Monday, May 16, 2022

Much encouraged!

The last time we travelled on Kantara was back in September 2020. on We set out on the 15th, and did the eleven-mile and 13-lock trip down to Braunston, to have the press fastenings on our cratch cover replaced by AJ Canopies. We made a four-day return trip of it, instead of the perfectly do-able two, anticipating that this might be our last trip for a long while because of Covid restrictions.

Last Saturday, May 14th 2022, we took Kantara out again. The wind had dropped, the sun was out, the birds were celebrating, and so were we,


We didn't have time to go far; our new heating system is to be installed on Wednesday and Thursday of this week. So we headed north and did just the nine miles to Welford Junction. That's about a three hour trip, leisurely enjoying the birdsong, the sun, the countryside, the smell of the May trees and wild chervil, the tranquillity.



We'd missed it all so much.








We moored just a few hundred yards from the junction with the Welford Arm, and spent the night there.




The next morning, we turned around in the Welford Junction and set off back towards the marina. We were chuffed to find that the BBC forecast of rain was wrong. It rained in the afternoon, instead. Not heavily, fortunately, and it did nothing to spoil our fun. However, it did stop us from mooring at a spot favoured by boaters for doing painting jobs below gunnels height. The black paint on one side of the hull is suffering from damage and the consequent rust. It's not a fun job, and one we were happy to postpone for a short while.

We arrived back at the marina much cheered by the trip, short though it was. We had thought beforehand that we would find it new, strange, and we confess to being a little nervous. Unsurprisingly in retrospect, all was fine, and we were much encouraged. Now we're looking at the calendar and preparing for rather longer cruises.

One job we have got done is the cleaning, waxing and polishing of the cabin paintwork. You have to wear sunglasses to look at it now!



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2 comments:

  1. How lovely that you’ve managed to get out on the water again, Roger. I think the first trip out is always a bit anxious, but once you’re doing it, all is well. That’s what we find, anyway. Happy cruising, or faring, as we call it :)

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    Replies
    1. Yes, Val, the anxieties have all gone now. More faring to come very soon! I do hope you get your boat problem sorted soon. I'm looking forward to reading about your travels.

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