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In 1977 we hired our first narrowboat from Anglo Welsh at Market Harborough.From that moment our destiny was set. In 2006 we finally purchased our own brand new 57' narrowboat which we named 'Free Spirit'. Our aim is to travel the length and breadth of all the navigable rivers and canals of the UK. This will be our story as it unfolds.

Thursday 12 November 2015

More on Barkers lock (spot the mistake) and the merits of Flamefast.

Hmmm..... think we may well be in for a bit of a challenging few days. Storm Abigail, the first storm to be officially named by the Met Office, is set to hit the Scotland tonight (up to 90 mph winds) and  the Southern part of the country tomorrow (although the winds wont be quite that strong but torrential rain is forecast for Saturday as the ex hurricane Kate is set to arrive). Not the ideal time to be moving a boat from Eynsham (on the Thames) to Tardebigge! Still we said we would do it and so our packing consisted of thermals, extra clothes in case we get drenched, gloves, hat, scarf, brolly etc and plenty of soup and hot chocolate to warm us up. The Anglo Welsh boat Sun Dance is only 48ft, never taken on such a little boat before and it will be interesting to see how she handles on the river. With the boat this small I don't suppose we will have any problems in finding mooring spaces! We may well be riding the waves on the Thames and racing down stream to Dukes cut though!.

Yesterday we bought a box of 12 Flamefast firelogs, 99p each at Home Bargains. So, why am I telling you this, I hear you say? Well, we were given 3 to try out in Merlin's stove and was dead impressed by the amount of heat just one threw out. Burnt for nearly 3 hours rather then the two that was stated on the packet. Great to have at that funny time  (beginning of Autumn and Spring) when it's to hot to have a fire lit in the day but a bit of warmth is needed in the evening when one is sitting in front of the TV supping a glass or two of wine. We lit both ends of the paper and away it went, no firelighters needed. A highly recommendable product.



Still going strong after 2 hours.
 Stop planks are now in place and the water pumped out of Barkers lock. The bottom is being cleared of debris and silt and some damaged coping has been removed from the off side. Work will start on repairing the paddle gear and gates in the next few days and then the pointing of brickwork can start. With us being away for 7-8 days it will be interesting to see how much has been achieved on our return. More pictures when we get back






Can you spot it?

4 comments:

Tom and Jan said...

British Waterways?

Nev Wells said...

I use the logs a lot as you suggest for those intermediate times, quick and impressive heat. I also use them as fast fire lighters, just cut them into half or thirds and they give a quick decent fire getting the coals going well. I like the 99p price tag, will investigate that !

Nev NB Percy

Ian and Irene Jameison said...

Yep, an old BW sign. Still, by reusing it is saving money and I don't suppose many folk would notice it doesn't sat C&RT. Xx

Ian and Irene Jameison said...

Nev, if you go to Home Bargains they are also selling 6 firelogs for £2.49. Seems like a great bargain but not having tried them we decided to stick with the proper stuff. Be interested if anyone has tried them. Xx

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