No mistaking that sound!

The cabin top of FS was a disgrace! Full of stains and marks and when we took the top boxes off...well it looked every bit as bad as when we had to pull the fridge out when a £2 coin happened to disappear under it. I'm not exaggerating when I say the grime was sticky and ground in! Anyway, the plan was to start prepping the paintwork ready for painting. That was put on hold when a familiar sounding engine was heard below the lock. We knew immediately it was Hadar with friends Keith and Jo (Where I Belong) onboard. There is never ever mistaking the sound made from a 1949 National DA2 engine and there is a very interesting writeup all about Hadar HERE. Now first thing this morning, not a boat was moored by the facilities or on the visitor moorings. Knowing of their imminent arrival we felt sure they would get a mooring. But soon after 8.30am a breasted pair arrived followed closely by another two narrowboats. Blast!!! There go the moorings! All was not lost though as the only other place to stop was next to us. So after the usual meet and greet, we all piled on board FS for a catchup over a cup of tea. We have the pleasure of their company for a day or two and tomorrow a meal has already been arranged at the Great Northern pub.

Not see FS's cabin top naked for quite a while

It wasn't until late afternoon than when I set about washing the cabin top. Much too late to start on any other prep work as dinner still needed cooking and truthfully we couldn't be bothered. That will be tomorrows job.

Today's wildlife,