Saturday 9th November
My prediction that there would be no window of opportunity to paint was correct as the only day with decent weather was last Monday and we had to move to Saul before the bridges shut on Tuesday. Since then it has rained nearly all the time or there have been gale force winds – or both!
We have basically spent the last week travelling between Gloucester and Saul and back to Gloucester. While we were in Saul we filled up with diesel and got a new gas cylinder. Our old gas cylinder had not quite run out but it was imminent so we changed it any way as it was easier to get one while we were in Saul rather than after we got in the marina.
Also while we were in Saul Ken left his new waterproof hat in The Bell! Unfortunately we didn’t realise this until he needed it when we were on the way back to Gloucester! Not quite sure how we are going to get it back any time soon.
This morning we moved from in front of the lightship, through Llanthony Bridge to the docks to wait for someone to show us in to Victoria Basin. As usual it was absolutely pissing down and we had a joke with the lock keeper because he had to come over from the lock to operate Llanthony Bridge for us, in the rain. Later he had to come over again to operate the Victoria swing bridge so we could get in to the basin. I did point out that it had actually stopped raining by this time!
We got settled into our winter mooring and arranged for the electric to be turned on. Paul from nb Oronsay came over and we had a chat before we went in to town. We did a bit of shopping then called in to The New Inn to watch the second half of the football.
When we got back to the boat the electric had been turned on so we went into ‘marina mode’ using the electric kettle and immersion heater and putting the battery charger on. I am looking forward to having a shower in the mornings and having the fan heater on in the bathroom when I come out!
I am also looking forward to the arrival of my new washing machine and tumble drier on Monday. Ken has partially dismantled the old machine so we can at least get it out through the hatch now! The new one is a lot smaller so it shouldn’t be a problem to get in. We have got to get rid of the freezer as well to accommodate the tumble drier on top of the washing machine. Small box freezer anyone?
We have decided to do a few trips away this winter, to break the monotony, so in addition to the trip to Southampton we have already planned we have booked a 3 night dinner, bed and breakfast trip to Weston Supermare in December. A similar visit to Torquay is on the cards for January. Then we have to decide what to do for my milestone birthday in February.
After that it will be time to go travelling again, river levels permitting of course!
