Friday 24th April 2020



Our days have settled into a pattern of breakfast, the morning spent on jobs, a mid-day or early afternoon walk, sitting outside reading or ropemaking, dinner, TV and bed. We still have Syke’s Hollow to ourselves and cannot believe another boat has not moored in such a lovely spot.

The first coat of black and cream stripes was applied to the barge poles, with the rabbit again crossing the clearing while painting. We walked as far as Aqueduct Marina, expecting to see a boom across the entrance as the place is closed but there were just warning notices at the entrance.

Another set of cabin strings were made, taking just over an hour. It is a case of fitting them to the boat now, but the 5mm tap has broken so that job will have to wait until we can visit a DIY shop.

The water system has been checked for leaks throughout the day, but none found, however, the pump still cuts in repeatedly.

Halsall passed again in the late afternoon after her run to Anderton. She is a scene from the past, although spoilt somewhat by Lee wearing a modern baseball cap.

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