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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.

Monday 4 March 2019

Hardly the idyllic place to nest.

It's not ideal you know wedged between those two boats and at a decided disadvantage due to the lack of light, no view other than from the port side porthole in the bedroom and the forward-backwards movement of the fenders rubbing the hulls from all three boats. With Storm Freya finally arriving early evening the strengthening wind constantly kept FS rocking and rolling. Much of this was due to the continual travel of the outside boat dragging FS with it. The sudden stop and then into reverse only for the cycle to start all over again made me fear for my wall plates. Since painting the wall panels we still haven't secured them properly. Note to oneself....get the double sided tape and fix those plates tout de suite! So last night was anything but peaceful and then in the wee hours, ducks decided to make a meal of the algae on the sterns hull, pecking excessively waking us up. They are better than alarm clocks any day. Shame they can't be set to a decent time though.

wedged between the two
Had a good look at the bridge 'ole on the start of the Derby Canal. Is that concrete I see? Hmm, that'll take some digging out. The bridge may need reinforcing as well.


 Having taken the next photo, mainly for the front cover of ECP&DA Outlook magazine of which Ian is the editor, the Swan in the foreground suddenly turned and headed for the hedge. Intrigued I followed and found the Cob settling down on a nest.





The residence may get a shock when trying to leave by this gate and so close to the footpath that walkers and dogs may become a real problem.  A little early for nesting (most start in April) maybe this is a trial run by a young pair. We will never know the outcome though as hopefully, we aim to leave Sandiacre before the weekend.

4 comments:

Mike Todd said...

Given recent weather, how do they know it is not April?

Ian and Irene Jameison said...

Good point Mike. Let's hope it doesn't backfire on them.

nb Bonjour said...

Hi Irene and Ian, have you come across Geoff and Mags on Seyella? https://seyellas-journey.blogspot.com/2019/03/a-bit-of-knock-back.html. I don't know whether you have moved down to the junction from Sandiacre, but having been up the Erewash they are currently on the floating pontoons below Trent Lock, waiting like you for the river to go down.
best wishes
Debby

Ian and Irene Jameison said...

Hi Debby,
Saw Seyella up at the Mill but hadn't realised they were bloggers. I may go and say hello if he is still on the pontoon Sunday. Tomorrow is out though, as we have family arriving for a visit. Xx

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