQoAJcDPlsbZ38JLYSqQ1ny72136g9oP0BwqvK1WL4/s320/20210129_125908.jpg" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I put my thinking head on and the easiest solution (if a bit crude/Heath-Robinson) was to cut a couple of wooden blocks and attach them to act as stabilizers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They do the job and whilst a bit crude - given they are screwed on from behind, SHOULD be strong enough to take quite a hammering... I'll have more of a think about a better solution over the summer... we'll see how they pan out. Point is, they are at least usable... and once I tidy up the rear with a few more coats of dark grey they shouldn't stand out TOO Much.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until next time...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div><p></p>Quaysiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372015225898397642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5946325688134943823.post-83146480999602972392021-01-27T09:09:00.003+00:002021-01-27T09:09:39.612+00:00Internal Painting, Statistics, Apathy & foregiveness<p> I know I know... I've gone quiet again.</p><p>It's hardly surprising to be honest - It's that time of year when (if you've not got the money to get on with bigger projects), you have to modify your plans and do crappy little jobs around the boat which offer little in the way of reward or enthusiasm. Add to that, Dry January, DIET January and a global pandemic and you've got the perfect 'apathetic storm'. In short - I'm struggling with motivation.</p><p>That said, I AM still dragging my reluctant ginger wobbly bum out of bed every morning by 7am and walking 10 -12 miles come rain or snow (notice the absence of <i>shine</i>)! It's very dull - my routes not even varying that much as I need to include a return trip to the boat 'mid-walk' to have a wee - 5-6 miles being my optimum walking distance between tinkles. hmff. Still, I AM doing it and as such getting some daylight in the morning which is apparently the best time to get it. I'm not convinced. No matter.... I'm doing it regardless. I was talking with my dad the other day and even HE is struggling this year - given all the crap he's endured in the last few years (deaths door, being mum's carer and then bereavement) his 'reserves' must be about depleted too. It's rotten and there isn't anything I can do about it - Still, apart from a couple of "snow days" as he called them, he's a <strike>stubborn</strike> committed and self motivating sort and is somehow managing to get on with things. I 'm quite like my dad.</p><p>Whilst chatting with him, we actually touched on a few areas of 'life' we'd normally skirt around - relationships. When mum was alive, we used to chat a lot on the phone and pretty much could talk about anything... occasional filters applied on both ends of the line but generally <i>most</i> things could be openly discussed. Then, if she deemed it necessary, she'd update dad in <i>her</i> way - to illicit the least reactionary response. I'm not writing this well - what I'm trying to get across is that if there was an area of conversational topic that HE might be uncomfortable in talking about/knowing, she'd somehow manage to broach it, discuss it and get a resolution with the least amount (well to my knowledge) of resistance.</p><p>Now the 'mum translation tool' isn't available, dad just has to get the un-filtered version and deal with it... and you know what? - turns out he can. Perhaps I'd underestimated how progressive thinking he can be and his ability to adapt and move with the times. HE clearly has hidden depths I've never given him credit for... it turns out parents are rarely what you think they are and from talking with friends, the older WE get, the more open we are to actually getting to know them. </p><p>I'm wandering off again - sorry. BACK to the chat with dad ... I asked him what (elephant in the room) a side, what is getting him down. The number 1 thing, has turned out to be my niece and her boyfriend - who (whom?) after more years together than I can remember exactly, have agreed to go their separate ways... Dad is really sad about that as this chap was a really good influence on her, a very kind and tolerant chap and it was his father (the retired vicar) who presided at mums funeral... in short - a good fit. He then went on to say that he was also sad last year when Andy and I split - even going as far as saying how much he liked Andy and that he'd been a good fit too. He paused himself then and said that whilst not knowing the cause of our split (I've never really filled him in on the background to our split - there's no point) but said I hope you can forgive him. That lead nicely on to me updating him with the news that the house purchase Andy had been 'mid-buy' for months had finally just gone through and that I'd sent him a card/bottle as a ' good luck in your new life ' sentiment... poor chap being in limbo since he left really. Whilst where we both are now is not what I'd ever wanted, I have to accept it, forgive any trespasses against us (very 'Lord's Prayer' I know) and move forward. Dad was approving of this and then we went on with the discussion about people who bear grudges spending their entire lives miserable - the only ones losing out being themselves... we even touched on Christianity and agreed we both lead good Christian lives but without the 'God bothering'. </p><p>All in all it was a 'good' chat.</p><p>REWIND a bit to "wobbly ginger bums" - since I Was last here, I've had the 3rd week diet weigh in... Results were:</p><p>13 stone 2 & 1/8th - ergo, that's 1 stone and 4/8ths in 3 weeks.. I'm very pleased with that but boy it's been a struggle. I'm hungry from about 6pm until bedtime... I managed all day ok - but back in the confines of the boat, fire blazing and bugger all on telly worth watching, my brain kicks in to 'feed me' mode - (think Audrey 2 off 'Little shop of horrors'). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFw74NDYJXrwiGpTQcl3y8R5k7KTjhLY_k7SaUg_yZqdIcGFqOMmwLZQFid7yz9hW5ORmBdP1xk4YRP5axugqV4yYvhoFWL6eQXe-RSwoIhuFD6ahwvJJDuLsKKFFox60qlf2tvDUiFHc/s2612/20210122_075838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1204" data-original-width="2612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFw74NDYJXrwiGpTQcl3y8R5k7KTjhLY_k7SaUg_yZqdIcGFqOMmwLZQFid7yz9hW5ORmBdP1xk4YRP5axugqV4yYvhoFWL6eQXe-RSwoIhuFD6ahwvJJDuLsKKFFox60qlf2tvDUiFHc/s320/20210122_075838.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9w4sn2A95G2NOqJnmhwpNyw4NjpSfBXTS1vWArBJtNDqaMDY082Ong12f4tsy2IY3JHbEWSRkHI2q3yFUyvV9nmUzfy6ziD2neXSjFZAeSOLWeZPl_M35wf769fQqPPzz42uGiVdVoL0/s2612/20210122_075832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1204" data-original-width="2612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9w4sn2A95G2NOqJnmhwpNyw4NjpSfBXTS1vWArBJtNDqaMDY082Ong12f4tsy2IY3JHbEWSRkHI2q3yFUyvV9nmUzfy6ziD2neXSjFZAeSOLWeZPl_M35wf769fQqPPzz42uGiVdVoL0/s320/20210122_075832.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgLjlIypLIMw2ZBAeDiIH5sag2WnK8Ghoqn4jkpaThTD3D0WHOgLK0N4Xkegcrnru_orJsMPlifa5oEvFzcJIJXIrKEDtJUNDOGf3Ayk8hLjU9IQq_pCP-d6V4cLB8C7-pE3_-YP44cM/s2612/20210122_075830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1204" data-original-width="2612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgLjlIypLIMw2ZBAeDiIH5sag2WnK8Ghoqn4jkpaThTD3D0WHOgLK0N4Xkegcrnru_orJsMPlifa5oEvFzcJIJXIrKEDtJUNDOGf3Ayk8hLjU9IQq_pCP-d6V4cLB8C7-pE3_-YP44cM/s320/20210122_075830.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I realize photos of scales are very boring but let's face it, you're in lockdown too so have bugger all better to do either! 😃</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">SINCE then (it was Friday - today is Wednesday) I've totally stalled again... hmmmf... I'm gonna have to walk a whole lot more today and tomorrow if I've a chance to move an ounce!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> . . . . . . . . . . . . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You'll recall the next cheap job on my list was to tidy up the rear steps. Last winter I painted them grey but they've been impossible to keep looking clean due to the non-slip granules in the paint. THIS years plan was to change the grey to black. Whilst I was doing it, it also occurred that the cupboard doors either side - despite being sanded back and varnished umpteen times LAST winter, were looking rough again. It's to be expected I suppose... a side from the fact everyone brushes past them when entering/exiting the boat, when it rains and the hatch is open (guests often stand in that space when it's raining), they get a lot of rain slashing on them - the waterborne Morrells simply NOT really the right topical application for such an environment. Solution? - MORE grey Gloss paint (left overs from painting the shutters last winter)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLC9JFrBjf2Iuc8K0jQakPEkGfFnkS1xi0xK6sWWOvUgpb21YJe-jxZxVBaehFdeluzJaKFwJicbgL3mJy270ugORMiaxY5XuAwN17dA6sBNzRi6eVAPA9gxKmrGw5uODicdxki6KA9NE/s2608/20210113_181505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLC9JFrBjf2Iuc8K0jQakPEkGfFnkS1xi0xK6sWWOvUgpb21YJe-jxZxVBaehFdeluzJaKFwJicbgL3mJy270ugORMiaxY5XuAwN17dA6sBNzRi6eVAPA9gxKmrGw5uODicdxki6KA9NE/s320/20210113_181505.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0hoG3Rm486GpFf8O2OovmTqgOmpME5f1mItzS2XQCJNI1aNUOw1v8LS9RYLCQNfKNQOskKj8YN9djGekPJzTRz2KQBadWOtDcgdSu0vhKgGZDi0GOyvPnkegh747PBLa9NLm_VIcMXw/s2560/20210115_144136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0hoG3Rm486GpFf8O2OovmTqgOmpME5f1mItzS2XQCJNI1aNUOw1v8LS9RYLCQNfKNQOskKj8YN9djGekPJzTRz2KQBadWOtDcgdSu0vhKgGZDi0GOyvPnkegh747PBLa9NLm_VIcMXw/s320/20210115_144136.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitX4polST7DRAZzFrLwN_q8LgudxAtfNG4KdFmEMXbdD7SOwdsMrry0UWtBMOqFVyoBb4I001OsNb_wzRdcFR4L8-F_MP8vpab1VKDSsUHnmanPGpd_7mZZcdvfFFkDe5eAcayk6TgAaI/s2560/20210117_143033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1184" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitX4polST7DRAZzFrLwN_q8LgudxAtfNG4KdFmEMXbdD7SOwdsMrry0UWtBMOqFVyoBb4I001OsNb_wzRdcFR4L8-F_MP8vpab1VKDSsUHnmanPGpd_7mZZcdvfFFkDe5eAcayk6TgAaI/s320/20210117_143033.jpg" /></a></div><p><br /></p>I have (since taking these photos) also painted the bottom panels and it's given the area a much needed lift - at some point, the wood panel on the hatch will also get a coat - probably white though as it's quite a dark area. really need to fit a runner of sorts to it too as despite regularly waxing the aluminum strips outside, it IS quite difficult to open.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">ALSO whilst avoiding rain showers outside, I had a brainwave to cover the foam "spacers" I've been using at the foot of the mattress in the guest cabin - there is a small gap between the bottom section of the mattress and the cabin wall - most folks don't notice it but I do ... it' means the 2 mattress sections can slip apart and a gap appears. In a bid to stop this, last year I cut a couple of bits of blue foam and have been wedging them down the gap to stop movement. It works well but looks are bit rough - well more rough than the rest of the cabin does... SO, with left over material from the dinette cushions that my friend made for me last winter, I had another go at sewing. LUCKILY you can't see the results but (whilst a little amateur) it's better than nothing and much nicer looking than a bit of foam wedged in a hole.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcvF6KeG0YHTBSMnXwcgtJSwifDHzxeh8GiKXBXa0EMMst2-Dg-xQQlizLJgtZ95IEErmXcUdIC-xVLY83yEJNvP3_PFS64PzqZqRsaFICw5NFw0Dt3gYBRI9IqI7BJ__z5e7e5kG6dc/s2608/20210118_151413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcvF6KeG0YHTBSMnXwcgtJSwifDHzxeh8GiKXBXa0EMMst2-Dg-xQQlizLJgtZ95IEErmXcUdIC-xVLY83yEJNvP3_PFS64PzqZqRsaFICw5NFw0Dt3gYBRI9IqI7BJ__z5e7e5kG6dc/s320/20210118_151413.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bL9y7ONcny0d6WQo7LRyDEOFdYhp_fxPa20eWBDSYTGXzml6jkESkK9L0SLADibOGvuuy4Sjy2cZtGnWGu7ri5mvrZThV_CWL6TG5jZMiG8KhazpuNOgubfssXRysHVTqbQLk5Q09lM/s2608/20210118_152032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bL9y7ONcny0d6WQo7LRyDEOFdYhp_fxPa20eWBDSYTGXzml6jkESkK9L0SLADibOGvuuy4Sjy2cZtGnWGu7ri5mvrZThV_CWL6TG5jZMiG8KhazpuNOgubfssXRysHVTqbQLk5Q09lM/s320/20210118_152032.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At some point, I'll make (or ask someone who has such skills) a couple more removable covers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Talking (well writing) about covers, the ones in the dinette that were made last year rather beautifully by Denise, were beginning to bobble a bit - she did tell me I'd bought the wrong kind of fabric (again) and to be fair, they've been through the wash a fair few times so it's only to be expected. I got to thinking of ways to rejuvenate them - and ping... a 'blast from the past' came into my head ... I HAD been picking off the bobbles by hand when I remembered "The Remington Fuzz-away"... a quick google had me with today's JML type equivalent being ordered off Ebay.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjHzQySvU_3K_wS16RO4BQSJMVZtu5bEamsj0KJZBZNf5NKNHTP_tfm3T8bMuNUL2Ki7IaJ-MDS9DcKC1rprroKLoEPJLZq1WI5VvolA6mINomWL1EWC6id5Gs5iXyJGHgRf9U1mxyNI8/s2608/20210124_114609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjHzQySvU_3K_wS16RO4BQSJMVZtu5bEamsj0KJZBZNf5NKNHTP_tfm3T8bMuNUL2Ki7IaJ-MDS9DcKC1rprroKLoEPJLZq1WI5VvolA6mINomWL1EWC6id5Gs5iXyJGHgRf9U1mxyNI8/s320/20210124_114609.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXsYOegjaEOib5-1MEA91pYaFUUVZCVQ05PorRtyhOP8Ue9TFoniGabCIM3jWWzQb7BG93X5Prc2rG2GUW9QX111AXbQcaVNwp5e-b61lPljXci5qlM_b9C4cDrDR03-VLzuwc3NSwyE/s2608/20210124_114600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXsYOegjaEOib5-1MEA91pYaFUUVZCVQ05PorRtyhOP8Ue9TFoniGabCIM3jWWzQb7BG93X5Prc2rG2GUW9QX111AXbQcaVNwp5e-b61lPljXci5qlM_b9C4cDrDR03-VLzuwc3NSwyE/s320/20210124_114600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway - half an hour's <i>shaving</i> and 2 sets of AA batteries later, they are like new again.... I'll get another year from them now I'm sure.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Right - I suppose I had better get out on my walk before the rain starts again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until next time...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p>Quaysiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372015225898397642noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5946325688134943823.post-49538041282879974602021-01-14T08:22:00.002+00:002021-01-14T08:22:21.731+00:00Why are 'dates' so significant? - stalled dieting (it must be hormonal) and tlc.<p> I'll get this out of the way - I've been watching the calendar <i>creep </i> up slowly to today's date - (14th)... it's the 2nd anniversary of Joyce's death. I presume my brother and father have been doing the same... and probably her brother too (I suppose I could have just said 'other members of my family) ... I can't believe it's 2 years already... it certainly doesn't feel like 2 years have passed. I still quite often make mental notes to phone her about something that's just happened/or is planed "later" - only to be jerked back to reality. Most odd. I'm no further down the road of understanding grief - all that 'five stages' stuff and it being fluid etc. perhaps finally making a <i>little </i> more sense but not in a useful way. It does annoy me that my dreams vary from back in the family home as a child to those of an crematorium worker (no idea what their job title is) who's having trouble getting the 'oven' (for want of a better term) to light.... MOST odd... Anyway - mum, if you are reading this waffle, just know that dad is lonely but managing and (as you know) remains just as stubborn but selfless as ever... you've also missed nothing by dying as last year was a total bummer for everyone and this year isn't looking much better either! x </p><p style="text-align: center;">, , , , , , , , </p><p style="text-align: left;">I'm approaching my 2nd 'weights and measures' day tomorrow and (me being me) couldn't resist a quick early viewing... I wish I hadn't - I'm stalled completely... ergo, I've not budged an ounce in 6 days now - unless today is some kind of miracle, when I write down the figs tomorrow, they are going to be exactly the same. No Ok - I've NOT just been drinking the slop - I've been having 2 meals of slop during the day followed by a nice tea. Perhaps I've skipped the 'losing' stages and gone straight to 'maintenance' - hmmf.</p><p style="text-align: left;">It <i>might</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWuzh-DHNJIRQ0cTQ-nmS0KNgJrPKCppGbIVO53COdrEUH4Psrw6pMc2WjHHaU7xLctxbo-rj_pPfta5Bab-1xkJcK0y-c51jH1wVUOBpJHVJMomI6uiSlOLWmdOcXOAf-R3rzFLxsj2M/s2608/20210111_165921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWuzh-DHNJIRQ0cTQ-nmS0KNgJrPKCppGbIVO53COdrEUH4Psrw6pMc2WjHHaU7xLctxbo-rj_pPfta5Bab-1xkJcK0y-c51jH1wVUOBpJHVJMomI6uiSlOLWmdOcXOAf-R3rzFLxsj2M/s320/20210111_165921.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></div><i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9D_jcgcqXxB7WjRIPJ_F_2xtil2YxepVLFs9to2kWnNiztVA6apuCPgI6OSgiGaHxHrumfOpumGaXmJdTHrT2tIFZL-I6o-EzfIIXDilJQI-BTrz12-oyQojwYTDFH0V8GIH_Wx4bqL0/s2608/20210112_172844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9D_jcgcqXxB7WjRIPJ_F_2xtil2YxepVLFs9to2kWnNiztVA6apuCPgI6OSgiGaHxHrumfOpumGaXmJdTHrT2tIFZL-I6o-EzfIIXDilJQI-BTrz12-oyQojwYTDFH0V8GIH_Wx4bqL0/s320/20210112_172844.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> be a portion control </i> that's to blame - but I can't sleep when I'm hungry so unless I go to bed, half an hour after I've eaten tea (that's dinner/supper to you southern folks), I lay away feeling miserable... ADD Dry January to the mix and it's a pretty long night!<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Oh well - perhaps if I'd measured thighs, belly and boobs I might have a hidden reduction... I suppose I'll never know .... what I DO know is that I too can be a stubborn bugger (like my dad) and will keep at the regime and see what the end of week 3 brings in 8 days time. My liver if nothing else will be pleased with the break from gin.</p><p style="text-align: left;">MID January is a miserable time for everyone - the 'news' (if you can call it that) - most of it's lazy reporting about bugger all... making a fuss cause Boris went 7 miles away from home on a bike ride...- Radio 2 even debating it on their lunchtime show (which I generally turn off cause it really does let the whole schedule down)... Anyone over the age of 4 who's ever ridden a bike - certainly for exercise knows you can cover 50+ miles quite easily. My "walking" is quite often 7 miles away from the boat in one direction before I turn back. Poor news (or lack of news) reporting really is diluting the reputation of the beeb which is a shame. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The weather is crap, lots of people have historical family deaths in their minds and daylight is severely lacking... add covid into the mix and I'm surprised folks aren't jumping in front of trains! - perhaps they might be, were we not 'locked down' !</p><p style="text-align: left;">Still, there is a little light at the end of the tunnel (although it feels like Harecastle with the doors shut behind us at the moment) with vaccinations... delivery of them still a concern but things can only get better... surely!</p><p style="text-align: left;">When the weather permits, I'm still out walking 10-14 miles a day... alas, I'm not good a walking in the rain. RAIN does mean however, that I feel obliged to do "inside jobs" - Yesterday, I gave the bulkhead above the bathroom basin and hull sides a bit of TLC. The wood was looking a bit tarnished with 'splash marks' so I sanded it down and gave it 3 coats of morrells - it's hard to see from the photos, but it has made a big difference. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4YzcuHgDDgwr9jRnxb8VXV35I07_EBA5xx2U-AMpWnDA-MbiZjk5I9eW7MbeuqnrckaN9LfJU6TUkqkVNtsoYjA7cxQQybYB4gq5emaEbgbil02r7CF-S0xQLlVb_C6PIxWbuI8Ol88/s2560/20210113_125008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4YzcuHgDDgwr9jRnxb8VXV35I07_EBA5xx2U-AMpWnDA-MbiZjk5I9eW7MbeuqnrckaN9LfJU6TUkqkVNtsoYjA7cxQQybYB4gq5emaEbgbil02r7CF-S0xQLlVb_C6PIxWbuI8Ol88/s320/20210113_125008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eKqrKpJK7XlLnAieTjvbZEg3kjjRPmomxi3Dl7bIQTy5LaNw-BlxqfugUu654ro-Df5ODoL5pHtlmV-8xWd8YwmFZMDjo26LGQK3Jyyfe12t-R4DPmzkM2jW7aP4SdUmgL34AQavbTM/s2608/20210113_132206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eKqrKpJK7XlLnAieTjvbZEg3kjjRPmomxi3Dl7bIQTy5LaNw-BlxqfugUu654ro-Df5ODoL5pHtlmV-8xWd8YwmFZMDjo26LGQK3Jyyfe12t-R4DPmzkM2jW7aP4SdUmgL34AQavbTM/s320/20210113_132206.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGaKUNWfKAnt9vx9R94vxcoCWr0DI1xO3Z1mPJSHtexyCVYIQapvsn3_i0h3SHW-G9suTcWT86SjUr5wcLPM4DITfvr4b4gS_MkwzdL2AgFL879t9RWSuiRfmJaqnqCkYmTYM2dCCpp8w/s2608/20210113_154209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGaKUNWfKAnt9vx9R94vxcoCWr0DI1xO3Z1mPJSHtexyCVYIQapvsn3_i0h3SHW-G9suTcWT86SjUr5wcLPM4DITfvr4b4gS_MkwzdL2AgFL879t9RWSuiRfmJaqnqCkYmTYM2dCCpp8w/s320/20210113_154209.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Today, (it's hammering down again) the walking might get skipped or reduced to 5 miles) I might do the ceiling as that is looking worse for wear too.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">After that, I'll turn my attention to the rear steps - which you'll recall last winter I painted Grey - well, what with the 'non-slip' granules, they've proven VERY hard to keep clean - ego, they are now going to be painted black so the foot fall doesn't show quite so much.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Until next time...</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Quaysiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372015225898397642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5946325688134943823.post-70891508967144765642021-01-10T09:38:00.003+00:002021-01-10T09:39:57.659+00:00TV troubles, website still sulking and Dry January endures...oh and I Do miss having a vice!<p> It's true - most of my life I've had a place where I could either clamp a vice to (easily) or access to one without TOO long a journey... These days, now I'm not working in the fairground unit and no longer have my own garage, it's one of those things I set out to buy... then remember a) a<strike> nice</strike> good one will be expensive/big/heavy b) Trying to find a home for it on the boat will be a pain, c) I in <i>theory </i> I don't REALLY need one - MOST of the time that's true but trust me... I've lost count of the amount of times doing a 'little job' (that's turned into bigger one or a repair from something I broke during the little one) I think "THIS would be SO Much easier with a vice"...</p><p>Why am I waffling on about this? - I'll explain. Outside at the back of the boat, I've got 4 folding steps that I use to climb up on the roof or get a higher view point - the higher view point being needed when the flowers on the roof grow taller than my line of sight. They are also useful as a foot rest when chugging along in a seated position.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wJXwoWzZX8kCU1NysJMRBojn4m_G72OosdNCcK2-Ohe1Qk8wwNv2krCyvjFRpXqUW0Z4g_65CZODyzc0B0A2jHauVtJmopyb2OeneuHxBLdhR8WmCct3q9nlhjbGGfsUgesN-Kv6yjA/s2048/DSC_0590.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wJXwoWzZX8kCU1NysJMRBojn4m_G72OosdNCcK2-Ohe1Qk8wwNv2krCyvjFRpXqUW0Z4g_65CZODyzc0B0A2jHauVtJmopyb2OeneuHxBLdhR8WmCct3q9nlhjbGGfsUgesN-Kv6yjA/s320/DSC_0590.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>It's been suggested by a few guests - generally ones with shorter legs, that some kind of longer foot rest might be helpful for them. EVER the amenable host *read don't have much cash but have plenty of time atm*, I've come up with a simple and (more importantly) economic solution to the problem; 10mm reinforced steel bar between to two rests either side. </p><p>BACK in fairground days this would have been a 2 min, easy fix... for free - in any workshop there is always a pile of left over bits of steel/wood etc. that has NO cost associated to it directly as it's already been paid for during whatever 'build' it related to - I'd simply ask my boss if it was ok (and I always did btw ... ask the boss) and then cobble something together using <i>scrap. </i></p><p>These days it's not so easy - especially NOW that we're all back in 'Lock down' again (I'll moan about that later) . In a bid to get this done however, I was chatting with the accounts manager at the marina I'm temporarily trapped in the other day and she mentioned they had a vice (of course really) in their back room. Thing is - I understand 'business is business' and whilst perfectly capable of heating and bending a bit of steel bar to requirements .... well it's just not 'cricket' is it? THEY have to earn a living too. I know they'd' be perfectly willing to get a couple of lengths of bar and do it but in an attempt to be helpful, I've ordered some from eBay (grand total of a tenner) that will be delivered to a 'click and collect' point about a mile away and I feel sure they will bend it for a few beer tokens. I'll report back when it's done.</p><p>That was a lot of waffle to say "I'm making a couple of simple foot rests for the back of the boat" wasn't it? - hmmm! MIND you, I suppose with us all in the same boat (no pun) in regards 2021's National lock down, I suppose it doesn't matter.</p><p>We're 10 days in to January now and of course that means I've not had a gin for (what feels like months) 10 days now... ODDLY, for a change I'm not missing it. I don't generally do Dry January AND a starvation diet at the same time. This year, given how tubby I've become (starting weight 14 stone 2 and 5/8ths - don't you just love accurate scales?) SOMETHING had to be done.</p><p>The thing is, because I'm SO SO SO SO SO hungry all the time (my belly tells me every 2 hours it needs something to do), I've sort of forgotten that I'm missing having a drink - the hunger pangs 'top-trumping' the <i>booze</i> cravings I suppose. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvsFhAxNtoWjzZG_HUtvXRmbxKkPyhJMWPGpOPwMYAYN2s1ThAfpwVMdRsookj8nJeFxXDNf30lbLlLdVTs_ZCxKdFtaaDgTqfUeinjAlMtTp4pJW6sEiPoQjYUB78R3HswQoxSf1eP8/s2608/20201231_085457.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvsFhAxNtoWjzZG_HUtvXRmbxKkPyhJMWPGpOPwMYAYN2s1ThAfpwVMdRsookj8nJeFxXDNf30lbLlLdVTs_ZCxKdFtaaDgTqfUeinjAlMtTp4pJW6sEiPoQjYUB78R3HswQoxSf1eP8/s320/20201231_085457.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimONNVf3lUDcYOYmKquY_kOC6KbdZmSyf92QCaP7HXYBa6xtm4efHlgCUF_OWlVMN_G2PGFE-IK82KnNtI7MeTVDSpGN2gFkvxhyphenhyphenb7km5RZEUbJr8SsRpuIoNVU-Oi_TyTlxoEG1pcLyc/s2608/20201231_085506.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimONNVf3lUDcYOYmKquY_kOC6KbdZmSyf92QCaP7HXYBa6xtm4efHlgCUF_OWlVMN_G2PGFE-IK82KnNtI7MeTVDSpGN2gFkvxhyphenhyphenb7km5RZEUbJr8SsRpuIoNVU-Oi_TyTlxoEG1pcLyc/s320/20201231_085506.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My Body fat % WASN'T as high as I expected it to be - 22% ... ANYWAY - after a week of drinking vanilla creosote (Thank you Ms. Wood Rip) I'm down to 13 stone 7 and 1/4. - a 9lb loss in week one which I'm very pleased about. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxL_-FpiWs4kFfhRVLMhQwU1wPeqTGXmmCz2r0ivoPtOy6NLVt7t0ea2QrSmQdGr_Qb5sE4czK3b1-wICWnB7JFfDru9VsSDCaBVB3XhrR6bZR4ARdhCNeeG3z2Rokjzzu7jnvU2OysU/s2608/20210108_072629.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxL_-FpiWs4kFfhRVLMhQwU1wPeqTGXmmCz2r0ivoPtOy6NLVt7t0ea2QrSmQdGr_Qb5sE4czK3b1-wICWnB7JFfDru9VsSDCaBVB3XhrR6bZR4ARdhCNeeG3z2Rokjzzu7jnvU2OysU/s320/20210108_072629.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKGljJhhQo0jTRqdaxjy7RAtuQewPdxSX-WsqorNrOeOiVJwpbv-EM7fY1urCGYfPMxedU5xpq3TvHWKuX5ekxidJej1f63k1eaJiZtQ0upozl5E4FndPw-uoXVQ0mzucCSCxDCXUX-I/s2608/20210108_072627.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKGljJhhQo0jTRqdaxjy7RAtuQewPdxSX-WsqorNrOeOiVJwpbv-EM7fY1urCGYfPMxedU5xpq3TvHWKuX5ekxidJej1f63k1eaJiZtQ0upozl5E4FndPw-uoXVQ0mzucCSCxDCXUX-I/s320/20210108_072627.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnpt5ljrNK8Q314e8yqeuZMlD4qmt42Fe_p0hnoilS04Fi-SLoUT4GeYxmq8maDwdqX4S1c2GYuyTfb2Xwy8Z96G7chcNnRLyA3f__0m7j2mEByj_MQyNDC7YmwGxH3dSYjPvjx9773U/s2608/20210108_072454.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnpt5ljrNK8Q314e8yqeuZMlD4qmt42Fe_p0hnoilS04Fi-SLoUT4GeYxmq8maDwdqX4S1c2GYuyTfb2Xwy8Z96G7chcNnRLyA3f__0m7j2mEByj_MQyNDC7YmwGxH3dSYjPvjx9773U/s320/20210108_072454.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The scales ALSO keep track of Water %, BMI and Muscle %. so I'm making sure the water stays level (well actually it's gone up a bit cause I'm drinking GALLONS daily ), muscle increases and BMI goes down... ALL of which are on track - I'm not naïve enough to think I can maintain this loss however... no - IF I can shift another 3-4 lbs in week 2 I'll be very pleased but not disillusioned if it's less ... my aim is for the 1st stone to be off by the end of Jan. Historically, I COULD lose weight faster - alas, my exercise at the moment is restricted to 10 miles a day walking... my knees/back won't take any more vigorous punishment. IN fact, if I'm honest, they are already grumbling a fair bit as it is!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8rTqRr6eU0QUbggor6NsHb9QVB_9WbpMGRpAZgIZMYDTaEoTVRO_-AE68JiH_RYT7dP1QjxtAkHa5XwJ3nhFGa6Fy7sWUhPEErzQcMuodtRG3FK6lMWzMoOhIlwebhw0YQdTtIjXVILE/s1639/Week+1+walks.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="921" data-original-width="1639" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8rTqRr6eU0QUbggor6NsHb9QVB_9WbpMGRpAZgIZMYDTaEoTVRO_-AE68JiH_RYT7dP1QjxtAkHa5XwJ3nhFGa6Fy7sWUhPEErzQcMuodtRG3FK6lMWzMoOhIlwebhw0YQdTtIjXVILE/s320/Week+1+walks.png" width="320" /></a></div>82.96 miles up until last night since the 1st... not bad really.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Don't' worry btw- I'm not relying on the "slop" totally - having realized it's not a true ketogenic regime, I'm having some normal food each day too AND eating frozen grapes and honeydew melon as an evening treat. </div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQSF4du0i8FogDJE-2bD_KBSAGWZm5LvWx2A_Hc9rWDH6iaU1ZeMaBPK56W3P4EzPqmcJI79jkpFddX_QNBQPqpsXoaP4_gArX4wLCNZtWsSMflPGuZ2GGzAncVAy_wJq3lMwjo2GPE64/s2608/20210107_174208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQSF4du0i8FogDJE-2bD_KBSAGWZm5LvWx2A_Hc9rWDH6iaU1ZeMaBPK56W3P4EzPqmcJI79jkpFddX_QNBQPqpsXoaP4_gArX4wLCNZtWsSMflPGuZ2GGzAncVAy_wJq3lMwjo2GPE64/s320/20210107_174208.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgagLVI6TekZQ4lUN4zJTfxWhtgW9-agAAECsHMf2o7WdBcHtPok0WHE1xpzdkubshzEqvWW0aFHUUiP1Nmhj_X2N7CODROOaC-E_11mX-g1iUIL2tqN7bvfJEw19I8K3mkZ-Pn4UBsU_4/s2608/20210103_165036.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgagLVI6TekZQ4lUN4zJTfxWhtgW9-agAAECsHMf2o7WdBcHtPok0WHE1xpzdkubshzEqvWW0aFHUUiP1Nmhj_X2N7CODROOaC-E_11mX-g1iUIL2tqN7bvfJEw19I8K3mkZ-Pn4UBsU_4/s320/20210103_165036.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><br /><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGpXFaeN0efPEg8OPeWqJ9fnrJ0PQ5RrHPZzNo_dK7py69BBkBH02U0LV_zYyQbFdfCimIMOT11zg30Gguq3dlCmTt0RNNVPupMZ2fGVArEoNRHU0pp-OU0_qgrtURIB2mjnB8u9h3I5M/s2608/20210109_210752.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGpXFaeN0efPEg8OPeWqJ9fnrJ0PQ5RrHPZzNo_dK7py69BBkBH02U0LV_zYyQbFdfCimIMOT11zg30Gguq3dlCmTt0RNNVPupMZ2fGVArEoNRHU0pp-OU0_qgrtURIB2mjnB8u9h3I5M/s320/20210109_210752.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgW9AdqltGnUSA6O8ipCW3xSkVrC-iqBFawKdt1oVYrCEdCwRjovgzTVjjdoCHVcBtzUIh92HiZizTZPb3GulVoQZQKyWCJ6fzMSRmtLFUNk27hs1i4oC7xq11VyJGMv0buInX-xGY6E/s2608/20210109_170934.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgW9AdqltGnUSA6O8ipCW3xSkVrC-iqBFawKdt1oVYrCEdCwRjovgzTVjjdoCHVcBtzUIh92HiZizTZPb3GulVoQZQKyWCJ6fzMSRmtLFUNk27hs1i4oC7xq11VyJGMv0buInX-xGY6E/s320/20210109_170934.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><p>IN other news (this is a boaty blog apparently) - I'm still having problems with the website... Since I clicked on something to do with dynamic pages when I tried creating a template for the 2022 cruise diary, every time I try and change something on the 2021 listings, it replicated throughout 22... it's proper pain in the arse and I only have myself to blame... <i>Trying</i> to be clever in the first place... I should have just stuck to solo pages and applied the KISS principle (Keep it simple stupid). You live and learn - well except I don't... I keep repeating mistakes cause my memory is that of an old gimmer these days.</p><p>Whilst it's annoying, it doesn't really matter as I keep a manual record of who's booked for what etc - THAT said, with things as they are, folks are (understandably) reluctant to commit to much for the year ahead .... we may have 3 vaccines approved now but getting everyone jabbed is never going to be a quick process - especially given the lack of trust most folks have in the government's ability to do... ANYTHING. Too much red tape as usual. There HAS been talk about using dentists and pharmacists etc. which I think is great but I'd be happy to include VETS and not rule out famers! Whatever methods are employed it just needs to be as fast as possible if there is any hope of saving 100's of 1000's of businesses thus livelihoods from going down the pan. </p><p>It's odd though - when Boris came on the telly box the other night and kept his hands firmly gripped together whilst saying<strike> whatever it was he said, </strike> a 2 month possible 3, national lock down was about to start, my brain just thought 'oh well -' and that was that. I think the term is <strike>brain-washing</strike> conditioning... January on a boat, unable to move easily, ALWAYS feels like a lockdown anyway... it's miserable for the most part. OK, there are a few bright days when you actually FEEL like having a chug but for the most part, it's an endurance... ergo, a 'National Lockdown' doesn't really make bugger all difference - if anything, it just give folks who live in houses a feeling of what January CAN be like living on a boat lol... with exception they don't have to still fill up with water, empty their poo tanks and consider how much heating fuel you've got in. That isn't a moan btw - even when I'm trudging along the towpath, trying to de-ice a frozen tap and hosepipe, I STILL love my life (and day dream of warmer days ahead)... HAVING to try and get somewhere though on a deadline with Icy stretches really isn't nice.</p><p>This winter, with lockdown in place again, CRT have suspended the 2 week ruling for continuous cruisers which is fair enough. It's shame however there will always be the odd few that think THEY can stay on water points/service areas during this time - boaters on the whole being a good bunch, as in any facet of society, there'll always be a few that that take liberties and are inconsiderate towards others.</p><p>It's time to get my arse outside and do some walking - it IS getting boring but has to be done.</p><p>Remind me to explain about the TV trouble when I'm next here as I've run out of time this morning.</p><p>Until next time...</p><p> </p>Quaysiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372015225898397642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5946325688134943823.post-71365304350112695182021-01-04T09:36:00.003+00:002021-01-05T07:45:35.758+00:00USB Led's, Diet Christmas Gifts and New Years Chugging in the snow...<p> Happy new year and all that malarkey Personally, I fear 2021 is not going to be much "use" to most of us until enough people are vaccinated against covid... with just yesterday Boris alluding to "stronger measures"... mark my words, there will be army on the street with guns - once they've all gotten into strategic locations around the country under the guise of "helping with mass testing in schools" - ... or have we abandoned that idea now... I forget... TOO many different messages, coming from too many sources.</p><p>I think this picture someone sent me via what's app, just about covers where things might end up before too long:</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpnsHHCMGtX8kfEDvNrVvATTrP55Q3NNeulucTNa9YryadJpINgpBYlkgdkeEQ5_HAzYNGsO6rHObf2ekFg9GDVwG-b4gnCNskLgpKslpBaC4I3D_9URfdKHgjQy_dJaVLVNosNuh9-c/s828/IMG-20201223-WA0001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="828" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpnsHHCMGtX8kfEDvNrVvATTrP55Q3NNeulucTNa9YryadJpINgpBYlkgdkeEQ5_HAzYNGsO6rHObf2ekFg9GDVwG-b4gnCNskLgpKslpBaC4I3D_9URfdKHgjQy_dJaVLVNosNuh9-c/s320/IMG-20201223-WA0001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>ANYWAY - back to NYE - AS predicted, I'd gone off to bed by around 10pm - having decided there was bugger all on "real" TV really worth watching, I plugged into Netflix for something or other - it's all a bit vague due to<strike> the need to finish off all the booze on the boat</strike> how engrossed I was watching the fireworks through the porthole at the foot of the bed !</p><p>Talk about loud, I think a fare comparison may be Beirut... the amount of seemingly pointless "banging" ones never ending. OK ... I realize I'm turning (if not already turned) into a curmudgeonly old git but as I laid ( - or is that an egg?) there, I couldn't help but think HOW much money was being set on fire by families... perhaps parents under social pressure to keep up with the Jones's or compelled to ensure 'Fifi-Tricabelle or Tarquin- Bartholomew' had a 'normal' NYE. Either way, at the end of the day, I struggled to get away from the base line of them simply setting MONEY on fire which could have been put to better use ... for all of us . JUDGEMENTS a side, (and with earplugs in muffling out the worst of the noise) - I did perhaps enjoy the (free for me) show a tiny , tiny bit.</p><p>God I'm a contradictory so and so.</p><p style="text-align: center;"> . . . . . . . . . . . </p><p>I don't know why I compartmentalized this section from the once above as it does relate to New Years ??? (nor do I know the correct grammatical term for doing so)... OH WELL.</p><p>Like a big kid, when it snows, I love being out and about it in - (less so when driving obviously) ... actually I DO like driving in it but only if I'm the only person on the roads....</p><p>SO - I <i>think</i> it was NYE when we awoke to a lovely inch (yes ladies that is a TRUE inch) I got clobbered up and decided to go for a chug... OBVIOUSLY in search of a tap/services and STILL within the Tier in which I 'm stranded before anyone thinks about grassing me up. There was a thin layer of Ice on the canal but nowhere near as bad as it had been previously. On this occasion, rather than turning Left, I turned right and headed off towards Sale ....with HALF a mind to spend NYE in Lymm.... the biting cold (clearly I hadn't put on enough layers) had gotten to me within about an hour and half so I pulled over, had a warm (with lunch) and then turned at the earliest opportunity. To be honest, I wa already getting sick of tow-path walkers shouting "Happy New Year" every 20 foot or so (the curmudgeon already set in for the day) - no matter... I took a few nice snowy shots as we chugged along<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8vyKQV7FYoEuLlLIT6NdFbpg5cBp2bYr-PQeaRdzdL_NGUxu8lnhQ-z99iltHoan1b0sFbKL7LAtdRFglvpDgxxeE1HWNnM_qlbg0OpVRNA5vPREUsCApwMsd_J8pcRDCxnYT0b-xFY/s2608/20201231_102236.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8vyKQV7FYoEuLlLIT6NdFbpg5cBp2bYr-PQeaRdzdL_NGUxu8lnhQ-z99iltHoan1b0sFbKL7LAtdRFglvpDgxxeE1HWNnM_qlbg0OpVRNA5vPREUsCApwMsd_J8pcRDCxnYT0b-xFY/s320/20201231_102236.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zElLLijKzP2U7MwJIXcR9atP2ikiaSwcnLv0jWzo0thwGflER15eAI_t9XYAbFiAlNUMJEFhTBuzry3gvcq3KW3-G6Zx-BhJ0YJUmlIWKtf4zou1WroE6yDLdRAGjFVJemp-91llVik/s2560/20201231_102701.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zElLLijKzP2U7MwJIXcR9atP2ikiaSwcnLv0jWzo0thwGflER15eAI_t9XYAbFiAlNUMJEFhTBuzry3gvcq3KW3-G6Zx-BhJ0YJUmlIWKtf4zou1WroE6yDLdRAGjFVJemp-91llVik/s320/20201231_102701.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43L3vTQgA2u0wSYPpJNhE6IXj_SSR2Om-O7ybGmh_r7QPLIlIT4DSn5u5Xs056zDMLnh4U0QYaI1fgpxu8qJdt294oEE4eeCo61vvRWRYEKPtb6RV9OvVfihIZJvGgq78GpTA1mEgw0E/s2608/20201231_103725.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43L3vTQgA2u0wSYPpJNhE6IXj_SSR2Om-O7ybGmh_r7QPLIlIT4DSn5u5Xs056zDMLnh4U0QYaI1fgpxu8qJdt294oEE4eeCo61vvRWRYEKPtb6RV9OvVfihIZJvGgq78GpTA1mEgw0E/s320/20201231_103725.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>The return journey brightened up a bit with a slight thaw - in fact at one point it was raining. Still, I'd enjoyed the chug (albeit brief) and look forward to the next snowy day ... when hopefully Ill remember to wear <strike>long johns</strike> a base layer.<p></p><p>As we'd been chugging along, the bosun had opened the last of our fizzy stuff and by the time we'd gotten back to the pontoon - expertly reversed I might add (ergo no wind OR audience) it was agreed we'd have a 'last supper' before the impending 2 months of misery.</p><p>It was then my "Xmas present" was discussed - we'd been avoiding it for a while. I didn't get any presents again this year from anyone other than our Christmas guest (she gave me a comedy gift - overnight oat recipe book ... mainly cause I 've moaned about not liking them so many times when she's been onboard and THEN done a U turn and decided they were the future). SO - Santa's "joint gift" was this years (last years now I suppose) "famed diet plan" - ergo, a 2 weeks meal replacement plan for us both to kick-start our slimming with a ketogenic regime. What that means is eating 'slop' that is supposedly nutritionally balanced but which allows the body to use fat stores rather than glycols as an energy source. THAT is the claim. HOWEVER, having done 'hard core' Atkins many years ago, I suspect this isn't actually the case as far as our plan is concerned - the amount of 'carbs' in each 'meal' being too high... I Think it's actually just a very calorie restrictive regime for people who can't be bothered/struggle to calorie count. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5HcdqFigq1_FNES1qn_8gKO0Aml4H6K8AI-WLSoX8pNksFuqjAuxcNl7os_scnwNC4h3zguYsrVq-4z_pDP1jJKUaHWzeE5JSEnRLjFrtZBSw0WpDOjAvJvAiz-XKs6rLhuKtTC6ZfYY/s2608/20210101_080048.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5HcdqFigq1_FNES1qn_8gKO0Aml4H6K8AI-WLSoX8pNksFuqjAuxcNl7os_scnwNC4h3zguYsrVq-4z_pDP1jJKUaHWzeE5JSEnRLjFrtZBSw0WpDOjAvJvAiz-XKs6rLhuKtTC6ZfYY/s320/20210101_080048.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4IW8qv8cEHtTkuWGWFKJR5Cf4d6iYUM1dNmGdu8rJNQGMkbqUjc50YG9qg6cgYpLRArGD_jXVzGgZ7AcJa2bf6LJls2U8jbtKJey0MBe5KT92AR_f27x5TgPVjWZpROctK5GZVmxBJOM/s2608/20201231_170902.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4IW8qv8cEHtTkuWGWFKJR5Cf4d6iYUM1dNmGdu8rJNQGMkbqUjc50YG9qg6cgYpLRArGD_jXVzGgZ7AcJa2bf6LJls2U8jbtKJey0MBe5KT92AR_f27x5TgPVjWZpROctK5GZVmxBJOM/s320/20201231_170902.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh how i already miss "proper food" - THAT said, for the sake of 2 weeks of misery, we ARE both going to stick to it and see how much blubber we can kick start - if nothing else, our stomachs will get used to smaller portions (portion control being my biggest failing) and what with that AND the DRY January, it can only be an overall good thing for my (now aging) blubbering body. I've taken photos of the scales and tweeted them to keep me incentivized. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It may sound like masochism, but I'm using the time I'd usually spend cooking, planning 'meal prep' menus that can be containerized and stored in the fridge/freezer a few days in advance - it's amazing the variety (and inexpensiveness if that's a word) you can come up with - especially if using a lot more veg than previously. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Obviously, it's going to have a positive effect on 'guest menus' too... perhaps we might even begin offering "Health and wellness Cruises" - ... mind you, a couple who came across the Rochdale canal with me a couple of years ago ALREADY described the journey as a "walking holiday over the Pennines" (I'm paraphrasing here but you get the jist) . It made me laugh at the time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">. . . . . . . . . . . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">BACK to boaty improvements for a moment - the other week my friend Wendy sent me a photo (and link) to some USB Led lights she'd gotten for her boat. NOT so much as a festive decoration but simply additional lighting. Armed with her link (and advice to try white over warm white) I ordered a couple of sets. For the money, they are really good... usb (so can only draw 1.1amp max - I WILL wire in a meter at some point to check) and provide 100 lights on a 33ft string. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU1krDDKOrwfIJfC_mmSGbfvdys0kV-WRFBCv5-ON8uZO_ZUdFo5yfxDx1JI5y_yG_P2aKLcpylSc4exlK9jRUsLUBdYdbQj85_h0jGjiB_Cq3lb0TMJN1MdoPgQ6nksTwTInYo7GQQ7Y/s2560/20201231_084934.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU1krDDKOrwfIJfC_mmSGbfvdys0kV-WRFBCv5-ON8uZO_ZUdFo5yfxDx1JI5y_yG_P2aKLcpylSc4exlK9jRUsLUBdYdbQj85_h0jGjiB_Cq3lb0TMJN1MdoPgQ6nksTwTInYo7GQQ7Y/s320/20201231_084934.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAk6ykxbbNibaVhlhcmWjZBYIfZekZQ1k-Cue0teCOa7XrCwbwhifjILf5hvWPRAq5gkmR6FQZ4CBTqYjETtKxXrXiC8pT0z3gZDcPltREmwnk-p-bM6RyLsiS-Qr2Nuwn8lVL7z8jDc/s2608/20210101_115821.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAk6ykxbbNibaVhlhcmWjZBYIfZekZQ1k-Cue0teCOa7XrCwbwhifjILf5hvWPRAq5gkmR6FQZ4CBTqYjETtKxXrXiC8pT0z3gZDcPltREmwnk-p-bM6RyLsiS-Qr2Nuwn8lVL7z8jDc/s320/20210101_115821.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VNKD7OSJyCVB8Hg5-VY5l0PJB5D4QZSxs0IBD3N-Sjg2wbRaZdKe3SAPzKDFRon1sWJ78HuAhyphenhyphen4jO9531JwLCa95l_u_6bubuxbtxriGFViGdFJzrbCg9ibeyjw7xs4OiKwlNzWq0vM/s2608/20210101_125950.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VNKD7OSJyCVB8Hg5-VY5l0PJB5D4QZSxs0IBD3N-Sjg2wbRaZdKe3SAPzKDFRon1sWJ78HuAhyphenhyphen4jO9531JwLCa95l_u_6bubuxbtxriGFViGdFJzrbCg9ibeyjw7xs4OiKwlNzWq0vM/s320/20210101_125950.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've just put them back and forth until they ran out either side under the lounge SORRY, Saloon gunwales. (100 each side) . I even felt quite smug having already been organized enough to have USB sockets in both places to avoid trailing wires. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They EVEN come with a remote control (which works both sides at once) which allows various "twinkly" patterns or JUST ON - (with a dimmable option) - suffice to say, when I'm sitting to starboard, they add just enough light to read without putting on "the big light" or faffing round with the flexible usb ones that I'm forever getting wedged behind my chair.</div><br /><p></p><p>Alas, during the fitting procedure, I DID rather clumsily break my long serving Bosch glue gun - the nib had been bent a long while but it ended up "benter" ... however, on trying to straighten it, it snapped off and that was that. A quick wander to poundland and it was replaced with a 2 quid one that may be crappy quality but it DID let me finish the job. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyPVV0WICnX6Aq4i2X3IKZffQHRIozYWrqe0Dn14FlySG1bZEXL1JZ-1fixdNoFCG64z7N5OBK2vmzzw4-ujWjOIiZ3d8GxmNf0Gei3NsGQ3mYDguP4pfGkmQUrr3-9c-gv53ZMr02r4/s2608/20210103_125847.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyPVV0WICnX6Aq4i2X3IKZffQHRIozYWrqe0Dn14FlySG1bZEXL1JZ-1fixdNoFCG64z7N5OBK2vmzzw4-ujWjOIiZ3d8GxmNf0Gei3NsGQ3mYDguP4pfGkmQUrr3-9c-gv53ZMr02r4/s320/20210103_125847.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thinking back , it's over a year since I used the glue gun anyway so perhaps a diddy one will do... watch this space... if the lights all fall down, we'll know I should have gone to screw fix and bought a better one with better glue.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Right - I can't sit here typing all day - I've got 10 miles to walk to keep the 'blubber' burning - I've got old photos pasted to the fridge & larder doors to remind me (should a moment of weakness occur) WHY I need to stick to it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until next time...</div><br /><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Quaysiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372015225898397642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5946325688134943823.post-85783620015495755542020-12-30T10:33:00.003+00:002021-01-04T08:14:06.785+00:00Ice-Breaking, Christmas Cruise & Website woes (again)...<p> Website woes are beginning to become an annual 'given' - Remember this time last year when 'GoDaddy' forced me into upgrading to their "new product" ... only to find after I'd spent weeks de-doing the website that I wasn't allowed to have more than 50 pages? Having had a strop about that at the time and then transferring to Wix, I <i>naively thought</i> my woes were over. Clearly that was a dream!</p><p>WHY does it have to be so complicated/restrictive?... I mean, all I was <i>trying</i> to do was use one page as a template to use in order to duplicate a cruise from 2021 to 2022... simple enough you'd think eh?</p><p>Wrong! Wix "dynamic pages" (whatever that is supposed to mean) has other ideas. Instead of just letting my create a new one, it flagged up something about using too many static pages, TOLD me there was a better way to do it - and THEN promptly left me reading through "HELP PAGES" (an oxymoron if ever there was one) to try and find out HOW! As it stands, as soon as I publish the next cruise, it applies the formatting to the donor page - thus replacing "Fully Booked" with " Details & Booking" (which is what the NEW page created from the template/duplicate NEEDS to say.</p><p>Are you keeping up at the back there?</p><p>In short (or should that be long?) it's a blooming good job I have a proper system "on paper" ... and by that I mean a 2021 diary that I write bookings in as soon as they've come in so I know what's what. </p><p>Hmmf!</p><p>I suppose it's not all bad - perhaps a double booking might be a good thing - an introductory service for solo travelers... so long as they are happy to bunk up and share a bed lol.... I'm joking ! *thinks of a way to divide a kingsize bed down the middle*...</p><p>ANYWAY - back to the plot (as tenuous as ever I think you'll find)... you may recall a while back, financial necessity (i.e. 'Ellis' needs new batteries before the next season begins) suggested I put on a couple of 'festive specials'.... Of course Boris with his multi-tier status pretty much put paid to that idea (what are we up to now I forget - tier 34?)... what he didn't take into account however was that US and a returning GUEST had 'saved' our original 'support' bubble so as to be able to guarantee a 70th birthday cruise back in September... and as that 'bubble' remained in place, there was no reason why we couldn't take our Christmas trip (regardless of any last minute amendments ) so long as we remained within the boundaries of our present tier (it may as well be tear tbh). </p><p>SO, Xmas eve arrived along with our guest who brought with her the nicest mince-pies and Christmas cake I've ever had. I've never really LIKE mince pies - in fact, I think it's probably 10 years since I last tried one to prove to myself that I don't like them... tastes change and now it appears I DO like them... (well these at least) and off we chugged - Gluwhein in hands.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIroMiWn2-0Sf7gEV6mxu43oUzG6IK6nEyMtC19NQXrhL6Q0qF2cfa60-6GjjaPVss16KDWEp2S5SY-_4bmIRrO-RixclvazouSvHXmL_r96j4V2Gs3giV_Oasp6Lf_gr1pGR8qdKXMT0/s2608/20201224_131655.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIroMiWn2-0Sf7gEV6mxu43oUzG6IK6nEyMtC19NQXrhL6Q0qF2cfa60-6GjjaPVss16KDWEp2S5SY-_4bmIRrO-RixclvazouSvHXmL_r96j4V2Gs3giV_Oasp6Lf_gr1pGR8qdKXMT0/s320/20201224_131655.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EJEUDU78YJTHukhQU7exmLD5FjjuRv55V2c4dzIGdU7Q0O_rziCAYOAkNE-_FUrXHhRAbOy6t616D152Ole-mCpawb_NHwYONl3PrLpHPQfp4_UgmgZCAP2p2B0t5eFupgC6HkMEdb4/s2608/20201224_144848.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EJEUDU78YJTHukhQU7exmLD5FjjuRv55V2c4dzIGdU7Q0O_rziCAYOAkNE-_FUrXHhRAbOy6t616D152Ole-mCpawb_NHwYONl3PrLpHPQfp4_UgmgZCAP2p2B0t5eFupgC6HkMEdb4/s320/20201224_144848.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The original plan HAD been to spend Xmas eve in Castlefield basin - pretty much so we could go to the pub and people watch... alas, "tier 3" meant no pubs were open so it would be a pretty much miserable place to be ... with only train noise for company. THAT plan abandoned, we turned left at 'Waters Meeting' and chugged on to Worsley. Having tied up outside a (closed) Hotel, we settled down for a Christmas Eve with plenty of wine/cake and 'nice-ness'. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It made a lovely change to have a REASON to have a Christmas - not since I was a child have I found it pleasurable ... Then it was a lovely magical time when even my father who seemed to work 24/7 was able to pause, spend time with us and even do a jigsaw. SINCE childhood however, it's just been a few office xmas **ss ups and miserable feelings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxswMKRymw3SQd0m5ZPldCqcqsDqeWK3zvigEIIbruNGq8CmGFQ-tjX2IGN7UMF-ABHnuBl_pi5lSQfAGd51BCplRDJYHhPhNuPXgk7g_Q1PN_GhvG5-jb1USZ94OX0n41oLvQoK6VXts/s1600/IMG-20201224-WA0001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxswMKRymw3SQd0m5ZPldCqcqsDqeWK3zvigEIIbruNGq8CmGFQ-tjX2IGN7UMF-ABHnuBl_pi5lSQfAGd51BCplRDJYHhPhNuPXgk7g_Q1PN_GhvG5-jb1USZ94OX0n41oLvQoK6VXts/s320/IMG-20201224-WA0001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This year however, with a purpose, it felt lovely... good company, nice food and drink and being the envy of folks walking along the towpath - all having a nosey in the boat as we sat snug (and smug) inside with the fire blazing and our glasses regularly full.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When we awoke on Christmas Day morning, the canal had frozen over slightly but it didn't appear thick enough to remove too much blacking... or at least not where we were - the reality being that once around the corner, it became about half an inch thick and by then we were committed (or should that be we SHOULD have been committed?) ... oh well. Looks like it's gonna have to be done again next year anyway.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhOPoh3xYGil4BwcGH2c1XM1Gh3biBGc8so1TAkHyEvDJlKWKZ2w05Ntay0fa9qK41dmEz0vb2ekEdcEbSKkor3SLJ-epytYBzOqW4c9-c-e_nBHV_MotNFVN-ASyHQN3R6R6uvId8gA/s1600/IMG-20201226-WA0003.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhOPoh3xYGil4BwcGH2c1XM1Gh3biBGc8so1TAkHyEvDJlKWKZ2w05Ntay0fa9qK41dmEz0vb2ekEdcEbSKkor3SLJ-epytYBzOqW4c9-c-e_nBHV_MotNFVN-ASyHQN3R6R6uvId8gA/s320/IMG-20201226-WA0003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDCLN4jrSILD5FeBBbyhefMf1omE1eapLRgC25d6F0yNtcjdQ5fj0J5rZhqk-9NzAuq6fDGRYQewKD0_POQrFzIBGl94NGDp9vx6DiCPU5pvYcLQLTiLUWWpntCy497q8Wb1ESi8VdgQ/s1600/IMG-20201226-WA0005.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDCLN4jrSILD5FeBBbyhefMf1omE1eapLRgC25d6F0yNtcjdQ5fj0J5rZhqk-9NzAuq6fDGRYQewKD0_POQrFzIBGl94NGDp9vx6DiCPU5pvYcLQLTiLUWWpntCy497q8Wb1ESi8VdgQ/s320/IMG-20201226-WA0005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwH0BUKWb_e7_7jOf6Ogv1_R2lMPqyYZ9GuBL8OnUAPMYaZG4_Ae97LMPV5O9ITbblnUUTv4vlXPFiB_7oBCg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div>I suppose at it's worst, it was about half an inch thick which whilst not too bad, really did slow us down on our journey. </div><div><br /></div><div>We still made it to our destination (Pennington Flash) shortly after lunch and on turning round at Plank Lane marina, bumped into a couple of boaters we know from the Leeds & Liverpool canal... Neil the fender making man and his lovely wife who I can't for the life of me remember what she's called... They were hunkered down making use of some hedgerows shelter in preparation for Storm Bella .</div><div><br /></div><div>We turned, and went back to the nicest view point of the flash and (having firmly banged in pins) I set to cooking Christmas dinner whilst Chrissie went for a walk and the bosun tried a few Ariel shots with his drone... turns out, minus 1 degrees doesn't half gobble up battery power so that was a short lived experience.</div><div><br /></div><div>Whilst dinner was cooking (Leg of Lamb, Gammon Joint and more veggies than were really required) we had a few drinks, watched 'Liz' on the telly (or was it a zoom call - I can't recall ;-) ) and eventually had our dinner around teatime.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1dB3rfbyluz5JqTBbT7JmWoVbXYpmTuUD9DdByh5vtBPyc1YmM71Be73LARH96TGK-T2bxQnr6SzoYm7ntkL_ZCm3tcF0bh6aq5_ztIimPrfuxBE1FMK5axZhJbn-1AFxVxuLr1_LXcM/s2608/20201225_150316.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1dB3rfbyluz5JqTBbT7JmWoVbXYpmTuUD9DdByh5vtBPyc1YmM71Be73LARH96TGK-T2bxQnr6SzoYm7ntkL_ZCm3tcF0bh6aq5_ztIimPrfuxBE1FMK5axZhJbn-1AFxVxuLr1_LXcM/s320/20201225_150316.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once we were satiated (and the washing up done) it was time for silliness... "pass the sprout" <i>should</i> have been more fun than it was... the previous time this was enjoyed being 4 years previous at Sally's xmas afternoon party"... ALAS, either I bought the wrong thing, or it's been dumbed down now to little more than "cracker jokes & paper hats".....hmmf.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPj2dOFJM_s9WKQZDwIWztyB9mfchjpcIzdkZHqdvxL17fpVqxfqHMmC2KHtiLtkKchnyWIDSXJ3tVx22haIvCm6T2nJn9YP_PsaDHAK8vUF9ZoxFnTeMqYlkG-kw7cfZHvmSmsZMhyphenhyphenZ0/s2560/20201225_193708.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPj2dOFJM_s9WKQZDwIWztyB9mfchjpcIzdkZHqdvxL17fpVqxfqHMmC2KHtiLtkKchnyWIDSXJ3tVx22haIvCm6T2nJn9YP_PsaDHAK8vUF9ZoxFnTeMqYlkG-kw7cfZHvmSmsZMhyphenhyphenZ0/s320/20201225_193708.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh well... given how the rest of 2020 has been, it was only to expected .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Boxing day needed to be a good start due to the weather forecast - Chrissie was on Breakfast duty and once we were full, I got all clobbered up with appropriate external clothing ... only to find that it was no where near as "bad" as the forecasters had been saying it would be...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In fact a nice chug back to Manchester - stopping off briefly for a cheese and biscuit lunch and few glasses of wine. The predicted weather eventually arriving during the night.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To summarize, for someone who really doesn't like Christmas fuss, it was the nicest one I've experienced for many years... certainly since the last time I was away on a cruise over the holiday season - I DO miss cruise ships... then again I suppose, I now LIVE on one full time (albeit a tiny one) lol.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">See you next year - enjoy your "night in"... I shall be in bed with ear plugs by 10pm and then ready to begin Dry January *quivers*... AND a hard 2 months ahead to try and shift the blubber 2020 has helped me pile on - 2 stone needs to be gone by the start of the boating season... I think it's fair to say I shall be VERY grumpy for a while now as I don't "do" hungry very well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy New Year - </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until next time...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div>Quaysiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372015225898397642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5946325688134943823.post-19871211585628565662020-12-22T16:50:00.001+00:002020-12-22T16:50:42.163+00:00Well THAT'S shown me... Recovering rear seating, experimental Sour-dough and Good Customer Service<p> Ok - moving on from my recent rant, I ask you forgive me... I'm over that episode now - having experienced some 'good' behavior towards a soul in need since i got carried away.</p><p>Let me explain. Last night, on the way back from a local "Premier" click and collect service place, I came across an unconscious chap - sprawled half over the towpath and into the hedge row. At first glance (in the dark/rain) I sort of assumed someone had partaken of a bit too much xmas spirit on the way home from doing the shopping (he had a few carrier bags laying around him) and was sleeping it off... then it dawned on me that being in Tier 3, no where is open so he couldn't have done.. As I got a bit closer , I noticed the rear light of a cyclist turning left on the path ahead and also that the chap on the floor didn't look like the usual sort of person who might take drugs and end up in a self inflicted stupor.</p><p>I checked for a pulse and once my useless numb fingers had located his carotid artery, was relieved he was at least alive. I tried to rouse him for a few seconds before digging out my phone to call 999. Even as I was doing it, under my breath I was berating the afore mentioned cyclist for "<strike>walking</strike> cycling <strike> </strike>on by" - no sooner had I started dialing, did said cyclist reappear and explained he'd already called for help and an ambulance was parked just round the corner at the end of Marland Way....he'd gone to meet them to explain where the patient was. That was a relief and also a shark reminder that folks ARE generally good sorts when it's required of them. As the paramedics arrived, I carried on my way - safe in the knowledge this poor soul who/whomever he was would be in good hands now.</p><p>It did give me butterflies in my stomach for a while though. POINT is, despite all the "Covid in the air" both the cyclist and I acted instinctively in the best interest of others...and that is how we should be.</p><p style="text-align: center;"> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .</p><p>OK - Stepping off my soap box again, back in boaty land, I've been pottering - getting on with little jobs here and there when the weather has allowed. Being in Greater Manchester whilst quite useful, it does mean poor old Ellis is experiencing a LOT of rain. This has been a real pain as many of the jobs I'd like to be getting on with, require dry weather.</p><p>That said (well written), a gap in the clouds DID mean I could (rather roughly I admit) get around to applying some more padding to the new rear seats/backrests i made last winter. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Whilst the water tank was filling, I took the old guest duvet out of storage and decided rather than spend 12 quid in a launderette washing it, I'd buy a new one for next season... thus freeing up the hollow fibres for 'padding' purposes. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNqiakKyjZVwfDUObY0hPaPUXLDlnjjPJD3G7JI-p_J6eYiLzZVFzKXMlhcineenUQDW2bDIpFrIU-yVr5555A6nxyWsJdJZI-iy0U5mQK7gE0AdojHGPsom1BWcw-uLf9wqjTsxbxn3k/s2560/20201222_102543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNqiakKyjZVwfDUObY0hPaPUXLDlnjjPJD3G7JI-p_J6eYiLzZVFzKXMlhcineenUQDW2bDIpFrIU-yVr5555A6nxyWsJdJZI-iy0U5mQK7gE0AdojHGPsom1BWcw-uLf9wqjTsxbxn3k/s320/20201222_102543.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJkn0MBAkGutBkW4CCmeB0w4t-KReGZkBuEQ-KSUi7WeBCmrW3sfQD8RW0GGCnjOlsiu5LEpCukoBiWFT6D9qXimKwfp1Na7eEeZheK4IOMMuwnF40dUNPuuLIjPZzm9Bc5z3PV0Kzms/s2560/20201222_102525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJkn0MBAkGutBkW4CCmeB0w4t-KReGZkBuEQ-KSUi7WeBCmrW3sfQD8RW0GGCnjOlsiu5LEpCukoBiWFT6D9qXimKwfp1Na7eEeZheK4IOMMuwnF40dUNPuuLIjPZzm9Bc5z3PV0Kzms/s320/20201222_102525.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoVGc5Ig_CVMNPw5HuzqD4G8DTmnNRBmxPaH3armmoyZ_eW80MsY_UM5Wqn0ifkSVMxc49JgFYTKW7M4lSNRsbg1KeQWxhdFw5IsOWVeLFzIH2M5dhjbkbHpvGUzime59TYOSMVO4lE4/s2560/20201219_142842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoVGc5Ig_CVMNPw5HuzqD4G8DTmnNRBmxPaH3armmoyZ_eW80MsY_UM5Wqn0ifkSVMxc49JgFYTKW7M4lSNRsbg1KeQWxhdFw5IsOWVeLFzIH2M5dhjbkbHpvGUzime59TYOSMVO4lE4/s320/20201219_142842.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-sXm3KvbVIwCjykURpbwzJvTMOu4sCK6Yp8BS_LX-z06sApNkI7Lav5yDJfSAOPXKTOiJ36nVQ-cY7VyxdfPOrs7QGMfhpZKsmqUfVyHX_LTTe5pjjuDo9AQSTzu2YLJMladolXMfAI/s2608/20201219_135853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-sXm3KvbVIwCjykURpbwzJvTMOu4sCK6Yp8BS_LX-z06sApNkI7Lav5yDJfSAOPXKTOiJ36nVQ-cY7VyxdfPOrs7QGMfhpZKsmqUfVyHX_LTTe5pjjuDo9AQSTzu2YLJMladolXMfAI/s320/20201219_135853.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was the first time I'd used my new mains-powered Staple gun... it can fire MUCH bigger staples than it's rechargeable predecessor. Alas, it is also a LOT fussier about when it fires... grrr. Still, in no time, I'd added a layer of padding and stapled new black leatherette over to cover it. It's not the PRETTIEST/NEATEST job but it will certainly do for another year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: left;">Continuing</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="text-align: start;"> with the 'Good News' another very productive and positive Day was had on 'Ellis' last week.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;">I bought a pair of decent walking boots around this time last year... which failed by March so I took them back to Go-Outdoors in Pudsey for an exchange ... well, the exchanged pair ALSO failed in the same areas( sole coming apart from the uppers various other failed areas of stitching. A lovely sunny start for a change so I decided to take the boat in to Castlefield Basin *rather than walk all the way to Go Outdoors and back*... Having looked through my receipts from earlier in the year for the Merrell Boot receipt, It wasn't with the (now sealed up) March receipts folder - </span><span style="text-align: start;">I pondered a while and decided to log on, do a click and collect of the boots and suck it up so to speak...</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;">SO, I booked a click and collect for 1 pair of size 9 boots the same "model" as the ones I had (moab), noticing the sole (which is the main bit that failed) had changed a little to the sort of rubber used on Squash trainers....</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;">ANYWAY - having chugged into Castfield and then walked the now much shorter distance to Ancoates, there I Was in the shop with new boots on the counter and about to pay the now lower price of £95 quid... Chatting away with the girl on the till as you do, I mentioned that I had planned on returning the pair on my feet for exchange but couldn't find my receipt so rather than have a fight, decided to get a new pair and suck it up... the premise being, that when you find a paid of walking boots that suit your feet, it's best to stick with them.... (the amount of times I've tried switching and ended up with sore feet being a REAL waste of money)...</span></div></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;">She volunteered to look up my purchase history on my discount card and low and behold, within seconds, the March exchange was there and she had to call a supervisor to "inspect" the boots on my feet... at which point, it was agreed they had failed in several places and they would give me the new pair free gratis as an exchange.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;">That was number 1 good thing... number 2 was that because the boot model had dropped in price since I paid for them, they THEN gave me a gift card to the value of the difference (valid for 12 months) - talk about surprised... I'd given up on the idea of exchanging them cause I don't like a fight and tbh, it's rarely the Staffs fault (although some folks seem to thing it IS)..</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;">.</span></div></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;">So there we have it... a very good service from Go -Outdoors with exceptional staff going above and beyond during difficult times.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;">Walking back in my new boots, the wind and rain in my face (this is Manchester don't forget) seemed irrelevant.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div></span><span style="background-color: white;"><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;">Irrelevant that was, until Id chugged back to the Marina and then had to reverse on to the pontoon with the wind side on. NO MATTER - I handled the boat as if she had a girlie button and all was well with the world.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Inspired by my (</span>unusual<span style="font-family: inherit;">) good fortune, I decided to make some bread - if the truth be known, I'd forgotten to buy a loaf when I Was out so </span>figured<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I'd try one of the sourdough ready mixes I'd had in the cupboard for a while. I think they are bit of a cheat in that whilst they do give a lovely taste and claim to contain a 10% rye starter - they ALSO contain yeast to 'cheat'. No matter, the outcome was a lovely tasting loaf that was </span>eaten in<span style="font-family: inherit;"> no time.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvqjriVWqbs7V8SPZstdPbjVk9OdD3dJZp7O6feqeo4kh-biJ0rEjDIcYC5lvH4VBxdDGleKRKXSRpcnv-4_UgIWJG-igOkoslKJmZGmqc1fhRkPEM-QV775JaRn3NLQJ9snuo4YVR8E/s2608/20201217_140139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvqjriVWqbs7V8SPZstdPbjVk9OdD3dJZp7O6feqeo4kh-biJ0rEjDIcYC5lvH4VBxdDGleKRKXSRpcnv-4_UgIWJG-igOkoslKJmZGmqc1fhRkPEM-QV775JaRn3NLQJ9snuo4YVR8E/s320/20201217_140139.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitUpLjriVgkWHN6CY5Q016SFzQyQD5JyhEiWxa2sR-_GwE0GvPDy8OmPNTTxCh-_ROg8BcvDK4s5DEQ_fTXfnDHV1a7Wi0fDDsFSKrRDGMbMi3F31pyTCwbZ-erCmbfMxDDvn6XZifoXc/s2608/20201217_132832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitUpLjriVgkWHN6CY5Q016SFzQyQD5JyhEiWxa2sR-_GwE0GvPDy8OmPNTTxCh-_ROg8BcvDK4s5DEQ_fTXfnDHV1a7Wi0fDDsFSKrRDGMbMi3F31pyTCwbZ-erCmbfMxDDvn6XZifoXc/s320/20201217_132832.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCK_gH5Fpk73KnajsxegdvcWIpMK9bKefeOB0blIwYcBBpg2yKlpeJYRmZA8ypfghrRya_ettUHBx2Z4c2Yowa7t_lcWFBjsJnaWPSztwYMXGraU7MIANkOIin_kyvrLu69LEVYi51OiM/s2608/20201217_124900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCK_gH5Fpk73KnajsxegdvcWIpMK9bKefeOB0blIwYcBBpg2yKlpeJYRmZA8ypfghrRya_ettUHBx2Z4c2Yowa7t_lcWFBjsJnaWPSztwYMXGraU7MIANkOIin_kyvrLu69LEVYi51OiM/s320/20201217_124900.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'll certainly buy the </span>ready-mix<span style="font-family: inherit;"> again as it stayed "moist" a lot longer than my usual home-made loaves do.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">meanwhile - I am not going to comment much about Boris's "U" turn at the weekend... suffice to say, i have a nasty feeling that by the middle of January next year, with the "army" being deployed to carry out mas covid testing at schools, there will be enough boots on the ground - </span>perhaps<span style="font-family: inherit;"> with guns handy to FORCE the population to do as they are told... it's a scary thought in 2020/21 how many freedoms our parents took for granted are being eroded as we sleep walk into </span>whatever<span style="font-family: inherit;"> it is we are sleep walking in to.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Don't get me wrong - I understand, it's serious and it's all about NOT overpowering the NHS but at what other costs??? - I suppose the real damage being done will not be known for many years.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On that note I'll finish now and wish you </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; text-align: start;">- Merry Christmas... and if you and any other consenting adults wish to eat your xmas lunch together and your nan is happy for a hug...I'll not be one to jump on the 'berating band wagon'.... use your common sense and so long as any "family/close friend unit" are consenting - who you eat sprouts with and watch crappy telly with is your business...not anyone elses.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: transparent; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div></span></div><p></p><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Until next time...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Quaysiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372015225898397642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5946325688134943823.post-29401929915537550502020-12-15T22:48:00.000+00:002020-12-15T22:48:06.199+00:00Human Kindness verses Self obsessed modern life...a bit of a rant<p><br /></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal">What on earth is going on with the world at the moment?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Where has ‘humanity’ gone? … Where has ‘Kindness’ gone? …
WHY are SO many people (mainly Daily Mail readers I suspect) behaving in such a
self- centred way?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">WHEN was the last time<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>YOU did something kind for the benefit of someone else? – hmmm? – I don’t
mean grandiose gestures JUST something kind… that might make a difference to
whatever internal HELL someone else is going through?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you are struggling to remember - then quite frankly… whilst
NOT wishing to be a virtue signaler, it’s time you got off your arse, went for
a walk and used your eyes to see the frailty around you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s really easy to make a difference to someone’s
day – a simple “Hello – what awful weather*can be substituted with; Isn’t it
lovely the sun is out for a change*”… it’s all about connecting with someone who
isn’t as lucky as you are to be ‘settled’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Someone who perhaps HAS worked extremely hard – perhaps continues to do
so, in extremely challenging times with nothing but despair at the end of THEIR
tunnels, in comparison to your lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just
think about it and try and walk a mile in THEIR shoes without looking down your
nose thinking “well we/I had it hard too” bollocks… cause that’s what it is is…
all bollocks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I am probably as FAR as you can get from a socialist but I
AM a humanist /empath and other people’s pain can be crushing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By pain I mean “real pain”- perhaps
subjectively … certainly not self pity pain or the kind of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My life is more important than your life or
feelings so I’m going to protect myself in a bubble because I can”… sometimes
to the detriment of the people around you (if you are lucky enough to have
anybody or that you’ve not pushed away) who cares about you and WANT to see you…
give you a hug perhaps – REGARDLESS of whether Boris says you are allowed to or
not ffs.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Many folks are SO compliant with<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the government GUIDANCE that they are no
longer able to make their OWN sensible decisions – in short, they’ve been<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>brainwashed into avoiding their families for
fear they might<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>contract covid and
die.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>YEAH – some do/have/will… many wont…
quite frankly<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know if my mum was alive
still, she’d willingly take the risk for one last hug with either my
brother<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or I (me or/and my brother
however it should be written) whether it killed her or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suppose that is maternal instinct… good
parenting and you’ve either got it or you haven’t.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I suspect it’s mass brain-washing… people susceptible to the
trite they read in the likes of the Daily Mail *Other completely bigoted newspapers
ARE available but rarely considered by those already brain-washed enough to
read the DM in the first place*…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>people
who <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">claim</i> to have enough education and
‘life’ experience to consider themselves ‘well informed’ have become – for want
of a more eloquent expression; Self obsessed sheeple!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It’s a shame - it really is… SOME folks beyond the age of 70
*already if you think in biblical terms<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>*past
their ‘3 score years and 10’ <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>demonizing
anyone trying to get on with<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh it’s ok for them… sometimes sitting in
their <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(certainly <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in many cases) financial ‘ivory towers’ to be
demanding “stricter measures” to stifle the spread of Sars 2 … these measures
being MORE full lock downs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>DON’T they
get it? – THEY DON’T WORK….<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All they do
is SLOW things down enough for the Hospitals to be able to (to some extent) <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">cope</i> with the numbers of people who need
medical assistance to either recover from it… or die. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sadly,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>MANY equally
life threatening –(for many younger people, still with families to bring up)
are getting side-lined because of it…I totally “GET” the government’s stance…
it would just be easier if they would/could openly say, we CANNOT protect
everyone and ensure no one dies… life isn’t like that… ALL we can do is
mitigate the speed at which it spreads… and EVEN WITH A VACINE – which they are
already saying might prevent you from contracting it, will NOT STOP you
spreading it – ergo, we may as well all right off 2021 and your
kids/grandchildren can look forward to massive taxes for the duration of their
working lives… anyone under 30 – perhaps 40 (who hasn’t already been fortunate
to secure a mortgage) can abandon any idea of being able to OWN their own
homes<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- instead, a life time of perpetual
renting is pretty much written in stone for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In short – it sucks MORE for the younger
folks than It does for the oldies.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Before I offend ALL my demographic here,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the above RANT has come about because of conversations
I have been having with the disillusioned folks I take the time to talk to when
I’m out and about<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- NOT for altruistic reasons
… I’m the first to admit to being lonely… I AM lonely.. I spend WAY too much
time on my own and I hate spending time alone… it’s toxic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walk for miles each day and for my own
SELFISH reasons talk to people… ‘cause I crave interaction with others – in the
selfish hope that by listening to their problems/ perception of the world
today, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it makes mine seem less important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alas, that doesn’t always happen… in fact,
more often than not, I head back to the boat full of THEIR worries on top of my
own…. Still, tomorrow is ALWAYS another day but if I should die in my sleep, it
doesn’t really matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>UNLIKE the young
fellow I spent some time talking with today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He’s only in his mid 30s – parents dead ( mum 5 years ago – father last
year), wife has just confessed to cheating on him with a mutual friend … 2 kids
– one the paternity of which is now under question. .. he HAD been
furloughed from his employment only to be recently made redundant… we were sat
(sitting) on the same concrete bench in the sun – me listening to pop master initially
through my headphones – him just staring into space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As lost as I can feel, sitting there with him
pouring his heart out (admittedly he’d got his way through a fair through <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>few cans of Stella) I felt SO helpless not
having any words of comfort … I almost wished I was a man of god – or at least
a man with the capacity to say something profound enough to provide some kind
of succor … alas, the best I could do was have a swig of his beer as we
chatted and head down my own rabbit hole of despair. I'm lucky... not having kids to consider but His Christmas is going to be the first without his kids, no parents of his own to prop him up and provide much needed support .... a pretty wretched time BUT luckily for him, a kind hearted -(perhaps Christian ) old lady next door to the bedsit he's ended up in has offered to spend the day with him...despite HER vulnerability to covid, SHE has seen the support they can offer each other in both their times of despair and she's prepared to take that risk for the sake of humanity.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Luckily (for me) – when we went on our respective journeys,
I was heading back to a marina with at least the opportunity to interact with
either another ditch dweller/marina staff , acting the fool long enough to make
them laugh or at least feel better about their day which might also be just a shitty.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Can you say the same?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If not … perhaps DITCH the newspaper and pick up a copy of
the “The Good news Bible” - … I’m not religious in any shape or form but it’s
an easy read and makes a lot more sense than the Daily Mail EVER will…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Until next time…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /><p></p>Quaysiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372015225898397642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5946325688134943823.post-76539132876312315502020-12-05T18:00:00.002+00:002020-12-05T18:02:15.726+00:00Towpath Life... Tax Returns and Christmas looming.<p> Here we are again... can you tell I'm making a determined effort NOT to ignore this place as much as I did during the summer? - ironically perhaps as now, bugger all is REALLY happening... it's pretty much groundhog day - day in - day out. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj358hI5gcRGUAJ2X02z8-AJZUi9qN8SCAPXvJCdsGzqMutJ2QmELgv0HbHlTAlgYSyhEq1OXKcpxnYjvBMe0-ZKcMBXfEXtQ4-CdDGy0BC6Jzrmo-KPuz3dpnoXMYbU4V5VmVHYrheSvU/s2560/20201205_135436.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj358hI5gcRGUAJ2X02z8-AJZUi9qN8SCAPXvJCdsGzqMutJ2QmELgv0HbHlTAlgYSyhEq1OXKcpxnYjvBMe0-ZKcMBXfEXtQ4-CdDGy0BC6Jzrmo-KPuz3dpnoXMYbU4V5VmVHYrheSvU/s320/20201205_135436.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtKAAVEsA5LixSR71MSkb3FGait-mXylLH39CkPEQmdVYCl7RZLYSpi40qXpLf82TU3T1WbF5qD6xtrXkcqWzuWE73JwuBZF4pvNBWD5DNckzzu1xPiCxo-rdPGeU9I0XhmHtwRkUSBc/s2608/20201205_135203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtKAAVEsA5LixSR71MSkb3FGait-mXylLH39CkPEQmdVYCl7RZLYSpi40qXpLf82TU3T1WbF5qD6xtrXkcqWzuWE73JwuBZF4pvNBWD5DNckzzu1xPiCxo-rdPGeU9I0XhmHtwRkUSBc/s320/20201205_135203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The Towpath however HAS seen a change of use again. During the recent (now thankfully ended) period of 'lockdown', more and more folks have been using the Towpath. A few boaters moan about this but quite honestly, it's nice to see people as I wander down to Sale or Deansgate. There is nothing (well for me at least) quite so miserable as towpath, bereft of human interaction potential. Yes, I know I'm a bit odd. ACTUALLY, I take that back ... I'm no more odd than many of the other 'lost' folks wandering up and down the towpath when I stop to think about it... only difference is, I'm paying double what a 'leisure boater' pays to use the canal and a gazillion times more than 'Joe-public' is.</p><p>I don't mind at all. I'm good at sharing. You see, the towpath is teaming with life (imagine Sir David Attenborough)- (I don't know how to spell his name) describing the comings and goings.</p><p>To start with, we've got the boating folk... striding around - more often than not wearing Shorts (like me) with their floaty ball key rings clipped to their shorts... mud up the back of their legs and smiling/saying hello to everyone coming towards them or sat (sitting) on a bench etc. THEN you've got the ding-a-lingers on bikes (I'm NOT so keen on them truth be told), who zoom up behind you ... give a few dings on their bell and EXPECT you to get out of their way. At the nicer end of the 'user spectrum' are the old dears having a wander along canal side - hoping (like me quite often) to have the opportunity to interact with another human being... before they go back to their prison like home for the remainder of the darkness... in anticipation of repeating their walk the following day etc.</p><p>Unlike the Street or retail park, there is (despite what some of the more recent towpath converts <i>think</i> ) an understanding that it's "OK" to say hello when on the towpath... to everyone - be they on boats, kayaks, walking a dog, pushing a child in buggy or even staggering around with a can (or 7) of 'special brew'... It's OK cause I'd hazard a guess most of us have made a conscious choice to BE there and avoid the more hostile routes. Even the ones smoking dope are friendly enough on the whole. I don't like the smell of it but it's no more offensive I suppose than the soap dodgers you often have to queue behind in Aldi *other German supermarkets with limited product ranges are available*... </p><p>Oddly, today as I was walking Manchester direction, a chap (this time a jogger) passed by me and I got that strange smell for pork and onion pies - the ones that taste lovely from Stanforths in Skipton but when my brain processed it must have been a stale sweat aroma, I admit to feeling quite bilious at that point lol.</p><p>Then we've got the ladies who buy all the exercise gear but really are just having a gossip with a mate as they meander along the towpath. I met a couple of these the other days on a "run out" - heavens I sound like Thora Herd in Last of the Summer wine ... I must have been looking "good" - (something that doesn't happen often and tbh, I was only have a jaunt out cause cabin fever was setting in. I can only imagine WHAT they were talking about but as I rounded a corner and dropped into tick-over for some moored boats, one of them shouted "my friend fancies you and your boat, are you single?" - quite taken aback I replied (possibly blushing) "I'm newly divorced but dance backwards"... which they didn't <i>get</i> so I had to (by then I was a few feet further ahead) wave a limp wrist at them to further explain... at which point they were (practically ro0lling on the floor laughing.</p><p>All good fun and positive interactions.</p><p>Of course it's not all rosy - as we chug up and down the canl, OR (as it mostly the case during the winter months) you ALSO come across 'troubled' folks... those who can't quite fit into society... or perhaps they choose NOT to fit. They're just as worthy of a conversation or bit of kindness though. I suppose THEY are the ones we SHOULD be looking out for and trying to help. I try but don't always manage it and admit to <i>choosing carefully</i> if someone looks dangerous. </p><p>Writing of 'scruffy people' I can't remember if I've already shared this with you but the other week - I was walking back from a gin run (ok perhaps I bought some bread and milk too) with my back pack on and on my route is a church... where apparently on Thursday mornings they run a food bank... well it was just after lunch and I did notice a van being packed up with stuff but didn't give it much attention until was level with it... AT which point, a lovely old lady wandered out of the church front with a white carrier bag and offered me a bag of (presumably) food not claimed... As tempting as it was (I doubt there would have been any gin in it though) I politely declined and continued on my way back to the boat... chuckling to myself that I've finally blended into cc society. The joke is that on <i>paper</i> as a result of this Covid year, I <i>probably DO I</i> meet the criteria. Oh dear... time to buy some less holey shorts and t-shirts from charity shops again. </p><p style="text-align: center;">. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">NOW that lock down is over, Manchester remains in tier 3... ergo, whilst shops, barbers, gyms and pools are open - you CAN'T go into a pub. It's all a bit pants really... the reality is that the "covid spreading hubs" (in my opinion) ARE the supermarkets that we ALL have to go into! - you know, the places where you DON'T have to submit to track and trace and where folks who are "mask exempt" regularly loiter around spreading (or potentially spreading) their germs... NO - Government totally ignores THEM as places of mass transmission! Folks anonymously spreading the virus- day in, day out.</p><p style="text-align: left;">That really does irk. It must REALY irk for the many pubs/restaurants being screwing into the ground as a result.</p><p style="text-align: left;">At the risk of having ANOTHER moan, I STILL maintain - EVERYONE should be wearing masks - end of... I'm exempt due to my asthma but quite frankly feel it a moral (perhaps civil) duty to wear one when I have to and quite frankly, anyone who has <i>emotional or mental health issues</i> SO severe that wearing a mask whilst in Tesco's *other militant supermarkets are available* is clearly UNSAFE to be out without a carer anyway!</p><p style="text-align: left;">grrrrr!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0bux5ZQvOFmB0Ws-m0My_6ZUwkOCk0Glt9Vc6NmG58GqF4gB3tFH9iaUM2C4590AfIgQUTHrSMv_svu1lB7AQkTrlUA1OTk2s-U_UOjZ-rYUzY_qVLNZUWZlEY3JuvRCaSxaTfcsoRA4/s2560/20201130_114921.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0bux5ZQvOFmB0Ws-m0My_6ZUwkOCk0Glt9Vc6NmG58GqF4gB3tFH9iaUM2C4590AfIgQUTHrSMv_svu1lB7AQkTrlUA1OTk2s-U_UOjZ-rYUzY_qVLNZUWZlEY3JuvRCaSxaTfcsoRA4/s320/20201130_114921.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">In MORE positive news, I've done my Tax return for the previous year and that feels good. I'm quite open about this so the 'profit' element whilst modest WAS an improvement on the startup year so that's good - alas, all the profit (and more) was eaten up with solicitors fees and divorce loan repayments but hey - they'd have been there without the profit so I choose to see this as a positive! 2020 WAS to have been the year when things began to look up but we all know what happened to that. The reality now is it's been a debt building year. NOW with the good news about the covid vaccines coming online, hopefully 2021 will help get back to 'zero'... and if not, surely 2022 will!</p><p style="text-align: left;">Out and about, Xmas lights are going up and that's nice to see (I usually think it's WAY too early) but this year, any light is GOOD light!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFHIHEl7EjcvbTAmRJaAh9LyMAH9a1peuBctKT8n665BtGgZ2dtDhR3wvY3NlA2eamBtIsi76OymJoKl-LYO-evzaFCyqfkPHrkAsckQwQC9HMvPH6pATR7nBrrQ7XEQIw1YwYZN3xB8/s2608/20201202_080443.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFHIHEl7EjcvbTAmRJaAh9LyMAH9a1peuBctKT8n665BtGgZ2dtDhR3wvY3NlA2eamBtIsi76OymJoKl-LYO-evzaFCyqfkPHrkAsckQwQC9HMvPH6pATR7nBrrQ7XEQIw1YwYZN3xB8/s320/20201202_080443.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">I'm quite looking forward to Christmas this year - not since I was a kid have I enjoyed it.... Xmas really is for kids... luckily, my folks have been self sufficient and not guilted either me or my brother (my brother and I?) into <i>enforced</i> family xmas gatherings. Last year did feel cruel NOT being with dad - his first on his own since mum died (after 52 years together) but he WAS adamant he wanted to be miserable on his own.... likewise in my case I was mourning both Joyce dying AND the end of my civil partnership, Dad again this year is choosing not to take up any of the offers bestowed up on him which I totally understand.... he KNOWS he's loved and wanted but will do his own thing. I respect that.</p><p style="text-align: left;">THIS year, with a guest coming, it's a different kettle of fish on board 'Ellis' - I've already got some crackers, and I've half a plan to wait until 23rd December and see what lights are left - time will tell on that one!</p><p style="text-align: left;">Righty ho - enough of this now... it's Saturday night, Strictly is looming on the goggle box and I feel a glass of something cold and dry coming on.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Until next time....</p>Quaysiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372015225898397642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5946325688134943823.post-4235350118557728592020-11-29T15:21:00.003+00:002020-11-29T15:21:37.168+00:00Not Hacked... boaty chores and 2022 Cruise Itinery Started.<p> I hate fiddling with the website - partly cause I'm crap at it... partly cause it goes against the original 'dream' life of being a free spirit bobbing around the canals on a whim. Reality bites though and the only way I can afford to do this until I can draw my pension is through structured trips... a (not too difficult I suppose) compromise I can live with - in fact, one I embrace when it comes to actually HAVING guests on board... I just don't like the planning. Several people have commented about my poor syntax and grammar - whilst I do GET their point, it's such a faff to fiddle with the formatting and given my tendency to bugger things up when I try and change them, I'm learning not to worry about it too much.</p><p>There's a saying an old bloke who used to come in to my dad's garage used on many occasion: "It's near enough for a country spot"... I always liked that and suppose have adopted it as my mantra lol.</p><p>ANYWAY - I have made a start on my 2022 routes. Having enjoyed the time we spent going up and down the Anderton boat lift this year... AND the cruising on the River Weaver, we're going to start the season with a few trips around Northwich. I've put in the header note about the plan to get a dog for 2022... it might not happen but forewarned is forearmed AND doing it with the consent of prospective guests FEELS like the right way forward. If there was any way I could persuade 'Ed's" dad to give him up I wood as he's a smashing fella.</p><p>Website building a side, I've also being doing some inside jobs that I can get on with during the wet weather - which seems like ALL the time at the moment. I've an awful lot of painting to touch up after quite a 'rough' season ... just look at all the scuffs and marks on the starboard stern.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahglv7JX8MlkmcPJvQOa579Q88T77IYXhECb8SVOI3I7OogsK6lpnlObf6ygjfLIsD1tVPwKDLSoVnlDI5gzRMsCfXGskFa52UC0a1RLm9_sIvDbxxSjb1tK7irSXvGhd3HKkSUyTm4E/s2608/20201105_103554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahglv7JX8MlkmcPJvQOa579Q88T77IYXhECb8SVOI3I7OogsK6lpnlObf6ygjfLIsD1tVPwKDLSoVnlDI5gzRMsCfXGskFa52UC0a1RLm9_sIvDbxxSjb1tK7irSXvGhd3HKkSUyTm4E/s320/20201105_103554.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The bow isn't much better either.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I could really do with some dry weather though... it's not cold yet so painting would be ok but it's just never dry enough to sand and paint... grrr.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">INSIDE - the new (mains powered) bigger fridge freezer whilst brilliant, IS a pain when it comes to the freezer part. You see, the door cannot open totally and given the "flaps" can't open all the way, putting stuff in and out is a bit of a pain in the proverbial. My temporary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsdTpT9RsoOXIjYVzrnSONVRC7t1uqRXcczUiFtPDLUNStB1AW_DsfDk4-E3j6ji2sEZE8iuTupjv2K384cGqFzUbiZRFA1sWlgTNLnOZi40Bi6Z-8g5OqiUfnjXXzfC1I1dbmiOMVWE/s2560/20201102_153635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1184" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsdTpT9RsoOXIjYVzrnSONVRC7t1uqRXcczUiFtPDLUNStB1AW_DsfDk4-E3j6ji2sEZE8iuTupjv2K384cGqFzUbiZRFA1sWlgTNLnOZi40Bi6Z-8g5OqiUfnjXXzfC1I1dbmiOMVWE/s320/20201102_153635.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKu-WK3lwAvkBN5c9TYaSglG_3ZnArkhjV92tzxbgjWRyGlNNzStzO9Dg5x1jMsmu2qb4WOqqMp7YNm8a-yZxCd1XVCVZUqY3gEXG9OHhovl5EHogT6MZmE04-__HnVck5hxMtS03Vnms/s2608/20201102_153630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKu-WK3lwAvkBN5c9TYaSglG_3ZnArkhjV92tzxbgjWRyGlNNzStzO9Dg5x1jMsmu2qb4WOqqMp7YNm8a-yZxCd1XVCVZUqY3gEXG9OHhovl5EHogT6MZmE04-__HnVck5hxMtS03Vnms/s320/20201102_153630.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6ErUgFksrvhHrELq6Swad3wC7BBh468vvdoQuqW5JtZokIF7YJUu_ukjOD-vipcMprlZ5iAfVMPG6dgY5nr0msf4c8LVoKtauSdfX3i29-gNYB6mU5ej06AqsnBazV-Ed0t3nRJMjOU/s2560/20201102_150200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6ErUgFksrvhHrELq6Swad3wC7BBh468vvdoQuqW5JtZokIF7YJUu_ukjOD-vipcMprlZ5iAfVMPG6dgY5nr0msf4c8LVoKtauSdfX3i29-gNYB6mU5ej06AqsnBazV-Ed0t3nRJMjOU/s320/20201102_150200.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> solution to this is to remove the larder /tumble drier cupboard door which is currently surface mounted - cut a strip off the side to shrink it and then re-fit it flush. I'd worked out doing that would give an extra 22mm of opening space for the door.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It has made it a little easier but NOT enough. The longer term solution is going to be (I think) a piano hinge in the middle of the (now flush) door - that way it can fold back on itself totally and allow the freezer to open fully INTO the cupboard. That will have to wait until the end of this lockdown so I can have a meander around B & Q or wherever.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another internal EASY WIN has been a new loo seat - soft close and only plastic but given I spend a lot of time looking into the bathroom (leaving the door open to let the heat from the fire circulate) I've put on a sticker which cheers me up...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUy1wt6jA6dgmVOFBfk4w0EC9g1JkBPOmp2x7jmk2_PePtP6WBQLWnukAnrImCcDnu0krK6YcaCi5gvfEJ-n7AD-_8TkryhO2RnOZxkueCcEqF2kfGniUjj7Iicy_3PudG59o8JE1fZUc/s2608/20201121_101357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUy1wt6jA6dgmVOFBfk4w0EC9g1JkBPOmp2x7jmk2_PePtP6WBQLWnukAnrImCcDnu0krK6YcaCi5gvfEJ-n7AD-_8TkryhO2RnOZxkueCcEqF2kfGniUjj7Iicy_3PudG59o8JE1fZUc/s320/20201121_101357.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Childish I'll admit but it does make me smile.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In other news, given the revised countrywide tiers that have been announced after this lock down finishes shortly (what lock down???) I think we are unlikely to be taking any guests anytime soon - despite the now permissible "Xmas" free for all.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Trouble is that VERY few people are obeying the supposed FULL lock down we've just had (well are </span>technically<span style="font-family: inherit;"> still in until the 3rd Dec).</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When taking my exercise, (or buying gin) it's clear by the number of cars on the road during "non- rush -hours" folks are just out and about... high streets, despite not having many shops open are STILL heaving... the tow path is full of folks and groups of youths are hanging around empty buildings doing the sort of things they would usually do... </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Corner shops are not asking folks to wear masks... the 2 metre rule is gradually being ignored.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">SHORT of the army being on the streets pointing guns at us - like China would do, the uk population won't comply...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Even the oldies are revolting...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I do as I'm supposed so - <b>to a sensible point..</b>. and that's just that.. everyone is thinking they are doing what their supposed to - <b>to THIER version of a sensible point..</b>. people who are "mask exempt" are waving their silly little lanyards to show their exemption as they wander around Tescos infecting (allegedly) the rest of us...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The reality of government OR opposition at the moment, is NO ONE knows how to progress... </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've been rejected by the discretionary hospitality fund for my home town </span>because<span style="font-family: inherit;"> "Hotels are not being ordered to close this time" - and because I'm classed as an Hotel, I CAN be open... to "appropriate" customers... it's a complete farce... alas, one which no matter how much I moan about it, there is nothing to be done.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hey ho - although given the approaching season perhaps that should be HO HO 😆</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Oh btw - I nearly forgot... I had an email the other day from a well meaning reader, who intimated the blog might have been hacked as adverts are now appearing on it. HANDS up... I was fiddling with the new settings (new since blogger forced me off the legacy version which I liked, to their new version) and I activated something called Ad-sense... apparently having </span>advertisements<span style="font-family: inherit;"> that are supposed to be </span>relevant<span style="font-family: inherit;">, is making a few pence... it'll all add up and who knows... perhaps someone might actually see something worth while. Sorry if they are a pain but ANY source of additional income right now is well and truly welcome this end.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Until next time...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div></div>Quaysiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372015225898397642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5946325688134943823.post-85481547885081681932020-11-24T09:06:00.002+00:002020-11-26T11:42:06.305+00:00Fire-Escape & and 'That's That Then'.<p>Now then, here we are again - nearly the end of November and I just realized I'm behind where I was LAST year in the old 'book-keeping' chores... looking through my phone to see what I'd been up to recently, I came across the screen shot I took on the 6th Nov Last year of my accepted Tax return by HMRC. Hmmf... not like it'll make begger all difference to the finances but I suppose I really do need to get it done before the deadline becomes just that.</p><p>MEANWHILE - ignoring 'grown up stuff' for a moment... ACTUALLY, come to think of it I suppose this is just as grown up: After17 months of solicitors bills (for very little actual work me thinks), last week I got the Final Dissolution Order through from the court... WHICH in "normal parlance" would be classed as the 'Decree-absolute' - ergo, I am now FINALLY legally single again. I really do pity people who got 'properly married' or those with kids and maintenance issues to sort out... it must be horrible. It's been a difficult enough split for us and we already came to a fair agreement BEFORE involving a solicitor. In hindsight, we should have just done it ourselves and saved an awful lot of money for nothing. Hey ho. Anyway - That's that then... the end of an Era.</p><p>I'd hoped to feel more positive about it to be honest - alas when the paperwork landed on the doormat (my tenant opens my post and updates me accordingly) it felt like a final dagger to the heart... like watching years of (mostly positive memories) having a big red cross put through them. I can't deny it's sent me on a bit of a downer... not helped by the miserable winter blues nagging at my mood, all at the time of my late mums birthday anniversary...(and that's with me ignoring the covid elephant in the room). Still - it does leave both Andy and I "free" to do it all again... hmm... or perhaps not! </p><p>We're still in touch - all be it at a LONG arms length... there is still genuine affection for each other and I'm confident as time heals, we'll be able to be proper friends... right now, I'm still smarting emotionally and as much as I WANT to totally <i>forgive, </i>I'm not sure I have the capacity just yet... likewise I suppose from his point of view... in one of my less proud moments (admittedly at the end of a very difficult few months, during which I struggled to come to terms with what had been going on) I lost control and was cruel to someone when I shouldn't have been... namely his parents. The contents of that vicious exchange ( vicious from both sides) are private but suffice to say buttons, were pushed from which there came a point of no return - Which I'm sad about and when NOT looking through the red haze of the time, I regret and am sorry about. </p><p>Still - it's all water under the bridge now and I hope everyone is able to move forward in whatever weird direction mother nature has in store for us all.</p><p>In my case, I had a VERY close call with the Grim-Reaper this week... For a while now, when the immersion heater has been on (it's rated at 1kw) I've noticed 'hot smell' coming from the inverter. To be honest, I just rationalized it in my head that as it contains a massive coil and moffsats (I think that's their name) this was probably just a side - effect of them doing their job.</p><p>Being on Shoreline, I didn't really think much of it until the other evening whilst cooking tea. I had the microwave on at the same time as the immersion... (immersion 1kw and microwave rated at 1.5kw) -combined total still within the inverters capacity (or on pass-through mode) the 16amp shoreline feed.</p><p>The 'hot' smell became more of a 'Smokey' smell.</p><p>On opening the cupboard to look, it became apparent all was NOT good- acrid smoke was being produced and a strange "glow" from inside the inverter was visible. After knocking off the power at the boat's isolator AND outside at the shoreline, I investigated properly by removing covers etc.</p><p>IT turned out that the negative INPUT must have had (good English) a poor/stretched connection and passing such a big current through created enough heat to melt the connecting block.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsupTKOzwisR1XDx4IEhTll8VNN2g56aDs_0mWQxBD9ZmxaFeWi5PsNq-wN2l1GSAkU3RSoXeBCARAJQOZQVI9dlY8ORz846vy8Oo2PKIyj-gEAz3K54a3lLojvKLsR4EJJHrc926rxKg/s2608/20201117_175039.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsupTKOzwisR1XDx4IEhTll8VNN2g56aDs_0mWQxBD9ZmxaFeWi5PsNq-wN2l1GSAkU3RSoXeBCARAJQOZQVI9dlY8ORz846vy8Oo2PKIyj-gEAz3K54a3lLojvKLsR4EJJHrc926rxKg/s320/20201117_175039.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Bh1o_h_h1eWA7H1VWLXdEH1n4JS9UmnJRMTzHsW82n4plbRzDNrdv-8A2uoVqTgXm0etscAm1TjEABxN3TfKuz4AOn0Gfzbd8Bh8mk0wiAlNWU1uAhsMyNHZsj5v2iR40Rj_Pk44-TQ/s2608/20201117_175350.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Bh1o_h_h1eWA7H1VWLXdEH1n4JS9UmnJRMTzHsW82n4plbRzDNrdv-8A2uoVqTgXm0etscAm1TjEABxN3TfKuz4AOn0Gfzbd8Bh8mk0wiAlNWU1uAhsMyNHZsj5v2iR40Rj_Pk44-TQ/s320/20201117_175350.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>I went looking for a big choc block in amongst my electrical gubbings box... only to remember, I USED up the big ones last year when I fitted the power supply in the bedroom for the chap who had booked who needed to bring a CPAP machine with him... never used in anger due to covid trapping him in Germany.</p><p>Knocking on a neighboring (mid self build) boat, I managed to scrounge a smaller one and decided to use it for the earth. I also replaced the internal negative wire with a new piece (and put the heat sleeve over it too) .</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhwjHaAlJRNSJc9kNEfEbjcB6sx_WbUGFyjjoI_bCUlcunZEaJnbDiPGEUi_CfAX-mpKNmGcG3pwzRZ7X-gz6HkjoQPUte-9OIiWgQtNr3FGgk9BEOs7hZ60HN1iKFZslzNYc2rImVCw/s2608/20201117_182200.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhwjHaAlJRNSJc9kNEfEbjcB6sx_WbUGFyjjoI_bCUlcunZEaJnbDiPGEUi_CfAX-mpKNmGcG3pwzRZ7X-gz6HkjoQPUte-9OIiWgQtNr3FGgk9BEOs7hZ60HN1iKFZslzNYc2rImVCw/s320/20201117_182200.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>On putting it all back together I turned everything back on (hearing the fridge/freezer start up) I was relieved when it worked again. Over the next couple of hours I kept checking (as you do) for smells and having phoned my brother (he's an electrician) and shown him what I'd done, we agreed all is now well... I might just have been a case of poor crimping on the initial installation but whatever the cause, it's now resolved... the grim reaper being sent on his way on this occasion. <p></p><p>To be on the SAFE SIDE - I fitted new batteries in all 3 smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms before retiring for the night lol.</p><p>IN OTHER NEWS... remember I mentioned about putting on a couple of Xmas Specials up on the website? - well I did... just 2, 3 night trips... ONE of which was snapped up very quickly which is marvelous... what's even better is that it's the Xmas eve one and it's the lady who came for her 70th (and thus saved her 'bubble' for us, so no matter what happens, Boris can't really put a spanner in things.</p><p>The other one is yet to go but even if it doesn't, I think we'll make the trip anyway cause as lovely as Shoreline is, I do get a bit itchy hull when not moving around.</p><p>Ooo, before I go (I've 5 miles to walk this morning to pick up a parasol due an accidental WRONG location click and collect), I've had another visit from the Spanish rescue dog yesterday - he's a charming fellow and I REALLY could keep him. He poses for photos almost instinctively</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmj2Zq_9TBxXBCtFxyepkp-FWVjeBvzUvS4HM19WfxfaM8Sifm2q1iyf05FOMac4AujB1Y4wie25F3gXr8uda0xN9VVaWmByKpHPqDGKZmtDgceX83P7bGxESX9SdUa1JOlnUofM9rCTA/s2560/20201120_130537.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmj2Zq_9TBxXBCtFxyepkp-FWVjeBvzUvS4HM19WfxfaM8Sifm2q1iyf05FOMac4AujB1Y4wie25F3gXr8uda0xN9VVaWmByKpHPqDGKZmtDgceX83P7bGxESX9SdUa1JOlnUofM9rCTA/s320/20201120_130537.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IfHF3grNRgIjlLCYA8vDyJXOtgBRLEt2crD8-y_eUc7aX3xM-eeq8TQGzNKRlYjEUHQsRbLjAHCn2ucoAQgWjihPQzsFVvjSE-aoaFg2Tp3Vgp9AUd2SUIWY7EF9TVRsRj3jw0jjSl8/s2560/20201120_130535.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IfHF3grNRgIjlLCYA8vDyJXOtgBRLEt2crD8-y_eUc7aX3xM-eeq8TQGzNKRlYjEUHQsRbLjAHCn2ucoAQgWjihPQzsFVvjSE-aoaFg2Tp3Vgp9AUd2SUIWY7EF9TVRsRj3jw0jjSl8/s320/20201120_130535.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn63Wq1OrkSj4VusZem3qqow9yEcnMYJ8f4sLAOedVi92age8zD9vCHfkrcEH1jBDRqPslKyiq7LSPVtYvZLGVxuEptlUTpY-94WB1RrDhwUYc1-RTNdJhc6JhHTx0mkQE6AuKZ_JseDo/s2608/20201120_130530.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn63Wq1OrkSj4VusZem3qqow9yEcnMYJ8f4sLAOedVi92age8zD9vCHfkrcEH1jBDRqPslKyiq7LSPVtYvZLGVxuEptlUTpY-94WB1RrDhwUYc1-RTNdJhc6JhHTx0mkQE6AuKZ_JseDo/s320/20201120_130530.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> don't you think?<p></p><p>HIS visits have really made me think it's time to get another dog... or rather PLAN to. Something Ed's size and nature would be perfect. </p><p>The thing is, I DO have to consider what booked guests might think... SO - in a bid not to brass anyone off who's booked already for 2021, I've decided that WHEN I put the 2022 schedule online (I'm about to start that), at the top of the page is going to be a large paragraph explaining that for the 2022 season there will be a dog on board... this BEFORE anyone can book so as not to enforce it on anyone. I Think that's fair and gives me NEXT winter to find the perfect rescue dog to join the good ship Ellis.</p><p>Until Next time...</p>Quaysiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372015225898397642noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5946325688134943823.post-82209438151644383642020-11-11T08:52:00.000+00:002020-11-11T08:52:05.313+00:00Overnight Oats (Bircher Muesli) and no comment<p> Ignoring what is currently going on in the world, here on Ellis I am sinking my teeth in to my winter jobs list again... a few easy wins such as taking the (overly dark mirror film I put on last winter) OFF the portholes and side hatches, changing the mesh on the roof vents to ones with smaller holes (now the fly nets have worn out over the mushrooms) and touching up scratches here and there. Bigger jobs include re-modelling the crew wardrobe to remove hanging rails and make shelves/dividers to store clothes folded on and also in the lower half, fit shelving to store uht milk, soft drinks AND make space for the very useful (but space consuming) sholley to live.... instead of it being on top of the crew loo - which to be frank had become a pain in the bum every night when preparing crew quarters for bed.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4_2oHiGvngw_TvKbrR2FhpO2BWLJpVLcwaSdD1hvb6ExSSL7g0iogPKsx-dXOdlIX2SBZioASwoDjV2P4XYc6zoUe9T_C2MBq4_5MlnGUDM9k2UguRE-GXIVziHWZJRAhVjd8ZLFGns/s2608/20201110_144726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4_2oHiGvngw_TvKbrR2FhpO2BWLJpVLcwaSdD1hvb6ExSSL7g0iogPKsx-dXOdlIX2SBZioASwoDjV2P4XYc6zoUe9T_C2MBq4_5MlnGUDM9k2UguRE-GXIVziHWZJRAhVjd8ZLFGns/s320/20201110_144726.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCp4rM9UnROzBb93rDAgCWIzxUsqeuXAOVSu-46UVG1-F8B4asyNC2gD94q-f_7B6vaTIJ5f4lJYfBvTp6f_77goXRdffmp2VQ4WfP-NJNiBf2TUv8hZGeFQyIt0j1rDGFXUDu1DSMXKc/s2560/20201110_144734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1184" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCp4rM9UnROzBb93rDAgCWIzxUsqeuXAOVSu-46UVG1-F8B4asyNC2gD94q-f_7B6vaTIJ5f4lJYfBvTp6f_77goXRdffmp2VQ4WfP-NJNiBf2TUv8hZGeFQyIt0j1rDGFXUDu1DSMXKc/s320/20201110_144734.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>As much of the country is probably sitting around at home eating and drinking more than is good for them in the run up to 2021, I am taking the opposite approach - as much as I'd LIKE to keep eating and drinking whatever I like, the reality is, now we're not moving around I am just turning into a fat middle-aged puff! - the latter I can't really do much about... the former...? well it requires will power and motivation - both of which are in short supply but having touched on 13 stone 10 the other day, it HAS to happen. </p><p>My blood pressure is higher than it should be (even having been medication for it for the last 20 years) </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_GTKbSrYnHqQczVW8AGlWT4sTv-OcH4n6VZCDPtUCRSrY_F_-cGXnho8lhsEEd7ixt0SQaFDPf3vVXO5y_DAjmyx7P3QJIaRS1aMow0N60T5ZBHpDabQkca2wFa0RYBB8m4111l65TU/s4128/20201028_073705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1908" data-original-width="4128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_GTKbSrYnHqQczVW8AGlWT4sTv-OcH4n6VZCDPtUCRSrY_F_-cGXnho8lhsEEd7ixt0SQaFDPf3vVXO5y_DAjmyx7P3QJIaRS1aMow0N60T5ZBHpDabQkca2wFa0RYBB8m4111l65TU/s320/20201028_073705.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">- cholesterol is also high and the doc did suggest last year I they'd take another test and put me on statins but then Covid came along so that was that. Having had a phone consultation recently, they suggested I take an over the counter test from a chemist and let them know the results... suffice to say once again the overall level being 6. something or other, meaning in the absence of "proper" testing, they sent an online prescription to the nominated chemist... ahem, </span><strike style="text-align: left;">school boy error</strike><span style="text-align: left;"> idiot at large here HADN'T changed it from Boots Northwich! - ergo, I'll not be collecting them anytime soon.</span></div><p></p><p>So - in an attempt to soak up as much as I can without medication, I've began the whole Plant Sterols regime and forced myself to begin eating over night oats for breakfast each day... after the 3rd day, I stopped noticing how unsweet they tasted and am now a bit of a convert.... AS for the plant sterols - all I have to say on that subject is that after a week or so on them, I seemed to develop an allergic reaction and my back came up in lumps and bumps and itched like mad. On stopping them, it disappeared... 'looks like all my hopes are pinned on the oats. I'll report back in a month if I'm still alive!☺😁☺ I've also knocked the gin on the head massively - initially doing alternate days... then every 3rd day and now I <i>try </i> not to drink until weekends.... with varying results but any day missed HAS to be a benefit. </p><p>The toe is still sore but I'm making better progress now walking and in fact can manage 6 miles or so in my boots before I have to take a pain killer... wish the same could be said for my back but I suppose that's the price you pay for being such an agile, athletic old man - eventually, nature catches up with you. Hey ho. LUCKILY, being ginger people don't notice the limping!</p><p>What else to report? - er not a lot really... when I'm not pottering about doing chores, I trying to work out a couple of short Xmas trips to put on the website (that will depend on what happens on 2nd Dec.) and also work some more trips out for the end of next year. 2022 is in the planning now and I AM going to begin the year from Stone and spend some time on the River Weaver doing 5 or 6 night trips from Anderton, down the lift and after a few nights on the river, ending at Northwich Marina to do change overs plugged into electric... it makes it SO much easier. After that, I think it'll be time to head further south but as yet I'm not sure.</p><p>BEFORE then however, I really need to get my accounts up to date for the previous year and do the tax return - tbh, the figs are already in a spreadsheet so it's really just a case of pulling my finger out.</p><p>Thing is, I keep getting distracted - yesterday I made a new friend... Whilst I was buggering about trying to fit the shelves in the wardrobe, I turned around and there he was - sitting quite happily watching me!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYdcH7fklL6NonnXwWU_QoSrPQROcDPVz4P3x9ReYJy8Q0l88XT6wsDuKBVK68JxwglYDplEDAJFSYgI8NC29X9nKqsQum90osJYQWU-KppVX9ILSTxoOwzFIdxXuOtg12Oxw0rPHhDA/s2608/20201110_133448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYdcH7fklL6NonnXwWU_QoSrPQROcDPVz4P3x9ReYJy8Q0l88XT6wsDuKBVK68JxwglYDplEDAJFSYgI8NC29X9nKqsQum90osJYQWU-KppVX9ILSTxoOwzFIdxXuOtg12Oxw0rPHhDA/s320/20201110_133448.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY47sylWqqsfhTBh-b8pzdutmFNKe_nLOgvAYBxaGt9xq-rP0TSdnvygElVtsGhQNQB-CvXevxCN3Scjwy_LOPfY2AhuoJEOqPDU6ghG34kXuGaykz3VihQX5zQ4cmoTUWXXwD2zVybmE/s2608/20201110_132605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY47sylWqqsfhTBh-b8pzdutmFNKe_nLOgvAYBxaGt9xq-rP0TSdnvygElVtsGhQNQB-CvXevxCN3Scjwy_LOPfY2AhuoJEOqPDU6ghG34kXuGaykz3VihQX5zQ4cmoTUWXXwD2zVybmE/s320/20201110_132605.jpg" /></a></div>Upon instruction (and after a dog biscuit) he went and sat outside and continued to watch me working... amazingly, understanding me perfectly... later on I discovered he's actually a rescue dog from Spain! As you will imagine I spent the rest of the afternoon doing my BEST "Manwell" (how do you spell that?) impression... "I speak very good Spanish... I learn it from a book" lol.<p></p><p>So there we are - Remembrance day...11th hour, 11th day, 11th month. ALL this Covid stuff is REALLY put into perspective by WW1 I think!</p><p><br /></p><p>Until next time....</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Quaysiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372015225898397642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5946325688134943823.post-36153180716444185712020-10-23T12:27:00.002+01:002020-10-23T12:27:31.059+01:00Moan Moan Moan Moan Moan! - oh and the 4200 hours service<p> I'll come clean - I'm not in the best of moods at the moment... well let's face it, WHO is? This whole situation with restrictions and people with different opinions /solutions/knee jerk reactions and down right hostility is getting me down. Well more cross about it than down I suppose but given the impending "dark gloomy nights" and short days it's only a matter of time before I'm feeling blue.</p><p>The thing is, I love boating, and moving around the network - I love chatting with folks and having guests on board. Winter is miserable enough after a GOOD summer of guests ... I'd hoped for a good season (I'd been pretty much fully booked at the start of the season ) - well PRE the covid situation. SO many folks couldn't come (the overseas totally cancelled and even when we were allowed to operate under the '1 metre plus' guise, quite a few didn't want to take the risk... which I totally understand.</p><p>Others were "trapped" in places like Wales and Scotland with their <strike>power crazed dictators</strike> cautious leaders locking them up like criminals To summarize, from a potential "earning year" of 30 weeks, we only were able to "do" 7 and a half... the majority of which were solo travelers... in short, I'm heading into winter with even less than bugger all and STILL have divorce loans to some how repay. NOW OK ... I'm not destitute as despite NOT being GIVEN any grants or self employed income support (you'll recall I didn't qualify as due to this being a new business, I didn't have 3 years profitable tax returns to submit) I WAS able to borrow 25 percent of my turnover on the basis of a 'bounce back loan' - which of course will need to be repaid. I can survive and will try and offer some out of season day trips again as soon as tier 2/3 restrictions permit 2 households being under one roof again...</p><p>THIS whole "tier" thing is a load of bollocks, designed to let the government off the hook from having to try and 'pay' people not to work whilst at the same time, effectively passing the buck to businesses/self employed folks.</p><p>THING is, I GET it. Boris and Co - (and by Co I suppose I mean the country) can't afford to have a total lock down again... and anyway it DIDN'T work last time did it? - all these folks spouting off about a ruddy circuit breaker being required (and Wales / Northern Ireland and Scotland most probably - I've lost track a bit) don't seem to GET it.... it's all spin an being SEEN to be trying to do something .... when in reality there is bugger all they CAN do. I believe the term is LIP SERVICE. Boris needs to grow a pair of balls and actually state that we can't afford to hide away forever... RATHER than allocating funds to provide (lip service ) support, to the offending areas, how about channeling all that money into MORE field hospitals to provide covid care - let it burn it's way through and let the people who WANT to hide - or rather CAN afford to hide on their pensions and HAVE all the supermarket delivery slots etc. DO SO.</p><p>I'm really getting sick of the young folks being demonized for just trying to get on with things - I saw a lovely clip the other day of an 83 year old woman saying she's not got much time left and she'll be dammed if she's gonna hide away so she'll take her chances - very stoic but more importantly NOT selfish... she went on to say it's all well and good her friends berating the youth for putting "her" in danger but they will be ones who (if they are lucky enough to be employed in whatever economic world is left) will be paying for this for years after she is dead anyway.</p><p>Sobering but true.</p><p>Don't get me wrong - I AM complying with the guidance... I AM wearing a ruddy mask when in shops like I'm supposed to but it really is a load of cobblers having to wear a mask to get from a pub door to a table - then take it off once I'm sitting down. It makes NO sense... NOR does the "children being except" rubbish - everyone knows they are full of germs at the best of times... it's all gotten so silly it'd be funny if society hadn't been brainwashed. THE REALITY of a SAFE mask is this - what is now having to be worn all day in operating theatres </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmc805zlKzPiYYAhH9C_eu1eiD9jOhLL17wPAC_TcBq5KfMlmrLqqzDLrECLVlm45TTE38wksmqU6lI40CC0lIu8_xqFhmpHr2dM3mZYf1Xf5Q82iG7sf9JkKxvy2eAsqKzGWLCZBkxw/s1600/IMG-20200919-WA0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="878" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmc805zlKzPiYYAhH9C_eu1eiD9jOhLL17wPAC_TcBq5KfMlmrLqqzDLrECLVlm45TTE38wksmqU6lI40CC0lIu8_xqFhmpHr2dM3mZYf1Xf5Q82iG7sf9JkKxvy2eAsqKzGWLCZBkxw/s320/IMG-20200919-WA0003.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So all this silly mask wearing obsession whilst <i>might</i> mitigate how far the globules in a cough can travel, WON'T do an awful lot to stop it spreading...they are just a way for governments globally to create some positive assurances that our lives matter ... the reality is none us really do.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Rant over - suffice to say I continue to follow guidance, wear a face covering, wash my hands and keep the required distance away from people which is common sense (well that latter 2 anyway).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">MEANWHILE - back in boaty land...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When the couple got off in Chirk, we decided we'd go BACK up to Llangollen Basin to do our "1 day turn around" back on mains electric ... that turned out to be a bad move as we ended up stuck in a convoy - at the head of which was a 70 foot boat being skippered by someone who'd never been on one before and who held everyone up. In fact, a couple of boats ahead of us actually winded and abandoned the journey.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We tolerated it and did a couple of loads of laundry on route anyway so it turned out for the best in the end. Next day we headed back to Trevor and collect our next guests. They were with us for 5 nights and after them we had another quick turn around and then another guest joined us in Nantwich to Penkridge. When he'd departed we trudged on to Stone in the wind and rain and then spent a few days on shoreline in Aston Marina. IT was nice to see my friends again (who are there now for the winter ) and when the time came to leave, we began our trip back up north where we're to spend the winter. The plan HAD been Aston but with winter stoppages planned, IF they over run (and lets face it that's highly likely) we'd NOT be able to begin next season in the right place at the right time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So here we are ... effectively trapped in a tier 3 area for a month at least with no chance of doing any trips. On the plus side, I HAVE done the 4200 hour service and also gotten rid of 20 litres of waste oil to be used as fuel for a boat yards heating system.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's a photo of me having a nap after that picnic we had down by the river near the Ponty what's it's name? aqueduct.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYupHLlVRL8WdFSk5d2CoUs2dtKP7jrq1j-54eRs9snM5P4jtBvKkenGDrtZCCvUDrhqDYK_dJxV8cmPq1MnzGibYoYcKhSMiZpAHVAL6tIwdnlaejpeeGxbRjfX5mtRZXwhjc_9ar5A/s1600/IMG-20201003-WA0000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYupHLlVRL8WdFSk5d2CoUs2dtKP7jrq1j-54eRs9snM5P4jtBvKkenGDrtZCCvUDrhqDYK_dJxV8cmPq1MnzGibYoYcKhSMiZpAHVAL6tIwdnlaejpeeGxbRjfX5mtRZXwhjc_9ar5A/s320/IMG-20201003-WA0000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I think that was the last sleep I had lol - nothing to do with a big swig of oramorph to ease my poorly toe - WHICH is still sore btw if anyone cares.<div><br /></div><div>Until next time... (when I'll hopefully be feeling more chipper)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Quaysiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372015225898397642noreply@blogger.com2