LITTLE DOG TO BRAUNSTON

FRIDAY 5TH TO SUNDAY 7TH JANUARY 2010

At last the temperature was nudging ten degrees as I and many others busied themselves upon their boats in the Marina. I was being ably assisted by our new recruit, Duggie who was now confidently jumping on and off SKYY and was completely at home in his watery surroundings. I thought that the cute antics of the Andrex dogs was pure marketing, but running through the salon followed by a trail of loo paper has become one of Duggie’s favourite tricks. He has now made many friends in the Marina both human and canine and when Jacquie returned from the gym we thought it would be a good idea to go for a cruise and introduce him to the wider world of narrow boat life.

I felt the warmth of the sun on my back as we headed out of the Marina and turned towards Braunston. We originally decided to go in the direction of the Folly Pub to see if the New Management had made any significant improvements, but the blue sky encouraged us to travel further and although we have been thgis this way so often the journey was delightful. Duggie, on his harness and lead, happily surveyed the changing scenery from the rear deck and at bridge 105 Jacquie and Duggie jumped ship, rejoining at bridge 103, Duggie having performed his land based duties.

I hadn’t realised, but this weekend was the OwnerShips show in Braunston Marina and as the sun set I remarked how crowded the moorings seemed as we approached the marina and amazingly found a SKYY sized mooring immediately before the entrance.

On Saturday morning we strolled into the Marina to see what was on offer. It was stuffed full of OwnerShip boats and friendly souls inviting the many visitors aboard, but Duggie was the main attraction with so many people stopping us say hullo to the little fella. We bought a smart red bandana from the President Steam Boat stand before strolling up to Wharf House chandlery to buy a new boat hook as the old one had rotted. I also ordered a pair of single chrome supports as the old pole just lay on the roof and I reckon that’s why it rotted.

As we returned we popped into the marquee and enjoyed a jumbo sausage hot dog and a burger whilst making new friends with a couple who had a black Miniature Schnauzer. We also spotted Brian and Diana on N.B. Harnser as they cruised passed, Brian commented that I was brave in leaving my broadband dongle on its little mast, Jacquie agreed, not wise to leave such a tempting little object so close to hand, I think I may have become to trusting.

Sunday morning had us strolling up into Braunston Village to buy a Sunday paper, accompanied by the lovely sounds of the Church bells. We met another local couple with a six year Schnauzer bitch and at, nearly, four months, Duggie was considerably bigger than her so maybe there is a bit of Giant Irish Wolf Hound in him as has been suggested, ohh I hope not. The return cruise in the afternoon was much colder than the outward bound but I wrapped up in lots of layers, safe in the knowledge that our stove was keeping the inside of SKYY toasty warm and I enjoyed the journey, passing several boats on the way. The engine was sounding sweet and all systems seem to be working well.

After tying up at our pontoon I immediately filled up with water as the word was, that the supply to all pontoons would be turned off on Monday as the weather was set to continue getting colder. I have now, two 25lt water containers on the rear deck, these I refilled with fresh water. When I ordered the containers from an EBay supplier, they showed a capped off bleed hole on the top, the ones delivered didn’t have this facility. I considered sending them back, but I drilled a small hole into the handle and this allows sufficient air into the carriers for a smooth transfer of water through the tap and down the short length of hose, as I tip the carrier over, my thumb covers the hole until the suction of water leaving the container starts to draw the air in.

I had two comments left on my previous blog, from Gary and 8542, both the comments were in Chinese characters, thanks for the comments, but regretfully I have no idea what is being said.

Less than a couple of months now before we set off for our planned, six months cruise up North, can’t wait, getting itchy feet now, but need some warmer weather to finish the repainting of the port gunnel to rubbing strake. The bottom blacking is booked so we should look quite smart when we set off. Yep I know it won’t last long.