December 6th
On the 26th November, we left the Peartree marina. Wind was still an issue and trying to get away from the pontoon definitely a bit of a B. Ian was at the bow with the pole to help me around, thankfully no boats were nudged. Not wanting to leave the area for another couple of weeks, we took a mooring across from the water point at Peartree, 2 day only April to September but deduced that after that date, the mooring would become a 14 day. We even had a CRT guy arrive taking boat licence numbers and nothing was said about us leaving so that was a relief.
Not much was done during those two weeks, we did visit our son again and Ian had to drive up to our bungalow because of a problem with the utility room electrics. The distribution board had tripped, leaving our tenant with a rapidly defrosting freezer! Turned out to be water seeping in from the wall, and as we all know only too well, water and electrics don't mix! Ian did a temporary fix and a builder is coming next Monday (8th) to see how the moisture is getting in, although Ian thinks the wall needs re-pointing. Monday is also the day when he will deposit the car back to our garage, a National express bus has been booked for his return.
Today we moved off from Peartree mooring and made our way to Campbell Park. Well, I took FS and Ian drove the car. A space was found near to the bridge, between two moored boats, would have been ideal for where Ian had parked the car, but although I breathed in, just couldn't get FS to fit. Nothing for it but to move on and eventually found a space right at the end of a long line of boats. Hey ho, further to walk, but at least we can stay for several more days. Not long after mooring, a flotilla of bodyboarders came past, dressed in elf costumes and Xmas trees. I asked if they were doing it in aid of a charity, but the reply came back as no, it just seemed a good plan at the time but now having second thoughts and think it was utter madness to even contemplate the idea. I wished them a Merry Christmas as they paddled on their way.
It's still another 13 days before we can get past the stoppage at Long Buckby so a very slow cruise in the weeks to come. We may try for Stoke Bruerne next weekend, weather dependent that is. Call us fair weather boaters if you like, but our days of travelling in rain and howling winds are long gone!
And seen by the mooring and on route,
