Unexpected hold up

Saturday 4th 

Storm Amy arrived with vengeance, buffeting the boat and producing proper waves. Very few boats passed us, but those that did, kept the power on to stop from crabbing down the canal and more importantly, hitting us! For me, it was a lazy day, Ian took the opportunity to do our tax returns, something he never looks forward to doing!

Sunday was a lot calmer, and we headed off to do the last of the 4 double locks of the T&M. No boat joined us, mores the pity, but we did get help at Weston lock by the owner of the lock cottage. An amusing sight greeted us when looking at his cottage. Three scarecrows, (builders) all in various poses were placed against the wall, with one sitting down on the job drinking coffee; he admitted the one sitting down was supposed to be him. 

 

At Stenson two volunteer lockkeepers helped us up. I was amazed to see them. They are always there on Sundays and Tuesdays, apparently, so must try and remember for next time.

 The plan for Monday was to get diesel at Shobnall, do a Morrison's shop and moor at Branston water park. Plans went out of the window when, at Dallow Lane lock, we were informed Shobnall marina was shut on Sunday and Monday. Oh well, with space found on Shobnall park, we stopped there for the night.

Dead on 9 am, I backed FS through the arch at Shobnall Marina for the stern to be in line with the pump. 89 litres to fill the tank, at 97p litre, gosh it's gone up from the last time we filled last year. 

 Onwards towards the Morrison moorings and stepping off FS, a CRT guy on his bike was checking licences. We asked if he knew when Glascote lock would reopen, but as this wasn't his regular patch, had no idea. Chirk was where he normally checked the boats but, phoning a mate of his, confirmed that Friday was the day from 10am to 3pm, yippee.

Back from shopping and ready to set off, the key turned to heat glow plugs ready to start the engine when a high-pitched squeal filled the air. Good grief, the noise, Ian hoped it would stop when the revs were engaged but no. It all got too much for us to bare, so stopped at Barton lock. Up came the engine covers, Ian hoped it may have been a loose fan belt. But the belt was fine, the alternator was not! The test meter  confirmed this.  Now we were in a pickle. The alternator is required to start the engine, the leisure battery has a different feed, so at least that is still working, but without the alternator to allow the coolant to go around the engine, it would probably cause the engine to seize! Ian phoned Midland Chandlers, found out they no longer deal with alternators, and Shobnall Chandlers could only give a phone number for someone who might be able to help in Burton. It was Harrison Auto Electrical Ltd, and they were more than helpful. They could repair it tomorrow, but we had to bring the alternator to them before 5pm. All I can say is thank goodness for Christine and Kev, who live in Swadlincote. Christine came over as soon as she finished work at 3 pm, but had to wait while Ian struggled to remove the thing. It had been in since the boat was built nearly 20 years ago. To say some of the nuts were rusted was an understatement, but long story short, Ian managed to get the thing out and to Harrison just before 5 pm. So now we await the result. If it can be fixed, all the better, but if not, a new alternator costing big money is what to expect. In the meantime, no charging of the leisure battery, so no TV, and might have to get the candles out tonight.

And Kingfishers a plenty on this part of the T&M