2nd March 2009
Dotterel has left the marina,we were blown sideways down most of it until we got to the wide bit and could back off enough to get the bows round! The repaired water pump is working fine and doesn't leak I've also insulated the pipes in the engine bay feeding the hot water tank so we are not trying to heat up the outside world. Met a friend of ours at the marina so that was nice. We spent the first night between Napton and Braunston
The second day was pleasant but a bit cold. We visited Braunston (and actually found space on the visitor moorings) for a pint at the Plough and chips from the chippy. Then on to Hillmorton, we've turned round with only an eight point turn, moored and visited the Royal Oak for an evening meal. Then it was about half a mile in the dark down the twopath back to the boat. Around 7.30 a light came round the corner and we realised that someone was sailing through the night. We imagined a pair of working boats heading south with a delievery to make. It slowly crept toward us and as it passed the pair of boats turned out to be a 30ft tub Still we exchanged pleasantries with the steerer and settled in for the night.
We had a nice trip back from Hillmorton, stopping at Braunston for 2 pints of Mild (for me) and a bottle of Magners (for 'er). It was pretty cold but sunny.
There were some interesting new edge supports.
We also saw the progress on Lucy, there were some signs telling people not to take anything. It seems a shame that they are necessary.
We made it into the Marina in one go and even got in backwards onto the pontoon despite the wind. We woke up the next door neighbour as we touched, ever so gently, his boat. He didn't seem to mind and congratulated us on a backward entrance in the wind.
Cheers Graham
