Spring

Only a few days now until we expect to set off on our first trip in 2011 - next Monday. We should have been leaving tomorrow (Christine has a Diocesan meeting this afternoon)  but on Sunday there is an installation of the first new lay canons in Truro Cathedral since Mike's. So, we thought it best to wait until Monday to set off.

We have been doing the usual winter boating things - mostly drooling over pictures (old ones of ours or other people's on the Internet.

Earlier in the year we visited Lower Heyford and discussed the schedule of works which we wanted the boatyard to complete before the start of the season. One or two - including a formidable front door locking bar - were already done but the main item was bottom blacking and a full re-paint of the superstructure. However, the harsh winter conditions put the boatyard behind schedule and they could not promise the painting for perhaps as much as a couple of weeks later than we wanted. Since there are uncertainties over our diaries beyond that fortnight, we decided to put off the painting - may be even try and find somewhere else that could do it whilst the boat is out on its summer perambulations. At least the bottom will be OK and also we are hoping to do the Huddersfield - Rochdale ring. The long tunnel is notorious for taking paint of roofs and sides so it may be wiser to wait until after we have completed that part of our journeys.

We have also purchased some new foam mattress material which Andrew thinks should make the second beds a bit more comfortable and we plan to use an eyelet maker to convert the fleece covers more easily secured than with the safety pins hitherto.

We have ordered two modifications to the stern area - one to provide an additional storage shelf next to the steerer and the other a step up to the roof (we are getting a bit stiff these days!)

nb Epiphany is still reporting that it is at Banbury - there is a stoppage just south of the town which we hope will clear this weekend! Perhaps we shall pass them again when we set off.

Mike has spent some time modifying his Canal Map program so that the route and GPS data is overlaid onto maps - he eagerly awaits the opportunity to see it working in real time!

Setting up the laptop ready for the off revealed a small hurdle - the top up by credit card needed details of new card to be entered - the existing one had expired and been replaced. However, 3 seem to take up to a week to clear the credit . . .