Monday 6th April 2020



The boat was being buffeted all night from the wind and banging against the bank even with adequate fendering. It had nothing to do with it, but we both had a shocking night with neither of us sleeping well at all.

The engine was serviced in the morning, oil and filter and a change of gearbox oil. Neither the fuel or air filters were changed, they should last until the next service. The engine room was also cleaned and tidied. There is still a small water leak from the engine but I just cannot find it. Brenda was throwing out an old roasting tray but I kept it and have cut it to fit below the engine to catch any leaks.

Now the problem of disposing of the old oil. The dump at Middlewich will be closed due to the virus and it is not supposed to be left at a CRT rubbish disposal site.

We went for a walk in the afternoon, just as far as the next bridge a mile away. Spring is well here and the nice weather has brought even more to life. We saw early bumble bees, lots of Peacock and Tortoiseshell butterflies, heard lots of small birds and saw lots of wildflowers. The first Lesser Calendines, the earliest buttercups, are blooming, many Cowslips and Primroses and carpets of Wood Anenome.



     

                                         
                                                                                               Peacock Butterfly                                                                    

                                                                   Tortoiseshell Butterfly      
                                      
                                                                                              Lesser Calendine                                                                               

                                                                             Wood Anenome


We also witnessed, in the field next to the boat, a crow swoop onto the nest of a Skylark, scaring the parents away and eating the eggs. Nature can be cruel sometimes.

Harvey had a shower, his first in a long time and well needed. Tomorrow we have to start clipping him. None of us like the experience and the last few times he has been cut, we have been able to have him done at the dog grooming salon in Middlewich.

Aaron phoned. He is OK and staying safe. Matt is presently bound for Rotterdam followed by the Isle of Grain in Kent. He has been away for 4½ months already and is now being told there will be no reliefs until the virus crisis is over. Lord knows when he will be home, but it could well be in excess of a 6-month trip.

We had homemade Cornish Pasties for dinner, made from the left-overs of yesterday’s beef. Just love Brenda’s pasties, just like her mother used to make.



Weather: a lovely sunny day although still a little chilly.




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