Trip to swarkestone

Took the boat to swarkestone and back this lunchtime. Pretty uneventful apart from the paloma has another small leak - might be able to put some putty in the crack but it is difficult to get at. Might cut some of the casing away with metal shears to allow finger entry.
Boat ran ok - the offside trees have been cut below stenson lock - why do the cart workers leave their boats on the lock landing making it difficult for the hire boaters to lock at what is a very challenging and busy lock.

Rain hat fitted

Here we go - hopefully this will keep the chimney lining dry as the fire cement has fallen off due to the damp. Bought some new cement - black colour but thinking of making some metal covers over the exposed fire cement

Anchor rope and chain

Bought some of eBay - I will never learn - too thin - will use mooring rope if I ever need to!

Jobs done today

Managed to get to the boat at last - jobs done this morning - fitted the planters to the front of the boat - cut some wood to fill them. Fitted two of the small shelves in the cabin - full of clutter already. Filled the coal bucket and wood box on the boat - ready to rumble now! Will take the boat out this weekend.

Cart contractors

Cart contractors out on the t & m nr Findern with a small aluminium tender and chainsaw cutting offside overhanging branches - bet the wild life people won't be happy as the moorhens nest in there. Still the pristine condition of the paintwork of the 'designer' wide beam boats that occasionally leave Mercia marina for a few hours is more important than wildlife!

ordered two planters for the front of the boat

i have ordered two planters for the front of the boat to store wood and coal - will update when fitted, i have had them modified to double height and painted green to match the boat, also adding lids to keep the rain out.
the aluminium box on the front of the boat is not suitable as it covers the water filler cap, blocks the view from inside the boat and makes it difficult to moor up as it covers the front deck.

The Trent

View of the Trent out of my office window - note the concrete flood barrier - there are also enormous pumps to take water away from the industrial estate / the river can rise 3 meters after heavy rain.
Hope to take this route to Newark in the summer