Delivery to Gayton

When we bought the boat, the stern gear held the canal water out about as well as the average colander. The boatyard agreed to fix this, but at their boat building centre at Gayton rather than the yard we took delivery from. So we had to get the boat to them. With Ric's leg not long out of plaster. And, of course, some of the locks will be subject to closures. And, of course, this leaves the car at the wrong end of the journey, so we were grateful to our friends Trevor and Sue who came along to help with the locks and do the two-car trick.

Saturday 20th January 2007

Recharge the batteries

Came from Norfolk, and had to drop Ann off at station on the way, so arrived at the boat about twenty to five. Decided to run the engine whilst we moved things onto and off the boat, which was about an hour, then stay in the marina until tomorrow.

Engine on for 1h00, no miles, no locks...

Sunday 21st January 2007

Welton to Gayton

Cold, but up early anyway. Batteries are low - no surprise there. We ran out of water last night and our hose won't reach the tap when we're moored stern-in. Moved boat to bows-in position in a vacant slot in the marina and filled up. Then drove to Gayton to meet Trevor and Sue and bring them back to the marina, leaving their car at Gayton.

Arrived at Gayton to find nasty rumour that the Buckby flight was already closed, so took time on the way back to check, and to let them know so that they can warn hirers. Met a boat coming down with no trouble, so all looks OK. Whilton Marina didn't know of any problems. We also saw a large flock of redwing and a fieldfare over the flight.

Engine on about a quarter to eleven, left marina about ten minutes later. Reached Norton junction in time for a cup of tea before first Buckby lock (about 11:30). Finished flight about 12:50 - an hour and twenty minutes for seven broad locks! This is because Trevor's father had a canal boat, so Trevor understands canals and was always a lock ahead, getting it ready for us.

We were running late so decided to have lunch on the move. Lots of wood in the water around bridge 19 - three fair-sized trees, still attached to roots. The strong wind was making helming a bit problematic but we forged along.

Ric rested leg after lunch, with Trevor on the helm. Saw a kingfisher and a perched sparrowhawk just before bridge 34, and another kingfisher a little way after. By now nearly half past three with weather deteriorating. But some good rainbows!

Sue spotted another kingfisher before bridge 41, and we saw more redwing just after. Needed several quick bursts of reverse to clear the prop of assorted debris. Arrived Gayton junction about ten to five, reversed (fairly) neatly into two different slots only to find them both reserved long-term moorings! Pressed on to boatyard. Engine off about 17:10. Then Trevor and Sue drove us back to the marina in their car, and went home. We picked up our car and returned to the boat.

Engine on 7h25, about thirteen and a half miles, 7 locks.

Monday 22nd January 2007

Recharge the batteries

Gas ran out during breakfast so switched cylinders. Ran the engine for half an hour to recharge the batteries then handed the boat over to the boatyard and went home.

Engine on half an hour, no miles, no locks.