Saturday 29th January, up and down. Left home at 8, so with the usual stop at Cherwell Valley got to GH shortly before midday. Temperature around 0ยบ, some ice on the water. Wind not strong. Sun came out in the afternoon.
Steve told us the boat had been serviced during the week. When I said we'd asked Engineering for a quote but hadn't actually told them to go ahead, he volunteered to come over and see. He was right – fuel filter was new and the oil was clean. Air filter had apparently been brushed but not replaced. Steve commented favourably on the general condition of the engine compartment, confirmed the identity of the gearbox as a PRM150, and pointed out various items. He then came inside and (a) with some effort removed the front of the audio unit to reveal the two mains sockets; (b) inspected the window seal that we think is leaking. Advised us to get a proper glazier who knows about narrowboats and caravans to check/service it, and later provided a phone number: Hills Glass, 01782 565675.
Flue terminal now in place, but no cover. The TV turned on, but wasn't getting a usable signal, even though the signal amplifier and the roof aerial both had their lights on. Roof aerial looks as though a part may be broken. Audio unit managed to tune several FM stations, though with a fair bit of noise.
Checked the kitchen drainer unit and plate rack for size: OK
£8.50 still on the electricity meter, so that's about 75p – £1 used in a fortnight for keeping the batteries conditioned.
No obvious chains for the propane bottle, so couldn't fix them.
Cleared mats and unnecessary ropes from the roof.
Jobs:
Check the aerial on Cimarron to see how it compares with ours.
Sand the oak panel holding the audio unit so it slides in and out easily.
Check another Aqualine for propane bottle fixings.
Get Engineering to replace the Chinese hat on the flue.
Journey home – avoiding the toll road and taking the A38 down to Sutton Coldfield to join the M6 was only a mile longer, but much more convoluted, with poor signposting. Diesel at Sainsbury's in SC was 3p/litre cheaper even than the Shell garage in Lichfield. Didn't stop after SC, so got home around 8.30.
