Monday 18th May 2020




The second wrap-around fender was made for Gaia, boat bracelets Jemima refers to them as. She had to be turned twice to fit both sides and Danny allowed me to both start the engine, and turn her. A delight and such a wonderful experience, starting an engine of this type and handling boat of this design.






Brenda baked yet more fruit scones, we are being well spoilt. Jemima did dinner for us all. With her being vegetarian, we had Lentil Curry with Basmati and Lemon Rice, Fresh Coriander and Cucumber. It was really tasty.

More fire wood was gathered. The fire has now burnt continuously for 8 days and not a single live tree has been used. It is all dead wood that has been gathered.

The days here just flow one into the other. Days spent with a bit of work, fishing, gathering wood and sitting around chatting. Since 4th April, apart from the occasional run into Nantwich for shopping, we were moored on the Ventian Straight for 9 days and been at Syke’s Hollow, a few hundred yards further down the canal, ever since. While we are feeling frustrated at not being able to move, we are in an idyllic place to isolate and see few people. Boat movements are few although we have seen an increase in the numbers over the last few days. It will be interesting to see what happens on 23rd when CRT say boats can leave marina’s, albeit not overnight and not to pass through locks.




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