Back to normal

It's been a great couple of weeks seeing close family who we haven't seen for ages because we live so far away. But it's also nice in a different way to get back to the boat for a full weekend rather than just a day, which for the past 2 weeks has been the case.

So we ran round this morning, then went shopping, then came to the boat, (cheesy grin). Tried out the central heating on the timer & it's fine, (another cheesy grin).

I'm going to go & read some of the blogs from other canal boating folks now. There's 258 new entries in my "RSS unread feeds" inbox because I just haven't had chance to look at them!

I’ve got my own blog up to date now, so I'm happy with that. I'll probably have to wade through other folks stories in small doses because it’s a bit like reading a good book!

Over & out...

A sad farewell

Today we all got up at 5am to say our goodbye's, it was very sad, Dave took Liam & Maddy to Manchester airport to catch their flight back to Germany. It's a shame they only had such a short stay due to their work commitments. And also that 2 out of 5 days were spent travelling! But we made the most of the other 3, packed with things to do as a family it was really nice.

As a mum the "maternal instinct" has set in & I've felt very "flat" since they left which isn't like me at all, but it can't be helped I guess. Looking on the positive side, they're both happy with their lives & that's all that counts really isn't it? I'm glad Dave took today off work, I needed some hugs!

When Dave got back from the airport, he said there was something wrong with the power steering on the car, a couple of times in the past few days he'd felt it go "heavy" for a few moments. Then he went out to the shop & when he got back, it had gone completely...

So he carefully drove it to the dealership & stayed while they did some tests, it turned out to be a faulty sensor of some sort, they ordered a new one & kept the car overnight. It's still under warranty, so no charge of course. Thank goodness it didn't happen last week when we were in Devon, or even on the way TO the airport today, PHEW...!

Summer sales, & a nice walk to our fav pub

We left the marina at lunch time, yet another glorious day (though it's all set to change tomorrow). Dave's taken today & tomorrow off work, so we came back to the house from the boat, & we had a full agenda for the rest of Liam & Maddy's last day here!

In the afternoon we took them shopping to Deepdale retail park in Preston. Maddy & I browsed the clothes shops while Liam & Dave went in the sports shops. Liam bought some new football stuff because he's playing for the Corps when the season starts, so he wanted all the best gear!

Meanwhile we bought a few bits & pieces in the sales, wow there's some bargains to be had out there because of the "big squeeze".

After tea we took them both for a walk along the Leeds Liverpool canal. We parked the car at the end of a disused "offshoot" of the canal. It's really strange to see a canal just come to a full stop, but it’s very pretty there.

Apparently many years ago it was intended to be a connecting canal which would carry on to Preston, but after starting the job it was later abandoned because of the cost. It's now populated by fishermen & ducks only! Still, it's a beautiful walk & joins the Leeds Liverpool canal further up. Eventually you come to a bridge with a walkway up to a country road & a pub called "The Malt House" which has a lovely decked area at the back looking straight onto the canal. The whole area is very beautiful & rural, it's where Dave & I used to walk & dream about our future, before we ever set eyes on TT.

Again it was another beautiful evening, we stayed at the pub & sat outside for quite some time having a good laugh about all sorts. Then we slowly walked back & fed the ducks, I took half a loaf of bread in my handbag & they gobbled it all...!

A day trip out on TT

With the weather on our side for yet another day we set off early & took Liam & Maddy to TT this morning. Then we took them for a sail down the Rufford Branch, to just before Tarleton where there's a convenient winding hole to turn round in.

 

We had a great time & Liam was a natural at steering the boat, he even drove us round a curve in the canal. It was very successful for a first attempt. [Took me a while practicing on the straight bits before trying that.] Quote: “It’s nothing like driving a car is it dad?”

 

At the winding hole we met a couple who told us they were in the process of having a widebeam built, so he was very interested in watching TT doing an about turn!

 

Liam & Maddy at the front of the boat, it's so quiet out there, you can't even hear the engine running...

 

Maddy...

 

Son & Father...

Captain for a day...

 

Reserve Captain & Captain's mate!

Father & son again, with the reserve Captain at the helm...

When we got back to the marina & moored up, we all sat at the back of the boat & chilled out, then we had some tea out there, & chilled out again…! At about 8.30pm Dave took Liam & Maddy back to the house so they could have some time alone. Meanwhile we stayed at the boat overnight.

We were amazed by how much they had enjoyed their trip out. Liam said today that he thought it would be boring, & admitted that he couldn't have been more wrong. He really appreciated the canal boating community spirit, & could see the appeal.

He originally had some doubts when we announced we were making the slow transition from house to boat. It’s so nice that someone in their mid-twenties can now understand it, & Maddy was in total agreement. What a great day we all had...

"Close family only" day!

The sun is still shining on the righteous (!) So we all sat outside again today, later on we had a BBQ & invited my mum & dad over. It's a shame there couldn't be more of us really but there's so many friends & family on holiday at the moment it's not possible. Those who’re away were all sorry (in advance) that they wouldn't be able to see both Liam & Maddy, & to send their love instead.

As it turned out we all agreed that perhaps it was best that there was only the 6 of us, it was Maddy's first introduction to any of our family, & she might've been a bit overwhelmed if all the gang was here at once! She speaks really good English, whilst Liam's German is not "zer goot" (?) He's done a basic course & finds that right now he can understand more than he can speak!

Liam & Maddy...

After we'd polished off the BBQ's offerings & eaten our way through a cheesecake (my mum's contribution, & very nice too). Maddy had asked before they got here to see some photos of Liam & the “kids” when they were little. So I brought my HUGE storage basket of “shiny” photos from the boat, there must be 3000+ in there. (No exaggeration), & it takes hours to go thru them. They're all from the days before digital, & they mean so much. Flippin’ hilarious too. 

 

Ahem, I left all Liam's drawings from primary school at the boat. I bet he doesn't even know they've been saved forever. I'll have to embarrass him with them another time.

 

We sat talking till quite late, it was really special, 7 months is a long time…

More catching up

We're back to gorgeous weather again, so we sat outside in the back garden in glorious sunshine. Liam & Maddy had chance to visit other members of the family, & also Dave when he got up. He was working last night so they only spoke on the phone.

After tea they went out with some of Liam's friends, he keeps in touch with them on MSN, so there was quite a crowd! It's nice to see him so settled with his job & with Maddy, even if he is based in Germany… Oh & it's Maddy's first time in England too…!

Grand re-union at last!

Being as one job creates another (for me anyway) I was still catching up with even more mundane tasks today! Liam & Maddy were supposed to be arriving at the house for either 11.30pm or 2.00am, yes I’ve got those times right. It all depended on which train they arrived in time for at the airport.

Liam rang to say they'd managed to catch the earlier one. Meanwhile I'd just finished ironing at 10.00pm & they walked in half an hour later, what a surprise, they were an hour early! And PHEW, I managed to make it look like I'd gone to no trouble at all!

After meeting & greeting, we sat down & had a big conversation that lasted into the early hours. Maddy is a really nice person, she'd even brought presents for everyone with her. It's so great to be able to talk face to face after months of emails & BLOG reading only. We still had lots of news to catch up on…!

Hilda Ogden without the head scarf

Well yesterday & today I spent washing, ironing & cleaning at this (almost) bare house that’s up for sale with good reason. It’s still got all the furniture, but cupboards drawers, the whole lot are empty, except for the kitchen. It’s like a show home, so it had to be important for me to put so much effort in, away from the boat!

And this is why: Liam’s on leave from the Army at the moment & he's bringing his German girlfriend Maddy (Madelene) with him for 5 days to stay here. They arrive tomorrow, & it's the first time we've had chance to see him in 7 months!!!!

One of my friends calls a full cleanup "topping & bottoming the house" it always makes me laugh when I hear that. So with feather duster in hand, I shall continue where I left off...

Laiyla Mae's Christening Day

Another gorgeous day...

Breakfast at the hotel is 8am - 8.45am, so we got up early (even though we we could've done with a lie in). Basil & his wife are really nice people, they gave us a very warm welcome, if we ever make the journey again, this is where we'd stay.

I think because the hotel itself reminded me so much of Fawlty Towers from the outside – it has such character (the real hotel that was used for the series isn't far from here), I got this scene from the series going through my head which went something like:

Basil: (In the dining room) "And what would you like for breakfast today madam?" Reply - "Just cereal please".
Basil: (In the kitchen) "Those miserable twits at table 8, only having cereal, I mean what's wrong with my Full English Breakfast Special, not good enough for them is it? Just who do they think they are?"
Sybil: (Whilst filing nails) "Behave yourself Basil & leave those people alone."
Basil: (Says thru gritted teeth) "Of course dear, anything for my little nest of vipers..." Then he walks back out wearing the sickly grin again and says, "Here's some complimentary toast madam, enjoy.”
Classic comedy wasn't it?!

Anyway, to get back to the Christening, we went & parked up in Brixham, then walked up a steep hill, the angle of which must've been 90 degrees (well, nearly). So by the time we got to the church my posh shoes were KILLING me, as was the case for all the ladies wearing heels. All we could hear going in was "I wish I hadn't worn these shoes."

Laiyla Mae, was very good, no crying, no upset, just a cheeky grin & a fascination with what was going on (bless), then we took a load of photos like you do. But it was so dark in the church, some turned out rubbish which is a bit naff.

 

However, after doing some major surgery on them using my laptop there was an improvement, but they've lost some quality in the process, (typical). So I've tried to post those which don't show everyone with purple faces.

Proud parents with Laiyla Mae pondering on whether she was being taken for a swim...!

 

Dave with his 2 sons Danny, (Laiyla Mae's dad) & Neil...

4 Generations...

After the church service some of us went for a walk round Brixham town centre browsing round the shops, then we went back to Danny & Fran's house for a lovely buffet. We spent the afternoon outside in the back garden because it was so warm, both the company & the weather!

Grandad Dave with a little angel...

Neil & Tereza's son Jake...

Later on Dave & I wanted to see the harbour, something to do with being drawn to boats & water I think! This is a photo of the Cutty Sark...

 

Views taken whilst walking round the harbour...

We stopped off for a meal in a restaurant which overlooked the harbour & we saw the lifeboat come in whilst we were there. When we came outside there was a service of remembrance to the brave lifeboat crews everywhere. We stayed & listened, it was quite moving really, some people were in tears...

 

Another walk round the other side of the harbour & a beautiful sunset...

Later on we went back to the hotel, parked the car & walked down to the "local pub" for a drink & a laugh with the some of the “Christening crowd.”

PS: A message for Danny, Fran & the girls, thanks for a lovely day from both of us…!

A long journey. Listen to your Sat Nav (lesson learned)

We're going to a Christening tomorrow in Devon. So we’re setting off today, & staying in a hotel for 2 nights seeing as it's so far away, almost 300 miles! We had to get an early start because we knew traffic would be bad, first Saturday of the school summer holidays is motorway madness.

And sure enough, congestion made it slow going, but hey we were moving, till we got to the M5. The Sat Nav warned us an hour in advance, "STANDING TRAFFIC AHEAD, RECALCULATE ALTERNATE ROUTE?" (Small discussion ensued). "Well, nah, it'll have cleared by the time we get there" so CANCEL was entered.

Half an hour later we heard "STANDING TRAFFIC AHEAD, ESTIMATED TIME HALF AN HOUR. RECALCULATE ALTERNATE ROUTE?” (Another small discussion) "Nah it'll be clear when we get there" so CANCEL was entered again, I think it gave up after that.

Precisely a half our later, as informed, we were sat still. There'd been an 8 car pile up ahead, & people were out of their cars they'd been sat there so long. OOPS WE SHOULD'VE LISTENED...
Dave came off at the next exit, then went back on, so we gained a few feet which wasn't very productive, but there you go.

Eventually we were moving again, & we landed at the hotel about 6pm totally knackered! We chose this hotel just because it looked a lot like Fawlty Towers. And as we discovered the next day it even had Basil running it, right down to every mannerism except the moody stuff, hmm, interesting.

We booked in, dropped off our cases, & then went round to Danny & Fran's house (the proud parents). Baby Laiyla Mae is beautiful & she's a little miracle too, born premature due to complications she weighed 3lbs & was on life support. But she battled thruogh bless her, & now she's at the "smiley / giggly stage". Ah...

Dave with Laiyla Mae...

We stayed for a while at the house, sat outside because it was so warm, then drove back to the hotel. We took Neil, (Dave;s other son)Thereza & Jake with us because they were staying at the same hotel.

Then the guys went out for a drink while me & Thereza had a girlie "catch up," (in other words a right good old gossip) while Jake went to sleep. We haven't seen each other for ages, so we had lots to witter about…!

A new boiler at last!

I am very pleased to announce that at long last we have a new boiler, one that actually works, nay, exists that actually works!

After going months being messed about by somebody & learning a very costly lesson, today marks a milestone for us! We've waited for this day for ages, last week we rang a guy who was recommended to us direct from Webasto House. He's called Tom from "Mobile Boat Services" & within 7 days the job was sorted, now that's what I call service, & with a smile too!

So a big THANK YOU to Tom for rescuing us, we now have a brand new 5.5K Webasto boiler, that has something similar to a catalytic converter fitted to it, which filters the crap out of the red diesel before it reaches the burners, clever eh? This has saved us the extra hassle of going with kerosene (& the tank) that everyone’s discussing at the moment. But we’ve learned that it burns too hot, & isn’t recommended. Oh & he also connected it up to our (already present) 7 day timer, which is a bonus because the standard one doesn't do 7 days!

Highly Recommended Webasto Engineer:
Tom from Mobile Boat Services

And the Webasto Dealer Locator webpage helps you to find the top 10 Webasto Certified engineers in your area, (you only need to type in your town & post-code to get the results).

AND: Main Webasto marine homepage is here. 

MAY YOU NEVER BE STUCK FOR A RELIABLE WEBASTO ENGINEER AGAIN…!

Wasn't supposed to be here, but had to be

Well, we weren't going to bother coming to TT today because we're going to a Christening this weekend in Devon, almost 300 miles away! We're travelling there on Saturday & the Christening's on Sunday, so we've booked a hotel for 2 nights which means we don't have to rush around too much. [More about the hotel later!]

During the week we changed our minds though, (about not going to the boat). Because, what with the new boiler being fitted tomorrow, one of us has to be here. Dave's at work, so it has to be me, hey any excuse will do!

So, here I am as usual on a Thursday. The plan is that I will get ready & pack my case from here, & Dave will pick me up early Saturday morning for the journey to Devon...

When you can't find what you're looking for, give up & go to the pub!

There's a "Birds of Prey" centre somewhere near the marina, so off we went in the car, but could we find it? No. We ended up at Martin Mere! It was down that road somewhere, or so we thought.

Needless to say we gave up on that one & decided to try Rufford Old Hall, for a look round because we’ve only ever seen the grounds from the canal! But believe it or not, it was so busy we couldn't get on the car park. There was a big queue of cars trying to get in so turning round wasn't easy either! Must be because it's such a lovely day lots of folks had the same idea! (Too many).

So we went for a drink at the local pub instead. All was not lost…!

Surprise Boaty Blogspot visitors!

We were doing a bit of tidying up today when we heard a knock on the side of the boat, this is nothing new. We all go round tapping on each other's boats quite regularly, (maybe doorbells wouldn't go amiss!)

So I looked out & saw 2 strangers, apparently they'd asked Chris where we were, so she'd opened the security gate for them. They turned out to be Jon & Jan from Halfie's blog & it was so nice to meet the real people who's story I follow – just as they follow mine! They're also the first fellow "Boaty Bloggers" we've met, & they have shared ownership of a boat called "Shadow."

Whilst up this way for a break (by car, not boat) they decided to look up the real "Takey Tezey" so of course they got the full guided tour, (or Disney tours as we call it). Seriously though it's nice to know there's other folks out there besides family & friends who find my wittering's worth reading about...

Jon & Jan wanted to take a photo of us which was a very nice gesture, but I looked a bit like a chimney sweep at the time. I don't mind mooching about the marina in such a state, but there's a ban on photos at such times, & I didn't think they'd want to hang around while I did a makeover. So after a giggle or two about that, I took this lovely photo of them both together at the bow of the boat with a view of the island behind them...

Sorry it's taken a while for me to post this, we’ve been really busy recently. Places to go, people to see, in other words enjoyable chaos. But I said I would put this photo up in cyberspace, so there it is...

Well I'm always true to my word, if it’s taken a teensy bit longer than originally intended...

Quiet week - first one in ages!

This has been Dave's second week off work, time to relax after the Boat Festival! So we've stayed on the boat for a full 2 weeks now & it's been great, even with grotty weather these past few days. But I guess we shouldn't complain because it was sunny & warm for the Boat Festival - when it was predicted to be crap.

So I tried out my washer drier for the first time here at the boat, I usually take all the washing back to the house each week. Yet seeing as we've been at the boat for almost 2 weeks, it’s about time it was put to good use! Performance rating = 5 stars.

We also got out & about a bit (in the rain) & did a few odd jobs, today was the first day Dave could sit out to do any fishing since we got back. Meanwhile I caught up with some emails because it wasn't exactly warm enough to sit out front with him!

Also, we've arranged to have the boiler problem sorted. At long last we’ve found a highly recommended guy, who’s heard our story. He’s already been round to do an initial assessment, & is coming back next Friday (18th) to install a new 5.5K Webasto boiler. Can't wait, we've been messed about for too long now...

Ripped off good style

Today we met up with the rogue cowboy, he threatened to take us to court if we didn’t pay up. He also called me a “stupid bitch” for questioning the fact that.

• Months ago the problem occurred
• He came to diagnose & repair, which would give us enough time till we could afford a new one. No parts needed just a de-coke = £550 (!)
• It lasted 48 hours
• He recently stole it without our permission, & charged us an extra £200 for doing so

We couldn't be bothered with the hassle, there was nowhere to turn, so we paid up just to get rid. It took him 6 weeks to return our old boiler which we later sold for £50. Well every little helps!

Edit: A few months later he was kicked off the marina for ripping off too many people. Some of us have to learn the hard way, but what goes around comes around…

The boiler’s been stolen

What I didn’t mention on here was that before we went to the Preston Riversway Festival:

While we were at the house Dave got a text saying “Your boiler is now in my possession" from the cowboy who’s been telling us he’ll put it right since last time it went wrong – months ago.

We haven’t paid his bill of £550 for 48 hours use, because it’s  outrageous. He didn’t believe that’s all it lasted after he fiddled with it, but never came to the boat to check! So he’s stolen it & taken it to bits. Said he’s going to charge us for that too! What? We never asked him to do that.

We’re determined to sort this horrible situation this week & get someone we can trust to put a new boiler in. The right size that WORKS!

Don’t speak to me today, we’re at the end of our tether with this guy & have heard story after story of his exploitations with other folks. Too many to mention, & he’s not finished with us yet because of the small matter of the bill (for nothing) to settle.

We went to the festival & put this out of our minds, so we could enjoy our time there, but now it’s back to reality. What with the inverter problem, we have a crippled boat, & can only come here because it’s warm…

The journey home

I'm pleased to report that the trip home was uneventful, just Dave & me this time, no chaperone. The water was a bit choppier, so we stayed close to the other boats even though we felt a lot more confident. I steered us towards the estuary & beyond 5 mile perch, up the River Douglas. Wey Hey!

Tell you what though, we'll both have arm muscles like Popeye, because the resistance on the tiller was huge amongst those waves!

Setting off from the mooring at Preston Dock...

Heading into the lock...

 

A flotilla of boats coming out together, thought we'd stay out of "the race" if you could call it that...

Staying close...

Captain ME...

 

This isn't very clear, but these were all swans together on the River Douglas...

 

A better photo of 5 mile perch...

When we got back to St Mary’s marina, it was a case of get the canopy tops back on, meet & greet folks, then EAT! So Dave went out to get fish & chips for us. I'm not really that keen on them, but after a day out on the high seas it's like a luxury meal…!

Fun & Games!

Well there's still a bunch of stuff going on here today, Viking warrior canoes flying past (what a racket). The cox person was banging a drum for every stroke. So as you can imagine with 3 of these canoes going round & about all day, by about 4pm we were hoping their darn drums would either wear out or fall in the water...!

BANG CRASH BANG…

This was about the 40th time they'd gone past us...

 

I shouted “SMILE” & him on the right reminded me of Les Dawson…

 

 

Some poor folks had to go home today due to work commitments, (we're in no rush because Dave's got these 2 weeks off). Most of them stayed, & each gap that was created was soon filled by boats from the other side who had arrived late & missed out on moorings with electric hook up, so by the end of the day it looked like no-one had gone!

Ju & Fran arrived to collect the all important handbag (it got forgotten yesterday because Ju was plastered when they left). So they stayed for an hour, I thought the Sunday would be fairly quiet. But everything was still going strong including the fire brigade water rescue team!

Chris in the boat next door to us (on the other side) invited us to a disco / karaoke night with free buffet he'd organised at the Waterfront pub tonight. We had plans to go for an hour, so Dave & Alan took both cars back to St Mary’s. Then brought just ours back so Alan could bring Dave back on Monday to collect it, (yes it's complicated but it works).

Meanwhile, I got watching the Nadal V Federer Wimbledon final. The atmosphere in the docks took on an air of the footy cup final. Towards the end even those folks sat out on the pier had an eye on things. Above the racket I was making (excuse pun) I could hear folks shouting & chanting for each point Nadal won!

Dave got back before the match had finished & watched the last set, the way Nadal came back to win was awesome! Federer's a nice guy, but it was great to see someone else hold the trophy up.

Well after all that excitement, plus an early start tomorrow, neither of us was bothered going to the pub, we just sat & chilled & reflected on what a lovely time we'd had. When we arrived here 9 days ago we both wondered what the heck we were going to do for a week (before the festival started) in Preston.

But we managed to fill every minute of it, & quiet "chill out" time was relaxing rather than boring. I guess a large part of it’s because Preston marina isn’t near the middle of Preston. We could be anywhere, so it's easy to make plans to visit places without being stuck in traffic.

It was a great weekend too, with lots of really friendly people, most boats were from the Lancaster canal, a real nice bunch. Oh & a round of applause to the organisers who did a great job.

As a bonus we did really well with the weather, I mean the forecast for the north west was horrible for some days. Yet we had a lot of sunshine & warmth, there was only one cold & rainy day. I think it's because it’s right on the coast. Each day there was a distinct line of cloud in the distance & we were on the right side of it, we never thought we'd get this lucky all week though. Hmm, nice…

Saturday, Fun Day

We had some friends coming round today, we didn't know what time they were going to arrive & we'd woken up late, so we ended up doing the last minute "run-around" thing.

Our best mates Ju & Fran arrived at about 1pm, so we had some lunch, showed them round & went to browse round the craft stalls (which had only appeared this morning). Then we watched the jet ski displays, there were several throughout the course of the afternoon!

 

Too close for comfort…!

Later we saw a bit of "water rescue training mission" by the fire brigade, there was also a busy fairground, so we avoided that one! And the brass band that was on in the marquee at night, it was a pass on that one too!

The copper: Dave & Fran went off to look at the lock at one point, so me & Ju were sat outside nattering, & saw 2 policemen walking down the pier talking to folks. One even got a tour round a narrowboat.

So when they got near us I invited them on board to look round a widebeam, don't think it was part of the job description! Only one of them came to have a look (whilst the other declined the offer & stood guard at the back). He commented on how nice it was, & what warm friendly people we all are, (Ahhh).

Then Dave & Fran arrived back just as I was showing him round the bedroom........... Say no more........ I can honestly say I've never been stood in a bedroom with a policeman before, & I never heard the last of it all night! (Think my other half was quite taken aback there for a second or two!!)

Turned out PC Plod was quite difficult to get shut of because he came out on the back with us, & started prattling on about the state of the country today & how it was all Jeremy Kyle's fault. When he'd gone we all commented on what a barrel of laughs he'd be at a party.

By now it was tea-time, so the drinks started flowing & we had a buffet. I'd setup a great 1980's rock playlist on my laptop yesterday, so I plugged it into my fancy speakers & “party mode” clicked in!

About 6pm a mate of Dave's from work arrived with his wife, so we all sat at the back of the boat with a few drinks, they were very impressed with the space / layout / apartment feel of the boat. As everyone who sees it for the first time seems to be! So once we'd done the grand tour it was party time good style.

During the afternoon several boats had gone out around the marina, just taking family & friends with them, Alan & Chris took theirs round a couple of times…

 

But Dave wouldn't do it because he was too bothered about cocking up when coming (backing into) the mooring again, well it was a bit windy.

We were asked if we'd join in the "lights parade" of boats all lit up going round the marina when it was dark, Dave said to put us down as a "maybe," which turned out to be a "maybe not.” Even Alan said he wouldn't leave the mooring for a quick whizz around at night.

But it didn't matter, we ladies sat at the front of the boat (while the guys sat on the roof) & watched the lit up boats going past. Some of them were quite stunning, & by that time we were glad we hadn't gone round because of all the messing about they had to do afterwards! The fireworks were next, quite a spectacular display too.

OOOOOOOOOOO!!!

 

 

 This is the "terrible twosome" Ju & me, best mates for almost all our lives. I got a couple of photos of Julie on her own, when she saw them she said (exact words) "Heather if you put those on your BLOG I'll have to kill you".

 

So here's a crappy one of both of us to square things up, um, it was cold by then, hence the winter warmers...

 

The partying continued till about 1am, fortunately Ju & Fran's son came to pick them up, we had to practically carry Julie to the gate. I asked Fran if she'd brought a handbag with her, answer "Oh I dunno, if she has it'll be in this big bag" (the one with all the cans for recycling). Only a man could miss the significance of us women having a handbag with us at all times.

 

So I said "OK" gave them both a hug & off everybody went. Then we got back to the boat I found Julie's handbag & brolly on one of the chairs. Got a txt later: "can come bck tomor 4 hanbag?"

Boat Fair start date

Everybody decked out their boats during the day today, TT was lit up with lights, while Alan adorned theirs with flags, "home made" & they GLOWED! Yes they were the only fluorescent flags in Preston Dock marina.

Our lights glowed nicely too, although it doesn't show up much on these photos, but from the other side of the marina, in the dark, they stood out a mile.

So here’s the close up version…

We saw the guys putting the marquee up during the day. So we went early to “reserve” a few chairs for other folks from our marina ready for the evenings entertainment. Which consisted of a guy with a guitar & backing music doing what was in effect a karaoke of his own!

Some folks started dancing so we gave that a pass because it was a bit like the type of dancing that goes on at a wedding! (Oh no). We'd all taken our own booze which wasn’t by choice, their was no bar!

We had a right good laugh & even got given another "Goody bag" this time it was a drinks cooler bag with 2 cans of beer in it, another surprise!

Later on there was a raffle, & I only mention this because I missed out on a prize by 1 number, which is typical but who cares!

At about 1am we all paraded (or stumbled in most cases) back to our boats, what a great night it was…

Goodie bags

We were all given a "Goodie Bag" today, from the people who'd arranged the boat festival. We wondered why they'd asked us if we were small, medium or large on the phone, & found a sweatshirt for each of us inside!

It also contained:
2 woolly hats (Timberland) each with a price tag of £15.00 on them.
1 Riversway Festival cup.
1 brass plaque with "Riversway Festival 2008" on it.
All sorts of other bits n’ pieces.

Considering we'd paid just £25.00 for the whole duration of the festival, that's what you call a real good deal!

Going back in time: In 2007, Alan & Chris bravely took their new boat TT to the festival while she was up for sale. There was a lot of interest in it, & one couple were so keen they were serious about buying the boat. But, they had to sell her business first, & lucky for us it wouldn’t sell. (Thank you god!) It was a close run thing because she kept in touch with them about it. And I’ll never forget the first time Alan & Chris took us out on the boat, there they were on someone else’s boat shouting “HEY! LOOK AFTER OUR BOAT!” When we got back that day, I asked Alan to take the “For Sale” signs down & he did.

Hence at the boat festival THIS year, she kept walking past our TT saying to folks "I really wanted to buy that boat you know.” After I'd heard this on about 4 different occasions I (jokingly) shouted "TUFF TITTY.”

Unfortunately the 2007 plaque got misplaced, so I asked the Goodie Bag people if there was any chance of getting one? Fortunately they had a spare one at home & gave us theirs, ah, what nice people.

A rather large visitor appeared later on for some food, which it took (very gently) right out of my hand...

It was one of a pair with a big nest over the other side of the dock, so we only ever saw one of them out & about. It was loving the attention from a mob of canal boaters…

A trip to Botany Bay, & a nice meal after

Well this week appears to be all about spending money so far, & the festival hasn’t started yet! Which means I'm very pleased to announce that I spent a grand total of just £8 today.

We took Chris & Alan to "Botany Bay" & later on we all went for a really nice meal at the "Malt House" pub near Chorley. It has a lovely decking area at the back, which overlooks a beautiful stretch of the Leeds Liverpool canal.

We also took Chris & Alan for a short walk down the towpath, it was nice to be able to show them the area. It's one of the favourite places Dave & I used walk & then stop off for a drink.

It's also where we sat in summer & dreamed about what our future would be, then with the possibility of buying TT our dreams slowly turned into plans. Somehow it's given the area a "magical" feel about it for us.

Shopping then definitely "browsing only" later on

Went food shopping to Morrison's in the morning, (running a bit short of essentials). Then had a walk round to the Preston Marina Chandlery, it only sold plastic boat stuff, (as opposed to canal boat stuff). Which is understandable because for 90% of the year it’s full of cruisers.

It's still nice to have a nosy anyway, but it was a real eye opener, they had a nice selection of "speciality marine clothing" all of which was well over-priced, the quality wasn't sparkling either. For £160 you could get a jacket that wasn't half as exclusive as my £20.00 bargain from yesterday! It's looking a bit sad with nobody in it...

Still in shock from those prices, we sat outside for a brew & a nice yummy toasted tea-cake from the marina cafe. The cafe is inside the chandlery itself & seemed to be doing much more business.

Did some socialising with some folks from the Lancaster canal whilst walking back to the boat, & blow me there's a couple we met who live just half a mile from our house (that’s up for sale). Small world...