Wednesday 24th April
Well, we have indeed done something useful today, surprise, surprise. As it was so hot in the boat yesterday afternoon and evening I didn’t make the fire up before we went to bed last night. Consequently it went out over night, providing us with a perfect opportunity to sweep the chimney.
Before doing the chimney we collected a few containers full of water to top up our supply. We could have reversed through the lift bridge and round to the tap but it was easier to use the containers. Anyway it would have been just our luck to find our mooring taken when we came back if we did that!
Ken swept the chimney and I cleaned the fire out. Then I did some of the subsequent cleaning of the interior of the boat which had somehow become coated in a thick layer of soot!
As I had to light the fire again later (we are such wimps and can’t do without it) I needed kindling. We had a couple of pieces of wood waiting to be made into such and Ken set to sawing and chopping. Unfortunately he managed to saw or chop (I don’t know which) his finger as well, bless!
A short walk to The Jolly Boatman was in order after all this activity and we sat outside for a while. Returning to the boat I finished the interior cleaning, much to Ken’s chagrin as he was trying to have his afternoon nap!
Ironing and packing are on the agenda tomorrow followed by a walk to Kidlington – to go to the pub and the shop I shouldn’t wonder!
