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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.

Tuesday, 28 July 2020

A few photos shown and a great result.

Yesterday we moved to Fenny Stratford. Was a bit concerned when we met a lady single hander at the Soulbury Three who happened to mention that a floating Market was to be held at Fenny at the weekend. Having been to several of these events I know how busy the moorings get and even though it was only Monday, it has been known for the trade boats to arrive early.

It was lovely having help from the volunteer lockies. Three were on duty and I must say they got us down those locks very quickly. That lone lady boater, having lived on her boat for 17 years, suggested we go out as a pair. Worked brilliantly and even having to battle with the wind, managed to get into each lock without touching the sides. Do so love it when a plan works.



Arrived at Fenny and hardly a boat moored. The reserved signs were up but between the towpath lift bridge and railway bridge not above the lock.

There had been a wide beam moored just this side of those working pair.
 And I bet you wondering why we moved so far along the moorings? Well, it's all to do with getting TV. Couldn't get the normal TV because of the hedge, it was in the way of where the aerial needed to point so it had to be the satellite or nothing. We tried several spots but those trees on either side were the problem. All to do with the line of sight. If we could have stayed on the 24 hours, or even where those two working boats were moored, (a wide beam was this side of the pair when we arrived but left not long after we had moored) then all would be well but as shown in this next photo, too many trees.


Now for a bit of good news,

 I had a comment from Dave Chapman. He is the Chairman of IWA Chiltern Branch, and it appeared that his good lady read my blog and told him about the problems we had on the Aylesbury. (read about it  HERE and HERE ) He contacted C&RT, showed them my photos and what a result. C&RT are going to assess the actions required and include them in their winter program. To read the comment go to this post And in he went scroll to the bottom and you should be able to read what was said. A big thank you, Dave, from us and no doubt from many other boaters too.

Weather was decent today so after walking to Tesco for shopping, (we were pleased to see nearly everyone wore a mask. There had to be the odd two or three though that thought it didn't apply to them) Ian continued with the gunwale. The fertan was washed off and parts were sanded down. A coat of black paint and then tomorrow the antislip will be applied. A slight mishap occurred when Ian was cleaning brushes. Picking up the jar by the lid, jar and lid parted company depositing white spirit all over the engine room floor! Luckily most went on the mat but some did splash on Ian shoes. That mat went straight in the bin but quite what we are going to clean Ian's shoes with we have no idea Hmmm they may have to go in the bin as well! 



 And wildlife. Yet another Heron in a tree and what was I saying about possible poop on the cabin top?









2 comments:

Marilyn, nb Waka Huia said...

Excellent result re the weed clearance on the Aylesbury Arm - well done, you and your readership!
David and I stayed in the Canal Society's marina and it was lovely and friendly - they did tell me though that CRT wouldn't do anything about weed removal as it was a private canal... So what a result for you!

We agree though that it is a lovely canal - did you like the garden on the right going down at one of the locks? We loved talking with the two of them: he was in charge of one part of the garden and she was in charge of the other, and each section was in a different style from the other.

Love to you both.

Mxx

Ian and Irene Jameison said...

I did have garden envy I must admit. We would so love to buy a small plot of land next to any canal where Ian could have his shed and workshop and I could mess around pulling weeds. Wouldnt want a house though, much too big and after all, Ian would be able to get away from me and I wouldn't want that. Who would I nag to if not to him?

Love back to both. Xxx

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