THE ADVENTURE BEGINS

We couldn't wait until April Fools day, we actually came on board on the 29th March, as the tenant for our flat wanted to move in over the weekend.

What a great start we had. To our surprise the great pile of cases and carrier bags actually fitted into our little car and to our, even greater surprise it all disappeared within SKYY and all done in the dry. all the pots and pans and Jacquie's clothes and shoes all stowed neatly away, Jacquie has now threatened to return to the storage unit and come back with more, ha does she really think that I will give her the car keys.

On Monday 31st. Barb & Colin arrived at lunchtime to perfect weather, blue sky, no wind, so we set of on a little cruise to the winding hole just before the Folly Pie Pub. They have never been on a canal boat before and were impressed with both the boat and an immaculate exit from the marina and a faultless 360 degree turn, mostly due to the no wind condition it has to said. Jacquie served up a great lunch, which we ate on the rear deck. What a wonderful taster of what lies ahead of us.

The biggest surprise was recognising RETIREMENT NO PROBLEM, at the winding hole, I have been following Sue's blog for some time and just before we set off I sent her a message, it was lovely to see Sue along with Lucy and Meg, her well behaved Border Collies, coming down the towpath to say hello. I am sure we will meet up Sue & Vic sometime soon on our travels.

Wednesday morning we filled with diesel. empted the loo tank and headed off for Braunston, as we have to be at the dry dock by 9 am Thursday to have Skyy's bottom blacked. This will take about 3 days as first the old paint, rust and marine growth have to be blasted off and then several coats of a bitumastic black paint has to be applied. This has to be done every 2 years and this is the first time that Skyy has been done since new. Fortunately we can stay aboard whilst this is being done and I intend to use the time to service the engine, but we also plan bus trips to Daventry and Rugby,as I imagine that it will not be too pleasant while the blasting is being done. We will be using our new national free bus passes, yipeee!!!