Isn’t it exciting!! Rain, residual flood waters in the system and the need for medical treatment have all conspired to see us still in Newbury. Our second trip to North London to sort our the health care will be made this week after progress was made during a visit last week!! We just want to be able to access an ophthalmologist to check out Bob’s eye and review/change treatment to hopefully improve the situation. He is being a brave soul and not complaining but obviously it is concerning.
We have taken the opportunity to do a bit of cleaning and maintenance. Haven’t yet had a chance to wash and polish the exterior but the engine bay is looking good – cleaned up from the water and oil and general engine grungy stuff and added storage to help keep things (tools and rags and power cords and spares) all clean and dry. Doesn’t make the engine area any easier to work in – it is a bit hard to do things in there – but at least it is now a bit cleaner and more organised. And with the aid of a few pairs of disposable overalls the clothes stay a bit cleaner too.
Had a bit of excitement late Saturday afternoon when we started to prepare dinner and discovered we had run out of water. Given that we have to fill up at the chandlery and it was 5pm. we had a bit of a pressing need. Added to that our boat is currently moored about 100m upstream of the chandlery and facing upstream. Undeterred Bob set off – in reverse with no steering! – and through some gentle coaxing and a few forward maneuvers thrown in, managed to get us safely around the small bend backwards and alongside the wharf ready to fill up with water (and take the opportunity to empty the waste!!) Only problem was that when we had completed this someone had come along and taken advantage of our excellent mooring leaving us to fight the bushes to tie up!!! No harm done.
We have also met another few boaties whilst moored here who have provided a wealth of valuable information about maintenance, what awaits us further down the canal and into the Thames river system, new gadgets that make some of the tasks easier, and generally providing the encouragement needed to approach the next leg with more courage and confidence.
Meanwhile we have had a chance to further explore Newbury and avail ourselves of the excellent train systems in England both rural and London Underground.Haven’t really missed having a car at all!!!
We still pinch ourselves from time to time to comprehend that we really are living our dream!!!
Pictures in the gallery include a few taken today at the Crafty Craft raft race from Kintbury to Newbury – looks like they had a fun time even the ones who limped to the finish line walking and swimming their partly submerged craft. And some updated photos of our bedroom and saloon area!! We hope you like them!!!
Woweeeeee!!! Have just read the blogs and looked at the photos!! Am I jealous. YES. Am I happy for you two YES YES!! Can’t wait for the next instalment. Hope the weather starts to warm up for you soon. Hopefully Keith will be able to catch up with you somewhere when he goes over at the end of month.
Now Bob you must get that eye fixed up sooooooon!! Hopefully you can find a good eye dr soon. Had grommets put into both ears today! Yes at my age!!!!
Love the herb garden, perhaps lettuces soon!
Love you both
Julesxxxxxx
Onto the eye – hopefully very soon!!! We lost one herb pot over the side in a big wind yesterday but have now replaced it!!!Loking forward to metting up with Keith – we hope to be on the Thames by the end of the month maybe on our way to Oxford if that is any help!!!! Love to you xx
Hi Bron & Bob,
Lovely to read your blog and drool over the photos! Truly a beautiful boat, much more modern comfort than we’d imagined! Think a stool to sit on is a great idea – had no idea that you have to stand in the rain to drive it, nor the problem of visibility of the river in front. Hope things keep going well for you both, have a great time in Venice – Lynley’s sister & brother-in-law will be there in 3 weeks time, too!
It is far better than we imagined too. Really feels like home!!!!