Tuesday 15^th January 2019

Brenda went, first thing to the local shop and butchers to pick up meat she had ordered and had vacuum packed. Meantime I went to the chandlers to see if they had a pole/plank holder of the same type. They didn’t but the woman was able to identify it, it is made by ProCast and is available on-line. I then visited Tradline again for rope to make wrap-around fenders but they didn’t have any of the correct type rope in stock.

We then started the engine and did a wash before reversing to the marina entrance, winding and moving onto the water point. After watering-up we called into Midland Chandlers again. We discussed future projects for the boat and one is to floor tile the back deck. This will take 12 tiles and, at £6 per tile, it is not a cheap option. We have never been happy with the paint-work on the back deck. It was one of those jobs that was left at new-build until the boat was in the water and was painted, with its final coat, the day after. It was then constantly and unavoidably walked on and the paint has flaked away and the metal beginning to rust. In short, it was a bloody awful, rushed job.

Braunston was then left behind us and we headed off. A short visit but with Peter in hospital we didn’t want to be in a place with a dodgy internet and no phone connection although this time, there was an intermittent signal.

We only travelled 3 miles, as far as Dunchurch Pools Marina at bridge 81. On the way up we saw a dog on its own in a field in the middle of nowhere with nobody with it. The boat was moored and I walked back to it, but it took off and headed for a distant farm. I took it this was where it was belonged but, with sheep about, and lambing imminent, the dog will probably be shot before long if it acts in this way.

I stepped off the boat to moor up and stepped right into a pile of dog shit. We have been on the boat now for 8 months and, while this was always inevitably going to happen, this was the first time. Before I had realised though, the shit was all over the back deck, over my boots and the bottom of my trousers. The filthy, disgusting pigs. We always clear up after Harvey, have poo bags in every pair of trousers we own and our consciences wouldn’t let us leave dog mess behind us, even in the open countryside we at least throw it in the hedge.

Although she has been feeling grotty again today, the virus is still lurking, Brenda managed to produce a lamb steak casserole, all cooked on the stovetop. It tasted delightful.

It seemed for the latter part of cruising today, as though the propeller was fouled. However, checking it revealed nothing. The back doors had to be removed and a ¼ inch cut off the bottom of them so they clear the tiles. Some of the tiles were laid but then my back gave out so the rest has been left for another day.

Weather: a clear, mild day.

Day Total: 0 locks; 3 miles; 0 Tunnels; 0 Swing Bridges; 0 Boat Lift; engine running hours 2.2

Overall Total: 327 locks; 689 miles; 31 tunnels; 6 Swing Bridges; 2 Boat Lifts; engine running hours 426.9