Yesterday (Friday) the weather was not as bad as we had been led to believe by the forecast. It was quite bright and a bit warmer than the day before although it was a bit windy. However, instead of doing the second coat of paint we actually moved to Branston.
Firstly we had to stop at Shobnall marina to get water, empty the loo and buy a gas bottle and a couple of bags of coal. Then we travelled the short distance to Branston, losing a bit of new paint on the side of Branston Lock due to wind conditions!
We are moored in the ‘dead tree’ mooring and until late this afternoon we were Billy no Mates again. Now there are a further 4 boats here with us.
Back to yesterday. After mooring we had to get back to Willington to collect the mail. This involved two buses, one from Branston to Burton and another from Burton to Willington. Then when we got to Willington and picked up the mail we had to wait nearly an hour for the next bus back to Burton.
Where is there to wait for a bus in Willington? Oh yes – The Dragon! So we had one in there while we waited then went back to Burton.
The afternoon was really cold and very wet so we battened down the hatches and loafed about.
Today I wanted to inspect the damage to the paintwork. I have decided I must keep up with the remedial work because the more often you do it the easier it is. Paintwork is subject to being scratched, getting lumps knocked off in locks and during mooring and is often rubbed off by the fenders. Also the red can get blacking on it from the fenders so it is an permanently ongoing thing.
However, by the time I had cleaned the boat so I could see what was dirt and what was damage it was time to go to town for shopping and watching football. I was going to resume my duties this afternoon but by the time we got back it was pissing down again so I gave it a miss.
Maybe tomorrow ……………..!
