Jump to content

saltysplash

Member
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    2,891

  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    2

 Content Type 

Blog Entries posted by saltysplash

  1. saltysplash
    So it looks like its finally safe to commence my inane ramblings concerning the move from old tub to ditch crawler.
     
    Got the nod from Barclays that the finace we required is ready for release tomorrow they are just waiting for the final docs we had to send em. We sent em last thursday tut!!!!! so it all gets held up again coz of fings lost in the post. Nevermind, at least we kept copies.
    Also had a message from Virginia Currer Marine requesting personal details for the bill of sale so things really are just waiting to happen.
     
    It all started when, one night, Swmbo and self were enjoying the last of the Bacardi lying on Emblems double berth in the aft cabin and having a final oily rag out of the port hole. I had always maintained that one day, when emblem became too much for me to handle then i would return to the canals. The conversation, (drunk gibberish more like) somehow was manouvered by a certain party into moving in with each other. Knowing she hates the way boats react on the sea and feeling kinda romantic for a change i suggested a narrowboat. The fool agreed!!!!! Shes never even seen a narrowboat let alone live on one.
    So the search was on. viewing boat sale sites while at work and me giving it large about what my ideal boat required.
     
    We eventually had a few days off which we planned to go looking at our short list. A couple advertised with VC marine and a few at whilton. My main concern was a residential mooring close enough to London for us both to commute.
     
    We arrived at Iver and viewed the first one. A 68' trad stern with gardner engine in proper engne room. I liked it and it was at a price which we could buy outright with the sale of Emblem. .....Nooooooo. it appears Swmbo also had her ideas of what she wanted lol.
     
    So we toddled off down the moorings to our 2nd viewing much much more expensive however it came with a residential mooring.
     
    It turns out id seen the boat many times before while visiting a friend who was also moored at the same place.
     
    I always remembered walking past and thinking, 'thats the kind if boat i would like to own if ever i had the brass'
     
    Well, here we were with the keys in our mitts.
     
    Outside paintwork by the renowned phill speight, was looking a little grubby from what i remembered as she is moored under a tree which has plonked leaves and sap all over, but under the grime the finish was still looking excellent
     



     
    I fell in love, Swmbo, had a good rumage around and after declaring it needed a good cleaning also agreed that she would love to live on board this boat.....it was only the 2nd one she'd ever seen for chuffs sake!
     
    It certainly gave the appearence of not having been visited for some time, but all appeard intact as far as i could see and the engine room was just a complete heaven.
     
    So, offer was made, accepted and deposit placed
     


     



     
    So, Thats the story so far, Survey showed no problems with the hull at all and just a few minor things to sort out internally like replacing the fire extinguishers which are still the old blue type and sweeping the chimneys.
    Stand by for more as Geoff and Nora join forces to do battle in a narrow 60' steel box.....shes actually called Laura but i am so bad remembering names when i first met her i ended up calling her lauren,moira,linda and eventually i settled for Nora.
    Will she be able to cope with my early morning blues and victor meldrew tendancies and love of old films? will I be able to cope with living with someone again after so long and having to suffer Judge Judy and Holioaks and X-factor on my telly which should only normally be used for veiwing documentarys and comedy and decent non female based/love related films?
     
    Time will tell but its going to be fun finding out and im bloody looking forward to it
  2. saltysplash

    1987

    By saltysplash,

    Back in January 1987 i was suddenly woken by my wife at the time telling me the baby was on its way....
     
    We drove to the GDH...Greenwich District Hospital and spent the next 16 hours in the labour ward while my wife went through all the motions of labour and i played the doting expectant father who couldnt believe what i was putting this woman through. and after 16hours of is it or isnt it, would you like some water darling, can i sit down for a minute, i was suddly surrounded by doctors, a midwife and nurses.....we'd already gone through 2 shift changes........and ushered out of the room while my wife was whisked off to theatre due to 'complications' and i was left alone in the middle of the night in a lonely hospital corridor. My fears were running wild through my mind. I was only 22....i needed someone to tell me all was going to be ok!!!!!!
     
    Half an hour later i was dragged into a darkend room and a bundle of bald thing was thrust into my arms while they then proceeded to use asuction to get the mucus out ofits nose and ears......i think my tears helped with the cleaning....she was so small, less than 6 pounds yet she had held onto her secure position as long as was possible.
     
    21 years later and the 6lb thing was now lying in a similar room sucking on gas and sipping water and going through hell while squeezing my hand and making me feel even more awful just for being a man.
     
    And as if to make matters worse......."im sorry but you'll have to leave the room" de ja vue?
     
    Thankfully no theatre this time....just another couple of hours of noise and then.....nothing.....Dan...My daughters partner comes out and becons us forward.
    There, in my daughters arms is a small pink squished thing with dark hair.
     
    Why is it that in my 43 years ive experienced death close hand more times than i ever wish to think of, yet ive only ever had the joy of life twice?
     
    She is beautifull, as far as a pink squishy thing can be.
  3. saltysplash
    Ive been sitting here contemplating as one does and my eyes were drawn to the shelf infront of me.
     
    At Easter Swmbo's mum bought us both a chocolate thingy each from M&S
     
    Swmbo's was a choci Sheep and mine was a Choci Tractor.
     
    Not being a great sweet eater its been on the shelf waiting for me to attack it one night whie suffering the munchies.
     
    However, I see someone has got there before me.......please note the wrapping and the total lack of the chocolate chimney that once stood so proud.
     
    me thinks its time to round up the usual suspect
     

     
     
    <a href="http://plugin.smileycentral.com/http%253A%252F%252Fwww.smileycentral.com%252F%253Fpartner%253DZSzeb008%255FZNxpt024YYGB%2526i%253D10%252F10%255F8%255F11%2526feat%253Dprof/page.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/10/10_8_11.gif" alt="SmileyCentral.com" border="0"><img border="0" src="http://plugin.smileycentral.com/http%253A%252F%252Fimgfarm%252Ecom%252Fimages%252Fnocache%252Ftr%252Ffw%252Fsmiley%252Fsocial%252Egif%253Fi%253D10%252F10_8_11/image.gif"></a>
  4. saltysplash

    Paddington Cruise

    By saltysplash,

    Set off Monday afternoon from Iver intending to stop overnight at bulls bridge Tesco. We had been up and about all day after getting home from work at 8 that morning but somehow we seem to have got past the tired stage and were in our second or third wind.
    Rather a tad more ice on the Slough Arm than i had expected but it eventualy cleared as we approached packet boat marina and the junction. We turned right onto the main line and chugged the three or so miles to bulls bridge where we stopped alongside tesco and did our 'big' shop. By 9pm we were knocking out the zeds after being awake for just over 29 hours.
     
    Slept for 12 hours inspite of the delivery lorries at tesco trying to wake us and after a hearty big boys breakfast we reversed back upto the junction and headed off up the Paddington Branch. The weather was excellant but only saw a couple of other boats on the move so we had the canal to ourselves apart form the joggers and dog walkers. Highlight of the run for Nora was going over the North Circular Road Aquaduct. Despite all the floating carrier bags and coal bags that we saw we were lucky not to pick anything up on the prop so no visits to the weed hatch which is nice.
     
    Arrived at Little Venice just around four and Nora was very dissopointed at the lack of gondolars and so by half four we had tied up at the far end of paddington basin.There was only one boat on the visitor pontoon and then a third arrived after us.
    Steak supper on board then a couple of DVD's later saw us again snooring our heads off beofre 11pm.
     
    Wednesday and i was up and about before 9 but Nora didnt appear till after 11 so I nipped down to paddington Station and got the newspapers then we untied and headed off to have a look at london zoo. Maida vale tunnel, Nora's first ever tunnel was negotiated and we crept round the dark walls of St Johns Wood hearing traffic and sirens but seeing non till we emerged out alongside the pillar'd houses of various ambassadors and along Regents Park.
     
    Its a shame that London Zoo still havent arranged visitor moorings on their side like other canalside attractions have done or we wuldve tied up and paid some of our hard earned into their survival fund in the form of entry tickets so we turned round at cumberland basin and headed off back to paddington basin arriving in time for me to have 40 winks and Nora to catch up on her 'ER' DVD.
     
    That night we treated ourselves to dinner at some pasta place which was very nice and a couple of sherberts in the bar by the BWB boat.
    Back on board and a few more sherberts and Nora, for some strange reason kept going on about marriage and that because its a leap year i have to marry her...so that was agreed upon....No date set yet.
     
    Thurday morning and i suddenly wake at 9.30am thinking OMG we have to get back today. Then i tried to stand up and realised i was still squiffy from last night.
     
    Coffee was obtained, also supplies i would need for my lone vigil at the stern inc bottled water and plenty of fag papers and i set off. Nora still snuggled up in bed.
    The wind had got up quite strong and was howling along the basin but i managed to turn her and head back towards bulls bridge. By the time we arrived at Alperton the effects of the night before had just about eased off but i was hungry so i tied up outside Sainsburys and attacked their hot food counter coming away with a couple of chicken legs and thighs and an all day breakfast slice...smashing......Nora still in bed.
     
    She finally appeared just before the junction so i was provided with hot coffee and a packet of ready made ciggies as by now my fingers were too cold to be able to roll properly and the wind kept blowing the tobacco out of the paper even before id had a chance to attempt rolling.
     
    3 short miles back to the slough arm and then the rain came so I decked myself out in my Drisabone coat and hat and was described by Nora as looking like the murderer out of a film called 'i know what you did last summer' Never seen it, and i guess i never will.
     
    Finally managed to get Lady Elgar back alongside but had a few probs with moving Herbie, Our Neighbour boat, as the wind kept pushing her back while Nora was trying to push her out so we could slip inside of her.
     
    All in all another excellant trip. well worth the visit and a couple of nights at paddington.
     
    a couple of pics
     
     
    North Circular Aquaduct
     

     
    Somewhere near Alperton i think
     

     
    Maida Hill Tunnel
     

     
    Cumberland Basin
     

     
    Entrance to London Zoo by Waterbus
     

     
    Snowdens Aviary
     

     
    Yours truly
     

     
    Leaving Regents Park into St Johns Wood
     

     
    Paddington Basin by night
     

     

  5. saltysplash

    Snail Speed

    By saltysplash,

    No photo's tonight as we only have snail speed connection which kinda matches our snail speed while under way.
     
    We had probably the quietest ever night at Henley, you know, its so quiet that you cant hear anything at all except the noise from your ears.
     
    We woke to spanking sunshine and clear blue sky, By 8am the Henley rowers where out and about practising for next week's ladies Regatta and the Cox's were being rather vociferous....Typical small person syndrome lol.
     
    We Cast off and got under way by 9.30 am hoping to make Goring for the evening stop. River flow's were still causing us problems, sometimes managing 3mph other times dropping right down to 1.8 on the narrows. The river was quiet again untill we approached Shiplake lock and two boats hove into view behind us who were obviously stemming the flow better than ourselves...One was a Thames widebeam cruiser and the other a narrowboat, I presume the Narrowboats are either giving it full wellie on the engines (which im not prepared to do) or they have larger props suitable for river cruising.
     
    We enterd Shiplake lock first and were joined alongside by a Nb (Mention no names). No drama in the lock, and we intended to pull over on the left to take on water and empty the toilet cassette. Due to our starter problem I said to the chap on the Nb that he may like to go first, He said that there were stopping for the pump out in any case....I went below on the opening of the gates and Lady Elgar kicked into life with the magic wire on the first go. I returned topside to see the Nb already out of the lock. We followed them to the Pump out and Water point mooring. The Nb promptly pulled in alongside the Pump out and I expected them to pull back to allow us to use the water point.....no such luck. He secured his tail rope and she secured her rope at the front.....she then walked upto the water hose and fed it back the 30' to their boat....so they obviously intended to pump out and fill up at the smae time, knowing full well that we also required water and couldve done this while they pumped out. Never mind, we plodded on as there was insufficient room in front of them for us....I wasnt overly bothered but it did seem to annoy Nora......Its just uncivil thats all......By comparison......we approached the Tesco mooring at reading and every space was full apart from a very tight gap I thought i might be able to slide into on the very end....Full marks to the Chap and lady inboard NB Cygent who came outside and pulled their boat back to give us full length on the mooring. Civil an decent...dont take much does it.
     
     
    We eventually spent a couple of hours at Reading, While shopping at Tesco I put the Genny on and we did some washing while wandering round the store. Upon our return the wash cycle was just finishing and we turned round and took on 54.5 litres of Diesel at Reading marina also water and empty the elsen.
     
    We then made all haste for Goring which should only have been 3 hours away.
     
    We texted Neil and Kath our neighbours at Iver on Herbie that our ETA at Goring was appx 7pm, well, 7pm came and went and we eventually ariived and were met on the tow path at 8pm.....Neil and Kath had already done a recce on the moorings and found all the ones below the lock taken but he guided us into a nice little spot alittle way back with two trees placed perfectly for our bow and strn lines. The four of us then wandered into Goring and plonked ourselves in the first pub where 3 ales on pump attracted our attention.
     
    We had a really smashing evening and were really please that they met us but as always the evening went too quick.
     
    Tomorrow will hopefully see us in Abingdon and a rendevous with Bones and Maffi, Ill pm then after this to make sure all is as planned.
     
     
    As an aside, we shared a lock with some young folk on a Thames hireboat...The two chaps were dressed up in naval getout. The chap in the admiral hat told me that he lived in a little village alongside the kennet and Avon Canal, he said that LE was the best looking canal boat he had ever seen......Makes ya kinda proud of your home.
  6. saltysplash

    Bucks Fizz

    By saltysplash,

    Day 17
     
    Late start today as we only planned to go as far as the Globe. Hadn't topped up the fuel tank since Reading and knowing hard we had been forced to punch the flow of the Thames I was keen to top up again and see what we had used.
     
    Milton Keynes marina was the first services so we turned in and approached the fuel landing. It all seemed very quiet. I had managed to get far enough into the marina to make getting out awkward when a chap called out from a boat that they were shut on mondays. Pooh!
     
    Never mind, managed to turn without hitting anything and we set off towards Willowbridge. At Fenny Stratford lock, Nora kept asking....."whats the point of it?" well, its a lock, and it has a swing bridge across it, and, well, what is the point of it?
     
    We took on 69 litres of the red stuff at Willowbridge at I think 86ppl.
     
    We shared the first two of the Soulbury three with a boat who were going to wind above the 2nd lock and as we were coming up the third, a chap waiting to come down mentioned he had almost bought Lady Elgar a couple of years ago. It turns out he is a forum member and we chatted for a short while about his Harbourgh boat...one of my favourite hulls they are, So Globetrotter a pleasure to meet you sir. Hope you manage to find out more info on the old girl.
     
    Our destination finally approached and I was hoping that we wern't too late to get a mooring as ive never been here before when it hasnt been packed with boats. Imagine my surprise when, We came under the bridge and not another boat in sight, we had a choice of the whole length. yes folks, MY CAMERA NEVER LIES.
     

     
     
    A short afternoon siesta and showered and dressed saw us plonked at our table in the Globe. Food as always was absolutly fantastic. There are no words to add. The Ale was good too.
     
    We think so far The Admiral Nelson and The Globe have been the best eating spots, The Boat at Stoke B was also excellent but was very arty and a totally different type of eating house. The Wharf?.....well, just go along for amusment value really, not for culinary delight.
     
    Nora did hear one bloke at the Globe tonight ordering a bar meal moaning....He was telling the barman that it was a right rip off selling the same weight Sirloin Steak as the same weight Rump Steak for £2 dearer......well you dont have to order it!...nobber
     
    Long day tomorrow...hope to get to the Wendover arm for a Barbie.....nighty night
     

  7. saltysplash

    last few days

    By saltysplash,

    It looks like its the last week ill be spending on Emblem
     
    We got the nod today that the money transfer has gone ahead on Lady Elgar so she is now ours...i think Anyway we have been down to Iver this week and paid the moorings and applied for the licence renewal and all is hunky dory, Except we are back at work tomorrow morning for five days so cant do anything about moving aboard till next week
     
    So we will pick the keys up Thursday, stay on board that night then hopefully John Currer will be able to the offical handover Friday morning Seems to have gone on for ages.
    I spent most of my day today taking down the sky dish and tv ariel and cables.....got to get me priorities right for moving important stuff aboard first Swmbo is more interested in doing a shopping list of cleaning items for attacking the dust inside and tree sap on the outside. Then the plan is to take her away (lady elgar not swmbo) for a couple of weeks inagural cruise which is going to be a big learning curve for Nora as she has never been on the canals before. Will hopfully, all being well, head north up the grand onion but im in two minds yet as to turn right at Norton and head towards Foxton or turn left and trundle down towards Oxford. I dont want to make it too energetic for her for her first ever trip but i was tempted if we made progress then carry on down to oxford and then complete the thames circle.
     
    Think maybe the take it as it comes approach might be better and see what the weather does and how the crew cope. So we are well looking forward to it.
     
    So last nights at Chatham and the sun gave me a very lovely goodnight
     

     

  8. saltysplash

    Inagural Cruise

    By saltysplash,

    Set off Tuesday afternoon rather late due to swmbo making me stay up till the early hours drinking bacardi and watching the Sweeny on DVD.
     
    First problem was starting the engine. Key in ignition. turn and click!!! try again and....click!
     
     
    In all my eagerness to replace the domestic Batts id completely forgot about the engine battery. Fool that i am. So started her up using the emergency switch which kicks in the domestic batts to give that extra vummph. and remembered to turn off the emer switch so the domestic batts dont get screwed by the duff engine batt. Any way, upto the winding hole and back to top up with diesel coal and boots from the car then chugged off towards Cowley Peachey junction. I had forgotten how shallow the Slough arm is and within minutes we had picked something up round the prop. Plodded on at minus 1 mile an hour and finally we stopped at the last Aquaduct before the junction to dive into the weedhatch hole and sure enough removed the perverbial blue polythene liner thingy. It was after 5 as we negotiated the sharp left turn from the arm onto the main line north and plodded along at tickover due to all the moored boats. Finally tied up just below Cowley Lock at half 6.
     
    Walked upto the lock with Nora and gave her a brief intro to lock working then repaired to the Malt shovel for a couple of ales and a steak supper. Good meal but the staff were struggling as a sudden atteck of customers arrived just after we had ordered. It was chucking it down as we returned to Lady Elgar. did a quick walk round inside to make sure all was dry and found a couple of drips under the Paloma water heater. Not sure if this was from the rain or internally. will monitor the situation.
     
    Tuesday morning found me wide awake at 8 am and sitting reading Trevor Pavitt's book 'Living the Dream' Very good book so far but he is turning me into an engine hypochondriac. I have found myself today listening out for those bumps and knocks coming from below that he describes.
     
    Stopped at Uxbridge boat centre aladins cave for a new engine battery and coolie hat which Nora, much to her horror flicked off the chimney with the mooring line when we departed from Iver.
     
    Had a full days trip in excellent weather with Nora working all the locks. I had to rate her out of ten for each one and heres the results so far
     
    1. Cowley Lock 10/10
    2. Uxbridge lock 8/10 because she began to lower the paddles before opening the gates.
    3.Denham Deep 8/10 because she had help form a very nice chap and she forgot to use the gate paddles
    4. Widewater lock 10/10
    5. Black Jacks lock 8/10 for asking repetative questions
    6. Coppermill lock 10/10
    7. Springwell lock 10/10
    8. Stockers lock 8/10 she didnt realise the lock was already set for us and made glaring schoolgirl errors
    9. Batchworth Lock 9/10 because she went to open the gate paddle while i was too close instead of the ground paddle
     
    She did bloody well for her first ever canal trip
     
    As for sterring.....i was perfect
     
    untill it came to making supper.....we tied up just after Batchworth and decided it was BBQ time so with it being almost dark it set up by the galley windows so they would shed some light on the proceedings. While watching the flames form the side hatch i hit upon the brilliant idea of moving the BBQ to the side hatch so that i didnt have to go outside and could put me slippers on while cooking from the comfort of ones own home....First burger that hit the griddle set billowing smoke into the boat through the hatch. Result, smokey boat and burnt food and streaming eyes..
     
    mmmmmm steak
     
    heres a couple of pics to remind us of the day
     

     

     

  9. saltysplash

    beatie

    By saltysplash,

    So 1 day and 2 nights at at work have skipped by and now have 5 days off to look forward to.....i say five days, finished work at 6 this morning and its now turned midday and still not been to bed yet so that really leaves 4 days providing i get up early enough tomorrow but knowiing my night time body clock its going to be around 1 ish so thats another half day missed. Never mind, you knew the risks when you bought the ticket.
     
    Managed to get the 6.45 from Paddington this morning however it didnt set off till 6.55 so arrived at Boat at 7.40am. I had my instructins from Swmbo to go direct to bed and be up by 1pm as BT were coming to sort out the phone line. So, The frost was as thick as a frosty thing and i gets on board and decides no matter what,that fire is going on. Id just built the fire and got it going when me mobile rings and its BT..hello. ill be there in 10 mins...great...thinks i....he's 5 hours early so i can get him sorted and have a decent kip and be up early enough to not miss too much of the day.
     
     
    Wrong....The phone line aint been used for 2 years so BT charged us the full connection fee. He spent 5 mins on board for which i had to open the back doors so he could get good access then he declares he has to trace the line to the junction which could be upto 400 mtrs away. No probs says i. good hunting......an hour and a half later....still with the rear doors open he finally returns fully decked out in gloves scarfe and hat and the thickest coat in christendom. Im struggling to survive with me fleece and the fire on full pelt.
     
    Finally he is all sorted and does the test and BINGO. we have a phone line. A quick txt to Nora and she rings the phone to be the first to try it out. all up and running smashing.
     
    Im now in 60' of freezing cold steel so more coals are added and connecting doors through to the BMC are closed so that i might just be able to warm up before bed.
     
    Its now 12.30pm. I am now finally defrosted and very very ready for bed.
     
     
    1st job when i get up is get that stove going in the BMC. Uses twice the amount of coal but if its going to stay this cold then its more than worth it.
     
     
     
    PS hope to be meeting up with the buyers of Emblem on sunday.....hope they make an offer
  10. saltysplash

    winter overnighter

    By saltysplash,

    Spent all day wednesday lastweek changing the oil filter and engine oil as we had a planned trip witha chap called Phill arranged on the 16th.
     
    How hard is it changing an oil filter??????
     
    I thought they were supposed to be hand tight. Not this one.....thankfully trevour had left in the tool kit a decent 'strap' socket and with a bit of jiggery pokeerry i had the old filter off and new one in place...i then spent the next hour or so filling the engine litre by painfull litre which was only marginally easier then pumping out the old oil litre by litre.
     
    Anyway, job done and the old girl kicked into life after a two month lay up and we set off sunday afternoon for Uxbridge.....This entailed loosening 'Herbie's(our neighbour) bow line so we could slip out in reverse and be free of the mooring. However, Its sunday and every sunday at Iver means.......fishing match...they even had the audacity to ask me to keep the revs down as we mooved off.......it was done all by muscle power and not engine just to be considerate!!!!! and there was sheet ice on the water!!!!
     
    Never mind...one chap did say thanks and wished we had left earlier so we couldve broken the ice up for him prior to him commencing fishing.....Arrived at teh Swan and Bottle without incident apart from ice breaking manouvers on the slough arm and tied up behind a boat called Carrie Anne which has had a RED BWB notice slapped on it for over staying on 24hr mooring......extra 25 squid a day and thats backdated to the 12th...nice looking boat too.
     
    The grub in the Swan and Bottle was as good as ever with all three of us partaking in the wexford mushrooms, Phill then attacking sausage and mash, Swmbo making a meal of the claves liver and bacon and yours truly just being a hog and attacking the mixed grill.
     
    Whats the point in having dessert and coffee when you have all you reqiure on board and just a small stagger away from the exit.
     
    Much merriment was then the order of the evening and if your the vessel moored behind us i can only offer my profound sorrows for the strains of 'Phantom of the Opera' that you may've heard that evening..
     
    Today saw us up eventually by midday and once more cutting our way through the ice pack that is known as the slough arm.
     
    It was thicker and denser.....but with the aid of the dining table leg and barge pole we managed to 'wind' and arrive back at base in time to allow phill his 3 hour drive to do the 30 miles back to his home in Plumstead......Its an Outrage!!!!
     
     
    My Drisabone was great inthe offing wind but me toes were bloody cold as were me fingers...so much so that i couldnt roll ciggies and had to nick phill's 'Mayfair' while his back was turned
     
    All in all a good trip....however the hull is now in need of re blacking due to our re-enactment of TITANIC
  11. saltysplash
    Its an outrage!
     
    Nora's mum is away over christmas so she (nora) is reduced to cat sitting at their house in Sutton.
     
    So your truly finishes work this morning at 7am and duly drives over to Sutton to spend the next 4 days in luxury with hot baths and no coal dust at the house....As for the cat...its not left me alone since i arrived, i dont even like the creatures, not a patch on dogs but this one just wont stop wanting attention....i can see Nora making requests at the moorings to allow her to bring harry (for that is his name) back to LE as she misses him loads.....does that mean ive got to get the drill out and start making holes for cat flaps?.....dont do it Highline.....keep Lady Elgar feline free.
     
    Actually its worked out fairly well being at the house over christmas as my daughter Rachael and her partner Dan will be coming over on boxing day and as they dont have a car, AND THE TRAINS DONT RUN BOXING DAY i will drive to Broadstairs in the morning to pick em up...meaning...im already a 3rd of the way there compared to being at Iver
     
    Did i mention she's expecting and im due to be a grandad on or around the 20th Jan?
     
    Im only 43 for heavens sake!
     
    Last time i was in Mothercare i was 20
     
    is a large christmas dinner likely to be bad for an 8 mth pregnant daughter?
     
    should i save her by eating her share?
     
    Merry Christmas everyone and a very very happy new year
  12. saltysplash

    Lobsters

    By saltysplash,

    Day 2
     
     
    Set off from our mooring at Hanwell by about 11.30am and finished off the flight in Blazing sunshine. Nora steered us into the first lock....a first, and she intended to do the next few as part of her helm training but then a boat hove into view behind us and we held the lock for them. Not wishing to have to try to many odd manouvers she decided to hand back to me...at least she is getting there and proving very good at the attempts she makes.
     
    We enjoyed the flight in comany with our fellow boaters who decided to stop at the fox PH at the bottom of the flight while we carried on to Brentford managing to pick up something on the prop just after osterly lock. Nora, However had retaken the tiller and managed the last two locks to Brentford with apparant ease, although she states she was a bag of nerves.
     
    Arrival at Brentford and topped up with water and gave the roof garden a good dousing as they were looking rather dry.
     

     
    I then noticed Nora run to the stern and have a look inside and then come back all forlorn......"my hat has blown into the water" my laughterr was soon brought to an end by the look on her face and her declaring, "I love that hat" I looked over the Bow and sure enough there was the hat enjoying a marvelous adventure on the water making its way across the dock with the aid of the breeze towards the residential moorings. I handed her the extending boat hook and suggested she toddle off over the other side to await the hats arrival. I meanwhile dived down into the weed hatch to clear another copious amount of clinging weed and a large plastic taybrite coal sack.....only a boater couldve let that get in the water...tut!
     
    I then planned to get the Video camera out and film Nora's seach and rescue attempt, but, a knight in shining armour had already been to the rescue in the form of our friendly BW Lock keeper who recovered the wayward head gear with minimum of fuss and she was all ready heading back towards Lady Elgar Looking very chuffed.
     
    She asked him if he fancid a cold beer and he gracefully declined as he was 'on duty' so, come 1715hrs we promtly arrived at Thames lock and handed him the said beer for when he booked off at 1800hrs.
     
    Turned right, onto the Thames and plodded on towards tedders as we approached Richmond bridge the GPS showed we had lost a full MPH. The tide was at its max and the obvious flow from the river was pushing against us, But, the Perkins did us proud and battled with the flow to see us safely at Teddington.
     
    We are now moored for free in the lock cut and the Lockie fully expects yellow boards to be displayed on the river by tomorrow morning, so I am off outside to loosen our lines in anticipation of some drop in the level.
     
     
    We went for an Indian down Tedders High st......Nora is as red as red can be and my forehead is hot. We now have to cover our bodies up for the rest of the week to let the sunburn go down.
     
     
     
    Our mooring tonight by the weir.......whats the point in a pic like this???????
     

  13. saltysplash
    9.30am saw us under way from Windsor and within minutes the rain was pelting down. In fact it had been raining most of the night and now I was concerned that river levels were going to rise again and see us stranded waiting for them to fall.
     
    I was seriously considering turning round and heading back to Brentford, However just after Boveney lock the rain dried up and we had a mixture of sun and cloud, and the very occaisional light shower.
     
    The river was still flowing rather fast and again on the narrow sections our speed dropped to less than 2 mph making progress very slow indeed.
     
    Eventually we reached Marlow lock and On speaking with the lockie he stated the levels were still dropping despite the rain and we should find the going much easier now.
     
    We had seen very little other traffic and most of it going down stream so it was nice for the majority of the locks we encountered we were able to keep the engine running (with permission of the lockie) as we still have starting problems.
     
    Just after Marlow bridge we encountered a couple of sailing dinghy's spanking along 'close hauled' tacking one side of the river to the other. The first one passed by with no probs at all but the second, Tacked from our starboard side, shot across the river and then tacked again and crossed our bows from the port side. At the end of that leg he was now parrallel to our starboard bow. I fully expected him to spill his wind and let us clear but instead he tacked again and shot forward hitting our starboard bow just behind the stem.
     
    He shook his head, I said nothing, We disengaged, I saw he was ok and off he went again. We parted company turning our backs to each other without any spoken word....I think we both learned a lesson there.
     
    Nora managed a School girl error when throwing a rope onto a bollard in lock, she caught the bollard perfectly and then proceeded to pull the line tight.....the look on her face was probably priceless as the bowline end also followed the rest of the line through the bollard and then back on board after having jumpped off the T-stud when she intially threw the rope.......I gave her much words of wisdom about making sure all was secure when catching a bollard......three locks later I managed to do exactly the same for my own school boy error
     
    We eventually arrived at Henley and found a mooring (the first we have paid for so far) just before the town bridge. Nora managed to feed a large flotilla of goslings and 1 duck the majority of a loaf of bread while I toddled off for a walk into town to find an Offie and or a bread shop......I found a Circus, a cinema down a small alley and and offie but no bread shop.
     

     

     
    As I approached the boat on my return laden with Rum and coke and 2 packets of Pork scratchings I saw the flotilla of goslings now behaving like sheep and doing their best to keep the grass short surrounded on all sides by adult Geese who honked noisily at my approach.
     

     
    I then noticed lots of little mounds on the grass opposite the boat and thought, strange, I didnt remember those mole hills before.....they turned out to be Rabbits all enjoying the evening sun.
     

     

     
     
    We finished the evening with a couple of episode of Fawlty Towers and a smashing Spaghetti Bolognaise....Also some custard and midget gems.
     
    other pics.
     

     

     

  14. saltysplash

    Hangover

    By saltysplash,

    I think we eventually got to bed about 2am. So this morning when the church bells of Abingdon rang out it was a bit of a shock. They wont continue for long thought I, just calling the faithful to worship, but no, It was obviously a campanology convention calling the faithful who had quaffed a skinfull the night before to clamber out of bed and put the kettle on.
     
    Maffi and Bones where already up and about and after the frist brew we were ready for the last haul to oxford. So we waved farewell and passed on our thanks again for such an excellent evening and cast off.
     
    Nothing of real note for the four hours it took to reach Osney Lock except that again the going was slow in places but the sun kept playing on us and making the criuse very enjoyable.
     
    The public moorings above Osney lock had a number of free spaces so we slotted in just past the pub and took a walk into town to get some lunch. We stopped at the castle and took a table outside one of those grill type places, this one was called Tootsies.
     
    They brought the menu's to the table and that was the last we saw of them 20 mins, So enough was enough and we went elsewhere. Gordon Ramsey wouldve been outraged.
     
    Back on LE sleep overtook us both and our afternoon nap ended at about 7pm !!!!! so its now 12.20am and we are still awake.
     
    Tomorrow we'll have a wander round town and also a visit to Halfords to try and get the part for the engine then set off for the canal. if we wake up in time that is
     

     

  15. saltysplash
    SUMMER AND LIGHTNING, all around us.
     
    I think it mustve been about midnight that the electric show began in the sky followed by loud rumblings of thunder across the valley. The rain was so heavy that the plants on the roof took quite a battering so when we woke this morning to blue skies and sunshine evrything seemed so much better, except that is for the howling gale blowing from the sou'west.
     
    The plant pots didnt stand a chance and after the 2nd time of putting them back in place, the third time they blew over...over they remained.
     
    We did the remainder of the Stoke Bruerne flight alone, the wind making us contact the side rather more than we wouldve liked but got through unscathed, I suppose if time was no object and we didnt have to be back for work it wouldve been a perfect day for not moving at all....sigh....maybe one day
     
    Crabbing sideways was the order of the day and trying to avoid moored boats while slowing down enough not to cause them too much problems.
    As we neared Cosgrove, a couple on a Wyvern Boat pssing us called out " How far is it to the aquaduct?"
    I smiled at them and said " Youve already done it.....just before the lock"
    They looked forloanly behind them.....never mind folks, look out for it again on your way back
     
    The approach to Cosgrove lock was interesting, One passed the line of buildings and approaching the sanitary station the wind found its way through gaps in the trees and blew us towards the moored boats, I could feel the hull tilt to port as the gusts hit us, so it was a bit of wellie on the revs and regain some control. The mouth of the lock however has no tree cover and as we slowed to stop we were slammed into the side and held there.....who needs ropes when youve got wind power to hold you in position. All we need now is to fit up some form of Gaff Rig and some Lee Boards down the sides and we'd save a fortune on diesel.
     
    Our planned stop was for Great Linford so we carried on past Cosgrove moorings and approached the aquaduct over the Great Ouse. Being in Wyvern country I could see one approaching ahead of us. As they entered the aquaduct and lost the shelter of the trees the wind caught them and slammed them into the side of the trough. Always nice to see what your gonna have to cope with before you have to do it, so, as we entered, I kept well over to the right and as soon as the tree line finished, i steered to starboard and just managed to avoid clanging the sides....with a bit of power of course....Nora was going to take some pics of the crossing but she just confessed that she was actually more concerned with clinging on for dear life.
     
    Finally arrived at Great Linford and was a bit surprised to see a large gathering of boats on both side of the water. Some tents and marquee's then came into view along with throngs of people all enjoying what turned out to be the Great Linford Waterside festival.
    We tied up just before the bridge and did a very quick shop to stock up on milk and booze and bread and then headed off to see what was going on.
     
    A few stalls, a few childrens rides, a large stage with rock bands making a sort of noise and the usual eating establishments.
    We milled and thronged with the rest of the population of Milton keynes and then...oh joy of joys......a stall selling stuff and things and there, hanging at the back was a Peg Bag. Not just any old Peg bag but a Peg Bag that obviously had our name on it......Ive been looking for one for ages, No longer will our pegs have to hang on the rotary line awaiting the next load of washing, They can now rest easily between loads in their own splendid Peg bag.
     

     
    We even found some Pegs on board to start our collection.
     

     
    We purchased some rather fine fudge. Rum an Raison for me and Chocolate for Nora and Choc and orange for both of us, and you cant pass the customery burger bar with out sampling the wares, which in actual fact, were probably the best burger i have ever had from a van before.....far better than the cardboard I forced on myself at the Crick Boat show.
     
    We got back on board and both sat down listening to the noise of the band on the stage, We were then passed by 7 teenagers with their Lager cans and Jugs of cider and decided maybe we will move up a bit for the night, so we cast off and cruised for an hour and found ourselves a little spot which will suit for the night.
     
    All in all a good days cruise made even more interesting by the wind.
     
    Tomorrow will hopefully see us alongside the Globe Inn. We have booked a table for 8.......pm that is....not for 8 people....unless anyone cares to join us
  16. saltysplash

    Roy Orbison

    By saltysplash,

    Day 21
     
    ITS OVER.
     
    Our original plan for this day was to cruise down to Denham Country Park and find a little spot for 1 last barbie before doing the last 3 and a bit hours back to base camp.
    The day dawned overcast and very breezey and a few showers accompanied our meanderings through the locks. At Batchworth we were aided by orange lifejacketed children who were visiting the canal centre and getting instruction on locks and boats....Geoff, one of the staff was telling Nora that when these groups were being shown around the motor Roger, the question was asked of them what they thought the boat wouldve carried in its hold. Not one of them thought of Coal, Televisions being the favourite guess. I guess not many kids these days have any concept of coal. Funny the way the world changes.
     
     
    It was about 3pm as we descended Widewater lock and onto the Denham stretch, Looking at the sky we decided to plod on towards the Slough Arm.
    At Cowley Peachey juction, my turn was restricted by a boat moored a few feet too close to the opening so a bit of jiggery pokery was needed to complete the swing onto the arm while the boat owners enjoyed the spectacle from the comfort of their chairs on the towpath.
     
    Just over half an hour later saw us at Highline. We decided not to continue up to the winding hole as is our usual thing, but to tie up for a change on the outside of Herbie as Neil and Cath are heading out for the River Wey on sunday and being alongside the bank will be better for them loading up etc. Our neighbour Lydia waved us in and kindly took the stern rope and we were promptly visited by 3 of her cats who had apparantly been missing their treats due to a lack of Lady Elgar being alongside.
     
    All finally secure and engine shut down and shore line connected saw us relaxing with a chinese takeaway.
     
    All in all it was an excellent trip with fantastic weather. We met some lovely people, maffi and bones by name others just as faces. Visted some excellent pubs and eating places. Enjoyed the drama's of boaters antics and behaviours which although sometimes are frustrating, they are nothing compared to the behaviour of people on our roads, and what may seem like moans by me about folk, are not really moans...just observations on different behaviours, as im sure other folk would observe on our behaviour.
     
    Valuable hands on knowlegde was learned re the boat such as the starter problem and the prop shaft, but even those incidents all added to the enjoyment of the trip and the experience of owning and running your own boat without the need to call on expert help. These problems were really very minor, the starter problem only being compounded by the fact we were on the Thames and had to shut down the engine at every lock.
     
    Laura's highlights of the trip were the hundreds of baby fowl and animals that all benefitted from her tesco value bread bag, The Blisworth tunnel. Having her hat rescued by the lockie at Brentford and the memory of the Garlic Mushrooms at the Wharf Inn at Fenny Compton.
     
    For me, just being together in our home cruising through varied and changing landscapes is enough. No bad memories and thats for sure.
     
    The log shows the following data
     
    Engine Hours 132
    Distance 250miles
    Locks 175
    2 Tunnels
     
    back to work Wednesday
  17. saltysplash

    still waiting

    By saltysplash,

    So its been over a week since everything was in place and were still waiting. Last minute forgotten bits of paper to sign and this that an the other.
    We had been hoping to get in with the early discount for the licence which is up in october but that aint gonna happen now. Never mind, were expecting completion by monday at the latest famous last words.
     
    In the meantime, Things have finally been going forward with Emblem. I am currently sitting in drydock at Otterham Quay waiting for the tide so we can head back to Chatham. She was surveyed yesterday for the prospective purchaser. The down side is im nights tonight so not going to have much chance to get any sleep beforehand. Its gonna be an interesting exit. Winds are gusting 25kts and its a narrow channel to reverse along before it opens out, also the old girl likes to pull to port when in reverse due to the prop swing so you have to keep kicking forward to try and kep er right. and in this wind anything could happen. Im gonna ask Rod to see if he can tow me out i think.
     
    So heres a few pics of the old girl sitting high an dry. I had a mooch underneath her earlier and all is well below the waterline, Not overly impressed with my 2 coats of antifoul applied in april, More barnacles than last year. maybe because we havent done much cruising this year due to the sale.
    Oh yes, another downside to drydock is you cant use the sea toilet
     

     

     

     

     

     

  18. saltysplash

    exiting Otterham creek

    By saltysplash,

    Well to say the exit was interesting is probably the understatement of the month.
     
    Me old mukka steve took her into the dry dock on wednesday. That trip alone was enough to get the pulse racing. I had to work early turn and couldnt do it so enlisted steve to skipper the old tub to otterham and in turn he enlisted alex and neil to crew(hold the fenders) Apparantly all went rather well for the first half hour despite the force 5 gusting 6 northerlies. Just as they approached Hoo island, The old gardner seemed to slow down and then suddenly just stop. Now on an incoming spring tide running at just under 2 knots this aint good in a narrow channel with mooring trots either side. As quick as a quick thing with a really quick job to do steve bounds to the bow and manhandles the anchor over the side along with 15 mts of chain. No easy feat considering we normally have to use the winch and derrick to drop anchor. Just at that moment a work boat is chugging up river and the skipper says to his deckhand 'theres a nice looking old MFV ...bugger me!!! theyre dropping the hook in mid channel!!'
     
    They cam alongside and the chap comes aboard and asks if he can be of any help, do they require a tow? It also happens that he is a Gardner expert:)
    He and steve descend into the engine room, check all the usual fings, oil/ water/ fuel. nothing obvious...so they turn her over and she starts up as lovely as ever chugging away to herself. They both look at each other and say at the same time 'summat round the prop'
     
    Steve engages forward gear and all runs fine. engages reverse and all runs fine....how queer. So they raise the hook and continue on. Arrive at otterham and the wind is directly on the stern with white hrses even on this narrow stretch. has a devil of a job slowing down due to both wind and tide and cant get below 4 knts, They just manage to throw a rope and catch hold of a dutch barge moored befoe the dock in order to stem the approach prior to the dock being ready. But upon being waved in by Rod the yard owner they are off again at speed toward the dry dock. Steve manages to get her through the gate and somehow alex and neil manage to catch the guilding lines but in trying to stem the speed by going into reverse the stern kicked round to port and the starboard lower rubbing band scratches down to the wood on the dock support but they are in and secure.
     
    As the tide ebbed thin marks could be seen around the swim where whatever it was that stopped the prop had been. No other trace of anything.
     
    Oh well i thought, one scratch on the paintwork wont affect the survey too much, its purely cosmetic. Then steve pointed out to me the rubbing band on the port side which is an iron strip which had pulled out its fixing obviously due to impacting with the dock support on the port side
     
    Oh well, again, nothing too serious, thats what the rubbing band is for after all.
     
    So, She gets surveyed the following day and i stay on board that night to do the trip home friday afternoon with alex and neil as crew as i changed over from earlys to nights that day. I then get a call from the prospective purchaser Ludwig asking if he can come for the return trip as well...sure no probs, just dont look at the damage What a fantastic character he is.
     
    He is in his eighties and is an Austrian. He came to England at the start of the war on the last boat out of Holland. His family ended up in camps in poland after being captured fighting for Tito in yugoslavia.
    He served in the navy during the war and afterwards made a living designing hospital machinery and equipment. in 1949 he bought a 1929 London Taxi and he and his wife drove from London to Sydney to see his family who had settled there after the war. They then Drove back again. I asked him if he had published his story and he said "very nearly, but i had a row with the publishers because they didnt like the first chapter and i insisted on keeping it in so it never went to print" I told him if he still had the manuscript then send it off again....stories like that shouldnt be lost.
     
    anyway, i digress. Friday decided that not only would it continue to blow the wind down but it would add that other element RAIN. High tide was about 2.30pm but knowing they were high springs i was hoping to get out maybe an hour earlier. Id already spoken with Rod and we agreed that being towed out past the dutch barge would probably be the best idea. Dont think he was too keen on have 40 ton of Emblem being blown onto the yatchts.
     
    Meanwhile Ludwig had been rummaging around the old girl and he reappeared in the wheel house and announced to me that the deck was dripping into the saloon why now emblem? why now when the buyer is here are you showing all your foibles?
     
    The tide came in. the rain came down. the wind blew and then blew some more. Suddenly at just after 1 we were afloat. The wind was throwing the tide up the creek faster than a rat out of an aquaduct.
     
    We secured the stern to Rods tug and slowly we inched out to avaoid anymore scrapes on the paintwork. Rod manovered us skilfully through the narrow bit next to the dutch barge and and a bit further past into a wide section. which actually looks very wide but is narrow due to shallows on oneside and an old concrete wharf on the other. We couldnt go any further otherwise Rod wouldve been aground himself so we released the tow and i gave it full right hand down and some wellie on the throttle to try and get the nose round to startboard knowing that when i put her in reverse the stern kicks to port.........allegedly.....all that happend was, due to the lack of sea room i just ended up going backwards and forwards because there was no way on gods clean earth was i going to get Emblems high bow past that wind. It just kept us straight and all the time, wind and tide is now sending us sideways back into the narrow creek...my mouth was now very very dry and in a croaking, almost quivering voice, i shouted out to Alex who was dripping wet on the bow to signal to rod to take a bowline and pull us through the wind.
     
    Rod steams towards us to take the line.......What line!!!! bugger bugger BOLLOCKS BUGGER BOLLOCKS!!!!! we had no line ready. Neil eventually manages to bring a warp form the stern while im still going backwards and forwards and rod is trying to hold on station. We are now getting close to the dutch barge. Alex throws the line to Rod. Shes not given herself enough slack an it falls short. she tries again. misses again....AGHHHHHHHHH "As quick as you like" shouts i in my trying to appear calm yet athoritative...Third attempt.
    Its a .......MISS!!!!!!!
     
    Last option open to me before we become jammed in a 30' gap with a 50' MFV beam on. I shout ( I have to shout over the noise of the wind and engine) to neil and Ludwig.....yes, hes still there on deck watching all this going on probably thinking what the hell are these fools doing.....i shout to them to get the large ball fenders and my last and only option while alex is still trying to lassoo Rod is to put the nose into the old concrete wharf hoping that Neil and Ludwig could do the biz with the fenders and the tide and wind would then push the stern while i held the stem onto the wharf. Well it worked and gave alex enough time to make her final throw and connect with rod and the stern swung over to port which was fendered off nicely by neil, But being an old no longer used wharf having seen better days it managed to scrape a 2' scratch on the port bow. not even the rubbing band but the bloody planks.
     
    Once the nose was through the wind it was plain sailing , we waved a very greatfull farewell to Rod and set revs to 600 giving me 5 knts over the ground to navigate the shallows of otterham creek. The Crew and Ludwig came inside the wheelhouse, all rather soggy for some reason and i said " well, that was different" A pen bounced off me nut
     
    On the way back to Chatham, Ludwig came back up from below and cheerfully announced that the deck was no longer leaking......Well, of course it wasnt.......if id thought about it, It always leaks when in dry dock cause shes sitting on her keel and all the planks and seems are out of shape. You cant even close the internal doors due to the way the wood settles. It not till she refloats that everything fits back into place tut!!!!
     
    So, I managed to show my prospective buyer how not to leave drydock in heavy weather. How to forget something as basic as having a bow line ready. and how to scratch the paint work in one easy move. He aint gonna by this:(
     
    As I was re-connecting the electric back at the pontoon, Ludwig sidled up to me and said, "well done on coming in here, we never even felt like we touched. i think she handles lovely" I guess and old sea dog has seen many things and knows when someone is trying to impress him but making a right pigs ear of it, but when not trying to impress just does things as they should be done.
     
    I WANT TO GET BACK ON THE CANALS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  19. saltysplash

    2AM

    By saltysplash,

    Its 2am and im sitting here waiting for high tide. Why? i hear you ask....do i hear?....nope...oh bugger im on me own
     
    Because, Tomorrow/today we will be picking up keys for Lady Elgar yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
     
    so i have spent most of the day disconecting and packing stuff and things from Emblem and trundling the trolly up and down the pontoon to the car. However, the reason im waiting for the tide is, at the end of the pontoon there is a ramp which obviously rises and falls with the tide and after pushing and struggling all day with the bloody trolly up the ramp, im waiting for it to be almost levelso i can do the last 2 trips with almost no effort as the ramp should be level.
     
    Items left to go to the car....
     
    all the contents of my wardrobe and drawers, 4 ropes to replace the old greenified ropes currently on board and tv/satelite dish and cables plus 2 folding camp chairs for our evening BBQ's planned during our inaugral trip...so yep i recon 2 trips with the trolly will do it.
     
    Its not easy planning your daylight life around your finishing nights life but i think we'll get by
     
     
    So...Its all sorted... John currer will be doing the handover on friday morning and then its all hands to the pumps to bring Lady Elgar back upto scratch to be a home and boat both Nora and self are proud of...Actually im already proud of her.....is that Nora or Lady Elgar?......not saying cause i know swmbo is watching
  20. saltysplash

    Finally onboard

    By saltysplash,

    Finally picked up the keys thursday afternoon and plonked ourselves on board although didnt unpack anything as the cleaning needs to be attacked first.
    Not knowing the condition the batteries would be in i switched on the Heart interface charger and left em to it for a few hours. As suspected they were shot at. The charger was so busy trying to charge them that they started to boil. so it was switches off and a trip around Berkshire on saturday trying to find 4 110 lesuire batts. Much harder job then you'd think.
     
    500 quid later and we now have decent batts and the interface is doing a proper job of looking after them.
     
    Inbetween battery hunting we have been busy cleaning inside and out. So far the roof is being the problem, Cant seem to shift the grime without mega amounts of scrubbing with hard brush, so first trip out this morning will be to try and find some kind of cleaner which will make life slightly easier. Was considering cillit bang but not sure if i might end up damaging the paintwork? Might be ok if i rinse off straight away but not overly happing with it draining into the canal. maybe i'll read the bottle and see what it says.
     
    Not even tried to sort the stove out yet. Managing to heat the cabin with a couple of oil radiators during the evenings. The stove door is really difficult to closed which in turn i think has cracked the glass in the door. I think ill be digging out all the old fire rope and replacing. Also the stove itsself is full and i mean full of ash and half burnt fuel. I guess the previous owner mustve left in a hurry.
     
    So, still hope to set sail tuesday all being well. Jobs for today. shopping. more roof cleaning. stove. and then play with the engine.
     
    Every one at Iver very freindly.
  21. saltysplash

    safely home

    By saltysplash,

    And so we arrived back at Iver yesterday afternoon after 9 days cruising up to the Wendover Arm and back.
     
    Came across a couple of Forum members on the trip, Magnetman at Lady Capels lock and Chris JW up on the tring summit. Pity we didnt have time to stop proper to say hello but was very nice putting faces and boats to members names.
     
    Nora soon got into working the locks with gusto and with very few errors, except one or two that i should really mention. I always have a little smile as i see her approach the lock and mentally run through the procedure in her head, even to looking ahead if the lock is against us to see if any boats are approaching. One of my favourite moments was when we heading back down towards Hemel, she jumped off and went to the lock which was set against us, with one of the bottom gates open. She duly closed the gate and then to my surprise began to open the bottom paddle!! After a couple of seconds the light bulb above her head suddenly came on and she dropped the bottom paddle and returned to the top gates to do commence filling. As i chugged into the lock her cheeky grin showed she knew what i was going to say and she said " i was just testing to make sure the paddle worked"
     
    She did sometimes take saftey to the extreme such as when filling an empty lock she still waited before the lock was half full before opening the gate paddles
     
    I was no better on occaisions, Normally when working the locks i tend to put the nose in and Nora decamps off the bow. i then float around mid channel till the lock is ready. Saves holding her into the bank and faffing with ropes. Made a complete pigs ear of it at winkwell lock though going up towards the swing bridge. Nora off the bow as usual and me concentrating more on rolling an oily rag and not noticing drifting forward towards the bywash and emptying lock. Bywash catches the bow and Lady Elgar is off on a dance of her own swinging happily towards the moored boats with me making embarrassing reverse and forward manouvers with the engine in an attempt to control the swing, avaid boats and get myself lined up again...and light the fag.
     
    All part of growing up and being British.
     
    The weather those last 9 days has been absolutly lovely and it was quite a surprise that there was so little traffic around. Not 1 lock did we have the pleasure of sharing till we approached cowroast then shared with a very nice couple who had been down to the smoke and enjoyed a bit of police action around camden lock area when they swooped en masse on a gathering of youths.
     
    At the last lock we shared with them they let us go first as they were going to stop and do some more cleaning. There was a boat waiting to come down. Nora had already established that they wanted both gates left open as they didnt wish to scratch their paintwork so it was quite a surprise that as exited the steerer decided she was going to go into the lock before our 2nd boat had exited.. how strange.
     
    Once at Cowroast we topped up with water and deposited our elsen and then paid quick visit to the marina chandlery. Needed some stove paint to cover the fire cementing i had done earlier, some more elsen blue and Nora wanted a longer shafted windlass with rotating handle as by now her fairy liquid hands were beguining to suffer.
     
    We then plodded on towards bulbourne intending either (depending on the time) to tie up at bulbourne and visit the Junction arms or turn left on to the Wendover Arm. I favoured the latter as the last time i had done this arm was in a small Microplus 2 berth GRP boat with a 6hp 2 stroke evinrude way back in the early 80's.
     
    It was just as narrow as i recall but what a lovely little waterway it is. Nora was very concerned that we would get to the end and have to pull LE all the way back but i kept maintaining..."the book says it can be done" not really knowing if i trusted the book or not. Finally chugged past Tringford pumping station and onto the newly restored section round to little tring farm where we turned in the full length windly windly hole and moored up for the night and BBQ.
     
    BTW after all the debate as to winding holes being pronounced one way or another i have decided to call them 'Windly (as in weather) Windly (as in clocks) Holes.
     

     

     

     
    The Lovely Wendover Arm
     
    Anyone remember the days of having to push the heavy Winkwell swing bridge open by hand and then having to turn that wheel a thousand times to close it? Well since mechanisation the Bridge was again suffering electrical problems and the Waterways had restricted its use to certain times so monday saw us arrive at the Bridge at 11am and wait till Midday for the Waterways chaps to come along and do the buisiness.
     

     
    No problems getting through as the BWB chaps arrived well on time and worked the bridge for us. A lady and a young girl in life jackets then came running up the towpath towards the bridge. Apparantly they were the advance party of a boat that had got delayed and werehopingto pursuade the BWB chaps to keep the bridge working pending their boats arrival otherwise the next working woulnt be till 4 oclock.
     
    All in all an excellent first trip for us both. Nora had acouple of attempts at steering but she isnt too happy and maybe a few more go's will give her a little more confidence
    We ate well in the Coy Carp at Coppermill lock and also at The Swan and Bottle just below Uxbridge Lock. The boat performed very well as did the engine although i will be changing the oil and filters now we are back. Filled up with fuel at Harefield and found we had only used 43 litres in 8 days. Not bad at all.
    The Paloma is still dripping so thats my first job today when Nora finally gets up...Bit of a late session last night.
     
    Other jobs now we are safely back are to clean and reseal the Classic stove in the BMC and then attenpt to light it...Am told they are not as easy as the Morso.
    Sort out the Sky dish on a suitable pole and properly secure the telly on the shelf.
    Make further attempts to clean the roof and cleanout the coal locker and vactan the rust as recommended in the survey....think also the gas locker is in need of that as well.
     
    some pics of the journey
     

     

     

     

     

  22. saltysplash
    Its half ten Sunday morning and im sitting in front of this machine instead of doing stuff and fings.
     
    Am Currently round at Swmbo's mothers as she (swmbo) is cat sitting for a couple of weeks and i was dragged round yesterday to put up a new garden shed however, its raining, and its that fine rain, you know, the stuff that gets you wet through.
     
    Its all a bit annoying as there is plenty of stuff to be getting on with on Lady Elgar such as oil change, fuel filter change, re black the stoves, try and fix the leaking Paloma.
    Actually coming over here suited us last night as i have just finished converting the 2 single berths into a cross double. A huge cross double and yesterday afternoon was spent staining the new wood to blend in with the old so an overnight drying was certainly needed. So the new bed is now 6'2"x 6' we'll have to pop over to Ikea for those extra huge quilts that they do.
    The only downside of the new bed is, in its folded down ready to snooze position there is no way through to the rear of the boat which will block the access to the heads for any guest staying in the BMC over night but i figured it will be mainly ourselves on board so thats a minor factor really and nothing which cant be sorted with a suitable bucket
     
    Oh dear, Blue sky over yonder roof tops, looks like shed building may be upon me soon.
     
    I finally got round to sweeping the flue of the classic stove in the BMC and have had her fired up on a couple of occaisions.
    It seems to enjoy puffing smoke out of its top plates for the first few minutes resulting in the back doors needing to be opened but then it settles down once the pipe warms up and the updarft is better. It does warm the BMC and engine room up nicely and so far not even registered on the CO detector i fitted which is good news indeed.
     
    Yep, deffo stopped raining. time to get the drill out.
     
    Swmbo is still knocking out the Zeds in bed which is a bit cheeky considering it was her idea to build the new shed for mumsie tut. Back to work again tuesday so that only leaves me with monday to faff with the engine, and also Iron me shirts for work. Bugger! also remembered i need to buy an ironing board. See, there just isnt enough hours in the day and days off work just fly by while work days just drag by
  23. saltysplash

    wot! no swmbo

    By saltysplash,

    Its been a quiet kinda few days. Nora is at her mums looking after Harry and ive been here trying to fit too many jobs in at one go not not really getting any of them done except the huge bed.
     
    Today was back to work day after 6 days off...mmmm nice init, but what of those six days?
     
    I started the conversion on the bed the previous week and thought id done a damn'd ggod job till it came to folding it all away and found id made it far too heavy. Im not the best wood worker and i still fear to place any pics of the work as my efforts are nothing compared to trevors work. So, the pull out section i had devised with supports and legs was just so heavy to slide back into place while trying to hold aloft an also heavy mattress that i had to devise plan B. Plan B was to fit hinges to the slide out panel which would then be secured vertical with the matresses and bedding behind it. Swmbo not at all happy with this arrangement as she was looking forward to a sofa style area to slouch on during the day. so plan B soon became plan C and with the addition of a lifting handle and drop down legs, the panel now folds flat, back on its self and is much more user frendly and swmbo still gets her lounging/reading position. Plus, the panel and mattress doesn't press up against the radiator so am more than happy with it, apart from the amature way it looks.
     
    ps we now have some fantastic huge storage under the bed which we didnt have before
     
    so that was six days. No change of the oil and filters, no change of the fuel filters and no washing of the port side which has been waiting since we moved aboard.....starboard side done within the first few days.
     
    I did however manage to have a go at the classic range in the boatmans cabin. Chimney swept and stove hoovered out. Trevor had warned me that the stove is kinda tempremental when trying to light so i used my tried and trusted method of lighting the squirrel and put some kindling in, a few coals on top then a firelighter in the ashpan and awayit went.
     
    A few puffs of smoke esacaped from the top plates (its a top loader) and eventually with some opening and shutting of stern doors and flue vents i kinda got a reasonable balance. Was fully expecting the new CO alarm i put in the BMC to start singing away at me but it remained at zero, and once the coal was well and truly working i was able to shut the rear doors and the place was an oven.
     
    Next day i re blacked the stove pipe and rusty bits to see how it spruced up and it looks bloody good. Will reblack the complete sh'bang next oppotunity.
     
    Just had a text off me mate in wales, turns out he's just bought a 10th of a share in an old clinker boat....no further dets so will have to arrange with swmbo to let me do a visit to gods own country to view this said 10th of whatever it is he has purchased. mmmmm hot tub and ale
  24. saltysplash

    Emblem

    By saltysplash,

    Did indeed meet up with Ludwig and Tamara for sunday lunch and a discussion over the old tub.
     
    As mentioned previously the survey was carried out some weeks ago so has been quite a while before they finally go back to me.
     
    Anyway, Lunch was at the Black Horse Iver Heath and went down rather well and didnt have to pay a thing as Ludwig insisted on it being his treat. Mind you, i have to admit that all through the meal i was wishing we could get down to the nitty gritty. Not very gracious of me
     
    So, pudding arrives and Ludwig announces he will go for a walk while we talk about Emblem, 'ello' finks i, 'sounds like he dont wanna hear whats coming'
     
    Sure enough, the survey, while explaining what a classic heavily framed and wonderful example of the scottish fishing boat she is, mentioned how sound she was below the water line and above, as far as the frame heads on the starboard side behind the water tank....they aint rotten, they aint damp, but they could do with some new fixings to prevent deck leaks. her deck has leaked at various points for the 10 years ive known her.
     
    So the long and short of it was, we negotiated a price to take into account any work they would have to do the starboard frame heads. shook hands and went outside to find Ludwig.
     
    We then spent the next hour looking at his photo albums of his trip to Australia and back in 1950 in a 1930's London Taxi. He really does have a fantastic story to tell. Really hope someday he manages to put it into writing.
     
    So I then had a mad dash to Sutton to meet Nora as we were due at the Spread Eagle in Croydon to meet up with some ex-work chums for the evening...What a great feeling, Copious amounts of Fullers London pride and the warm knowledge that the old girl had finally sold.
     
    Going down to Chatham on Tuesday to remove the last of me bits then its hand over day on Wednesday not sure if im glad or not really She has been such a major part ofmy life for 10 years along with all the fantastic folk who ive crew'd with and then have been my crew.
     
    Think ill sort out a few Sherberts in the King George V tuesday night to send the old girl off.
     
    Oh well. time for bed. 1 more night to go before days off
  25. saltysplash

    Single Boat owner

    By saltysplash,

    She has finally gone. Am sitting here with a bankers draft in me pocket about to set off for the bank to pay it in.
     
    Spent all of yesterday showing Ludwig all of Emblems systems, seacocks and going through the engine starting routine. He was very busy with his notepad and doing lots of little diagrams.
     
    So thats another chapter of ones life closed.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.