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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.

Friday 15 March 2024

Too wet to fly

 The phone call from the Falconry centre arrived well after 5 pm with the news I had been dreading, no flying or handling the birds in the morning. The inclement weather put paid to that! Another couple had also booked at the same time, there would have been four of us.  As the other couple were locals, it was easy enough for them to rearrange within a day or two, but for us, well that was a different matter.  David expressed his concern that we had come all this way only to be disappointed, but when I explained we would be returning later in the year, I could hear the relief in his voice. Such a lovely man. So it was agreed that we could come again in June, a date was set, and we now keep fingers crossed the weather (then) will be a lot kinder.

So now back to our lighting dilemma. Without lights, a torch had to be used. One we bought in NZ was multi functional, it could also be used as an insect zapper, which worked brilliantly in killing those horrible sand flies. Anyway, shining the light up towards the ceiling worked a treat as the beam bounced back illuminating the table, so playing Quiddler was a lot easier than we thought.    



 

The rain and high winds continued well into the night, but sods law said it would be dry when we awoke. And such was the case! Not only that, but the sun put in a very brief appearance too! It was but a short respite because the forecast showed more high winds and rain. By the time we set off toward Beverley, the rain had started, it diminished the further East we went, and I was beginning to think we could have gone to the Falcon centre after all. A quick look at the phone for weather in Settle and it showed this.




It took the best part of 2 hours to reach Beverley. A stop at Sainsbury for lunch and whilst in the car park  Ian removed the Sargent unit. Gosh, the wires seemed to be in a tangle and I wondered how Ian would remember where they all went. Very wisely, Ian took loads of photos so that when we eventually have it sent back fixed, he knows exactly where each wire bundle goes.




Having taken the unit out, it meant that all remaining electrics failed, including the fridge. It couldn't even run on gas because the igniter was electric. We knew, though, that as long as the door was kept shut the food in the freezer would stay frozen, but it was the retractable step I had most trouble with. I forgot that it wouldn't come out to allow me off MB, much too long a drop for my little legs, so my only means of getting out was through the passenger door. 

Sargent electrical services was eventually found at Tokenspire business park, then it was a matter of handing the unit over with the reassurance that it would be sent back to us within 2 weeks. I do hope so because we hope to leave with MB again after Easter! Anyway, a further 2 hours later we were back on FS, and bringing the rain with us.  The stove was lit and MB unpacked. Such a shame we had to return early, and I was disappointed on not handling those birds of prey today, but something to look forward too in the summer. Our next adventure on MB will be after we have blacked FS's bottom. Toffee is also coming to stay for a week over the Easter break, so really looking forward to that.


1 comment:

Dave Ward said...

With an electrical background, I was distinctly unimpressed when I discovered the standard of wiring in my Auto Sleepers 'van. Just a "One Size Fits All" harness, a loose collection of relays & fuse holders hanging over the battery, and a horrible little digital control panel. But seeing your alternative, maybe I'm not so badly off! At least I can "Jury Rig" alterations to keep on the road.

As it happens, the control panel died last year, and rather than try and find a good S/H one (new ones aren't available), or spend £200+ on getting it repaired, I've made up a simple plastic switch panel to fit in its place. With some experimentation I've constructed a couple of boxes of basic electronic components to interface with the original harness, and do most of the functions more simply. A cheap digital clock with a built in thermometer from eBay makes up for the remainder, and is always visible and more accurate. The total cost of parts was about £70.

However, I will say that your Sargent box appears to have a different colour and/or type of connector for most of the leads, which should reduce the chance of mix ups!

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