Day of chilling out and relaxing after all the effort of doing very little on the Erin Mae. Returned a call from Kitchen Science to check about the delivery date for the washing machine – they assured me they would be in touch to arrange a day once they had the machine at their depot. Ordered a cover for the new duvet, together with a sheet and some pillow cases.
And booked a table at the Wok'n'Spice for an anniversary meal, to be shared with Simon when he's finished recording for the day.
Thursday, 14 April 2011
Wednesday, 13 April 2011
Weathered Wednesday
In the event, the weather wasn't too bad, but it still felt the right time to be going home. Managed to clear up without getting wet. I left a plastic bowl to catch a drip from the blanked off port in the underside of the expansion / pressure central heating tank. That's been getting bad since we've run the heating. Hopefully it will get sorted out when they install the calorifier.
Mgt managed to get out at the cratch, so I could sort out the tonneau a while before we left. As we were locking up, Steve and Sue on Pitch came in next door, down from Ripon, so we chatted for a while.
Home via Penkridge to see whether the chandlery had replacement bulbs, but drew a blank. Great bakery in Penkridge, with what we bought eaten in the grounds of Rodbaston College, with coffee and cappucino cake to follow in their tearoom. Then on to the M6 – when will we learn? Probably only about 20 minutes lost in the jam down to J8. Thereafter a straightforward journey, partly wet. Stopped at Warwick services, where I bought a hat, and at Abingdon for a cuppa, courtesy of the Tesco superstore which also provided some meat for tea. Home just before 6.
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
Turbulent Tuesday
Much more comfortable night – thumped down the edge of the bed and then stayed away from it. Again slept in longer than Mgt. We're getting used to the overhead cupboard.
The day was still too windy and occasionally wet to think about taking a trip out. Told Engineering we'd ordered the washing machine. Inspected the leaky window to see how it was constructed and make a guess about how to deal with it. But this only amounted to removing the neoprene sealing strip and half a dozen screws from underneath. Couldn't remove the frame – the sealant seemed to be well set. However, it looked as though the 19 mm butyl strip we'd seen would be the right dimensions.
Bought sandwiches from the Spar for lunch, and then drove over to Midland Chandlers at Penkridge. Bought a roll of the butyl strip, and an extending boathook, in spite of the warnings following my query on the JustCanals forum. Nice to have a browse round a chandlery. Then we returned to GH via Stafford to get some stuff from Boots, and something for tea from the Coop.
Since Wednesday's forecast was wet, we decided we would clear up and get away home in the morning.
The day was still too windy and occasionally wet to think about taking a trip out. Told Engineering we'd ordered the washing machine. Inspected the leaky window to see how it was constructed and make a guess about how to deal with it. But this only amounted to removing the neoprene sealing strip and half a dozen screws from underneath. Couldn't remove the frame – the sealant seemed to be well set. However, it looked as though the 19 mm butyl strip we'd seen would be the right dimensions.
Bought sandwiches from the Spar for lunch, and then drove over to Midland Chandlers at Penkridge. Bought a roll of the butyl strip, and an extending boathook, in spite of the warnings following my query on the JustCanals forum. Nice to have a browse round a chandlery. Then we returned to GH via Stafford to get some stuff from Boots, and something for tea from the Coop.
Since Wednesday's forecast was wet, we decided we would clear up and get away home in the morning.
Monday, 11 April 2011
Mixed Monday
Not a comfortable night. Possible the 6" section of the mattress was sticking up slightly. I felt rolled towards the centre. The size of the single duvet did not help - I definitely need something longer to be snug. We also need a better solution to the how the sheets fit. Always conscious of the cupboard overhead, on which Mgt bumped her head in the morning. Outside the night was really cold. Mgt got up for her tablets at 7 and 8, whereupon I went back to sleep till 9.30.
Went to see Engineering about the calorifier - really useful chat with Jenny and Jon. They had received an offer on calorifiers from Midland Chandlers. Jon also was feeling bad about the process leading to the current situation, and will try to do the replacement for a really good price, especially with doing the washing machine at the same time. Rang New&Used, who reported the factory had said they were now using 11 gallon calorifiers from Midland Chandlers, code HC-049. Checked it out but decided to go for the SureCal 55 litre, HC-064. John came to check they could get it in.
Quite a bit of rain about midday, but we decided to stay for at least one more night, in spite of having no water on board. Sandwiches from the Spar for lunch, and a lasagne for the evening. Decided to get the fridge going.
Bought 24 hours of WiFi access and ordered the washing machine from Kitchen Science.
Went to see Engineering about the calorifier - really useful chat with Jenny and Jon. They had received an offer on calorifiers from Midland Chandlers. Jon also was feeling bad about the process leading to the current situation, and will try to do the replacement for a really good price, especially with doing the washing machine at the same time. Rang New&Used, who reported the factory had said they were now using 11 gallon calorifiers from Midland Chandlers, code HC-049. Checked it out but decided to go for the SureCal 55 litre, HC-064. John came to check they could get it in.
Quite a bit of rain about midday, but we decided to stay for at least one more night, in spite of having no water on board. Sandwiches from the Spar for lunch, and a lasagne for the evening. Decided to get the fridge going.
Bought 24 hours of WiFi access and ordered the washing machine from Kitchen Science.
Sunday, 10 April 2011
Sunny Sunday
Hot sunny day. Left Bransgore after coffee. Decided to stop at Cherwell Valley for lunch, as Mgt needed some tablets, and found the Fox and Hounds at Ardley just off the roundabout. Sunday roast – welcome though not the best food. Over to Cherwell Valley for coffee and some M&S provisions.
Went via the A446 and A38 to Lichfield – avoided the M6 Toll and not all that much slower. Got to GH late afternoon. Margaret's knee had done pretty well, though she thought two stops might have served better than one.
Put up the curtains, and put away all the kitchen gear we'd brought up. Mgt sat in the sunshine on a folding chair on the cruiser deack, with her leg up on one of the footstools. Saw ducks, a heron and a couple of hot air balloons against the evening sky.
Tea/supper was soup from home and M&S sandwiches.
Went via the A446 and A38 to Lichfield – avoided the M6 Toll and not all that much slower. Got to GH late afternoon. Margaret's knee had done pretty well, though she thought two stops might have served better than one.
Put up the curtains, and put away all the kitchen gear we'd brought up. Mgt sat in the sunshine on a folding chair on the cruiser deack, with her leg up on one of the footstools. Saw ducks, a heron and a couple of hot air balloons against the evening sky.
Tea/supper was soup from home and M&S sandwiches.
Thursday, 7 April 2011
Calorifier
News from Engineering that when they pressurised the system they found a split in the calorifier. Jenny said it must have happened between the survey and Jon finding the water filter split but there was no way of knowing at the time because of the freeze. Doubt whether I have any comeback at this distance. Have to check with Ellie.
Manual says the calorifier is 13 gallons. Chandlers don't seem to have that size. 55 litres = 12 gallons. Contacted Aqualine who will let me know which make to go for, and whether to go up or down in size if that needs to change.
Manual says the calorifier is 13 gallons. Chandlers don't seem to have that size. 55 litres = 12 gallons. Contacted Aqualine who will let me know which make to go for, and whether to go up or down in size if that needs to change.
Thursday, 31 March 2011
Water works
Spoke with Ellie about getting Engineering to complete the work from the sale (shower pump, calorifier leak, sink filter) and getting a response to my email about the leaky window and a quote for fitting the washing machine. Email from Jenny to confirm they would get back to me about all this.
Sunday, 20 March 2011
On board and locking up
Friday 18th March: arrived about 10 p.m., and spent the first night on board. Freezing outside, so thermostats about 3 overnight. New duvets were warm, but only just long enough. Have to think about a king-size double after all. The memory foam topper has expanded to some extent, but has not evened out where it had been folded. Need to take it home to see what it will do in the warmth of the house. Got the loo working with water from a bucket, until the water system is on.
Saturday 19th March: Great Haywood Marina to Sandon Lock and back. 10 miles, 6 locks, 5 hours engine.
Showered in the marina block. Breakfast at F&B in Stafford. Bought sandwiches for lunch from the Coop on the Weston Road, and £5 for the electricity meter (Total £10.43). Saw Ellie in the marina sales office, and agreed I would ring during the week to arrange for her to speak with Engineering about jobs already paid for by the Joiners.
Left the marina around 11 a.m. without even touching the sides of the entrance. But had to reverse furiously to not hit the far bank! Turned right towards Stone, and worked our first lock at Hoo Mill, with some friendly advice from NB Goosander. Lunch on a quiet stretch north of Weston. Turned at the winding hole just above Sandon Lock. Return journey without a stop except when waiting for the locks. Mgt did her share at the helm both up and down, and kept Erin Mae positioned while I was working lock gates. I made a bad job of getting back into the marina entrance. Main issues: mooring effectively when you've misjudged your first approach, or under difficult conditions. Did some serious scraping at one or two points.
Displayed the licence. Cleaned the bathroom and the bedroom floor / cupboards. Got the TV working (BBC1 on channel 44 in time to see Ireland stop England getting a grand slam).
Left at 8 p.m. and got home some time after 11.
Saturday 19th March: Great Haywood Marina to Sandon Lock and back. 10 miles, 6 locks, 5 hours engine.
Showered in the marina block. Breakfast at F&B in Stafford. Bought sandwiches for lunch from the Coop on the Weston Road, and £5 for the electricity meter (Total £10.43). Saw Ellie in the marina sales office, and agreed I would ring during the week to arrange for her to speak with Engineering about jobs already paid for by the Joiners.
Left the marina around 11 a.m. without even touching the sides of the entrance. But had to reverse furiously to not hit the far bank! Turned right towards Stone, and worked our first lock at Hoo Mill, with some friendly advice from NB Goosander. Lunch on a quiet stretch north of Weston. Turned at the winding hole just above Sandon Lock. Return journey without a stop except when waiting for the locks. Mgt did her share at the helm both up and down, and kept Erin Mae positioned while I was working lock gates. I made a bad job of getting back into the marina entrance. Main issues: mooring effectively when you've misjudged your first approach, or under difficult conditions. Did some serious scraping at one or two points.
Displayed the licence. Cleaned the bathroom and the bedroom floor / cupboards. Got the TV working (BBC1 on channel 44 in time to see Ireland stop England getting a grand slam).
Left at 8 p.m. and got home some time after 11.
Tuesday, 15 March 2011
Saturday, 12 March 2011
First Cruise
Great Haywood marina to Tixall Wide and back. 2 miles, 0 locks, 3 bridges, 1 hour cruising.
Left Bransgore at 0815 in sunshine. Brief stop on the M40 (Starbucks filter is better than Costa Americano). Got to GH at around 1220. Unloaded equipment: bedding and memory foam topper, crockery and kitchen tools. Decided to have lunch and then have our first cruise. So we bought a couple of mooring hooks, fired up the engine about 1330, and cruised from the marina to Tixall Wide. Lots of moored craft around the junction of the T&M and the S&W, but not much movement on the water. Moored at the Wide for coffee and cake, accompanied by mallard, coot, great crested grebe and Canada geese. For about half an hour we were the only ones there, then some other boats began to tie up. Started back at 1515 as the promised drizzle began to arrive. About 30 minutes each way. Moored bows in this time. Steering was fine, but there seemed to be an unevenness not associated with the engine itself, so I'll need to check that there is nothing caught round the screw before we go out again.
Found the master gas stopcock, so got out the new kettle and made a cuppa. Jobs on the boat: emery papered the end of the swan neck, and used silicone lubricant on the tiller bar. They went together a treat. Re-fixed the metal strip to the front seat cover, but that is rotten along the edge and ought to be replaced. Piles of interior cleaning – we had the Dyson. Got out the memory foam topper, which will need time to uncompress itself. Left the newly cleaned curtains, but brought the duvets home again. Measured the space for the washing machine – the Candy will fit, but the Zanussi would be too tight back to front.
Journey home, in the rain, without stopping - just under 3 hours.
Tuesday, 8 March 2011
Between visits
We've been making lists of needed equipment. On Saturday we ordered two duvets and a memory foam topper online, then went to Southampton, checked out John Lewis and M&S, but ended up buying various bits of kitchen / dining stuff from Ikea. Ordered a coolie hat, BWB sanitary key and handcuff key from Midland Chandlers.
Yesterday I spoke with Jenny about getting John to look at the leaking window. No word yet on what it might need. Today we bought some bed linen from Sainsbury's, and the order from Midland arrived.
Weather predictions for Saturday by BBC and Accuweather are highly variable, but it will certainly be worth going up. We'd like to do a first cruise if possible, down to Tixall Wide, but I'd like to have a boathook on board before we do. Main thing will be a complete inventory of equipment on board.
Yesterday I spoke with Jenny about getting John to look at the leaking window. No word yet on what it might need. Today we bought some bed linen from Sainsbury's, and the order from Midland arrived.
Weather predictions for Saturday by BBC and Accuweather are highly variable, but it will certainly be worth going up. We'd like to do a first cruise if possible, down to Tixall Wide, but I'd like to have a boathook on board before we do. Main thing will be a complete inventory of equipment on board.
Sunday, 27 February 2011
Water ways
Sent the licence application (Canals and Rivers) to BW on Wednesday (23rd), in good time to get the early payment discount.
On Saturday went to Great Haywood, leaving about 11.15. With only a quick comfort break we arrived just after 2.30. Not a bad day – just a bit of rain and spray on the roads, and a single short sleety shower while we were there. Main job was to get the tonneau cover support rigged properly, with some old fencing posts I had taken. Managed to make something of an improvement on the previous model, but it's still a bit jerry-rigged.
Electricity meter still has £6.83 on it. Fitted the new telescopic section to the aerial. This gave us enough reception to see a bit of the rugby internationals, but it was still very grainy – not sure whether it's the location or the aerial. There is definitely water dripping into the enclosed space behind the TV/audio units from the window above.
Went over to say 'Hi' to Bruce in Sanity Again, as his blog indicates they'll be leaving on their travels soon, and to thank him in person for clearing water from the tonneau. Journey home was dry and efficient: 6.15 – 9.30.
On Saturday went to Great Haywood, leaving about 11.15. With only a quick comfort break we arrived just after 2.30. Not a bad day – just a bit of rain and spray on the roads, and a single short sleety shower while we were there. Main job was to get the tonneau cover support rigged properly, with some old fencing posts I had taken. Managed to make something of an improvement on the previous model, but it's still a bit jerry-rigged.
Electricity meter still has £6.83 on it. Fitted the new telescopic section to the aerial. This gave us enough reception to see a bit of the rugby internationals, but it was still very grainy – not sure whether it's the location or the aerial. There is definitely water dripping into the enclosed space behind the TV/audio units from the window above.
Went over to say 'Hi' to Bruce in Sanity Again, as his blog indicates they'll be leaving on their travels soon, and to thank him in person for clearing water from the tonneau. Journey home was dry and efficient: 6.15 – 9.30.
Thursday, 17 February 2011
Safety Certificate
Yesterday spoke with Steve about the spar supporting the tonneau cover. He kindly said he'd ask Dave to take a look and see what he could do.
Today engineering suggested boat safety inspector Derek Luker, and arranged for him to do the inspection this afternoon. Spoke with him tonight on the phone, and he was very complimentary about the quality of the boat. He and the engineering boys attached some anchor chain and D-links to secure the gas bottles. The boat passed and he will send the certificate tomorrow.
Also finally received the insurance documents from GJW Direct.
Today engineering suggested boat safety inspector Derek Luker, and arranged for him to do the inspection this afternoon. Spoke with him tonight on the phone, and he was very complimentary about the quality of the boat. He and the engineering boys attached some anchor chain and D-links to secure the gas bottles. The boat passed and he will send the certificate tomorrow.
Also finally received the insurance documents from GJW Direct.
Tuesday, 15 February 2011
Sagging tonneau cover
Bruce in Sanity left a comment to say that the tonneau cover had had a pool of water in it, with all the rain. He and Sheila had kindly removed the water but advised that the supporting strut really needed to be sorted out if the cover was not to stretch further.
Thursday, 10 February 2011
First visitors
Brief visit on Saturday, accompanied by Sarah and Rachael, on our way to Doncaster for a practical training week preparation weekend. Nice to have our first visitors on board, even if only for a picnic lunch.
Took the telescopic aerial section, but forgot the tools to get the old broken bit off.
Ellie heard me telling Steve and Dave about the Chinese hat, and said she could order one. Dave volunteered to go and measure the flue terminal to make sure we get the right size. However, no word from Ellie by Thursday. I also asked Dave if he could do me a favour by checking inside the gas locker to see where the securing chains ought to fit.
Weather foul for most of the travel, but a very useful weekend in Doncaster.
Took the telescopic aerial section, but forgot the tools to get the old broken bit off.
Ellie heard me telling Steve and Dave about the Chinese hat, and said she could order one. Dave volunteered to go and measure the flue terminal to make sure we get the right size. However, no word from Ellie by Thursday. I also asked Dave if he could do me a favour by checking inside the gas locker to see where the securing chains ought to fit.
Weather foul for most of the travel, but a very useful weekend in Doncaster.
Thursday, 3 February 2011
No Hat
Jenny emailed to say there had been no Chinese hat when the lads fitted the new flue terminal. So, wherever it went, we need to replace it. Since I've lost my voice over the last two days, I emailed Jenny rather than ring her to ask for advice about acquiring one.
Today we received the Maxview telescopic aerial section.
Currently strong gales and very wet weather promised for Saturday when we travel to Doncaster. So we might need to revise our plans for going via GH.
Today we received the Maxview telescopic aerial section.
Currently strong gales and very wet weather promised for Saturday when we travel to Doncaster. So we might need to revise our plans for going via GH.
Tuesday, 1 February 2011
Service
Received the invoice for the 250 hour service. No details as to what was done – Jenny's last email said to look in the engine service manual to see what would be included. She mentioned just "fuel filters (sic - is there one in the line to the Webasto?) and gearbox".
Emailed Jenny to say we'd happily send the cheque, but indicated that the service going ahead was a bit of a surprise. Asked her to get the Chinese hat back on the flue if the guys still have it, since we didn't see it on board.
Found the Gazelle aerial on the Maxview site, and ordered a replacement telescopic bit for it.
Emailed Jenny to say we'd happily send the cheque, but indicated that the service going ahead was a bit of a surprise. Asked her to get the Chinese hat back on the flue if the guys still have it, since we didn't see it on board.
Found the Gazelle aerial on the Maxview site, and ordered a replacement telescopic bit for it.
Sunday, 30 January 2011
Maintenance visit
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.
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.
Thursday, 20 January 2011
Jobs
Ellie reported from Derek - says the TV unit has a power switch to the left of the unit. Wasn't obvious on Saturday, so we'll have to check again. Failing that, ask the engineering boys to have a look.
Jobs to do:
Clear as much as possible from the roof to avoid having damp areas where water could affect the paint.
Make an inventory of equipment.
Chain up the gas bottles.
Check the cooker and hob.
Need to ask Jenny what the service they've quoted for entails.
Jobs to do:
Clear as much as possible from the roof to avoid having damp areas where water could affect the paint.
Make an inventory of equipment.
Chain up the gas bottles.
Check the cooker and hob.
Need to ask Jenny what the service they've quoted for entails.
Monday, 17 January 2011
On board at last
Left at 9.15 Saturday morning, got to Great Haywood around 1 after a mostly dry journey, and booked in at Common Farm Motel, just up the A51 from the village. At the marina we saw Steve for the jetty details and made arrangements for Sunday. Then – at last – on board!
Switched the domestic battery isolator to "not-isolated" and tried to start the central heating. Diesel unit appeared to fire up, but turned off after a short while. Checked under the engine cover, identified fuel lines, but there was no sign of a fuel switch turned off in the line to the Webasto. Switched the starter battery isolator to "not-isolated" and tried again. Diesel unit fired up and kept going. But there were no sounds indicating something working this time which had not been working before. So, more likely to be initial difficulties with the fuel after months of not being used. Radiators warmed up nicely.
Then lunch, bits and bobs, chilling, checking systems and measurements. Abortive attempt to get a heater and a kettle in Stafford. Evening meal at the Clifford Arms.
Sunday – breakfast in Stafford, then to the marina by 10.15. Steve and Dave helped to get the boat to the service jetty, in spite of the wind. Waste tank was empty. Filled up with diesel. Dipstick at start: 31cm; 50 litres to 41 cm; 137 litres to full at 57 cm. Then Dave took the boat down to the permanent mooring. About £4 left on the meter. Put in another £5. Diesel heater working fine.
First visit to the farm shop, but bought lunch from the Spar. Still couldn't get the TV and audio system working – no sign of power to them. Took down the curtains. Turned off the systems, isolated the batteries, left the Victron on "Charger only" – showing "Float". Left around 5 and got home around 9.30, after a meal at Didcot services.
Switched the domestic battery isolator to "not-isolated" and tried to start the central heating. Diesel unit appeared to fire up, but turned off after a short while. Checked under the engine cover, identified fuel lines, but there was no sign of a fuel switch turned off in the line to the Webasto. Switched the starter battery isolator to "not-isolated" and tried again. Diesel unit fired up and kept going. But there were no sounds indicating something working this time which had not been working before. So, more likely to be initial difficulties with the fuel after months of not being used. Radiators warmed up nicely.
Then lunch, bits and bobs, chilling, checking systems and measurements. Abortive attempt to get a heater and a kettle in Stafford. Evening meal at the Clifford Arms.
Sunday – breakfast in Stafford, then to the marina by 10.15. Steve and Dave helped to get the boat to the service jetty, in spite of the wind. Waste tank was empty. Filled up with diesel. Dipstick at start: 31cm; 50 litres to 41 cm; 137 litres to full at 57 cm. Then Dave took the boat down to the permanent mooring. About £4 left on the meter. Put in another £5. Diesel heater working fine.
First visit to the farm shop, but bought lunch from the Spar. Still couldn't get the TV and audio system working – no sign of power to them. Took down the curtains. Turned off the systems, isolated the batteries, left the Victron on "Charger only" – showing "Float". Left around 5 and got home around 9.30, after a meal at Didcot services.
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