March 27th - working on the boat

Yesterday Annie got rid of anything we don't need on the boat while I serviced the batteries. Today we went into Banbury to raid B&Q's and get essential food supplies. Called in on nb. Forget Me Not to see Wendy and Pete.
Returning to the boat we started on replacing the cratch board. In the morning a van drew up and unloaded a nice shiny new cratch to install on the boat next to us. Made from Sapele hardwood and inlaid with veneer it cost them £450. I whittled ours from old pallets! Anyway now to fit it....

March 25th - and so to the 2015 season

Slightly underestimated the time needed to pack for 8 months away er.... by a day and a half. Arrived at Ceilidh this evening to load her and get her ready for this year's adventures.  Passed 3 helicopters and 2 lifeboats on low loaders - somebody has heard we are heading to the boat.
Loaded, put away, pumped bilge and cracked a bottle of champagne to celebrate. Bilge water and champagne - a heady combination!