Bad News, Good News

The bad news first, our companion of the last sixteen years, Sam our dog, had to be laid to rest on Monday morning.

Sunday evening, on his last visit to the garden, his rear legs could not support his weight very well, because of his age we put this down to a bit of stiffness.

He had been his normal self during the day on a visit to Saul Junction (Glos/Sharpness Canal)

We were to be up early on Monday to start our long journey to pick up the new boat but we had a fitful night with Sam.

It was decided to delay our start so that a visit to the vet could be arranged, we were waiting out side the door at 08:00 Hrs.

The vet was excellent but nothing could be done so, that decision that all dog owners wish would not be need to be made, was.

So with heavy hearts we left the vets and made for the boat.

The journey was uneventful and quiet.

We arrived at the boat builders, lorry was there but no crane and we were two hours late.

Went inside, boat was covered with people doing the last minute things that seem to always crop up.

Informed that crane was 15 minutes away after a breakdown.

The boat was loaded and transported to Debdale Wharf near Foxton.

Following the lorry was an adventure in itself, down some very narrow lanes just wide enough, couple of items on the way that worried us, road signs warning of Hump Back bridge that was scary for us but not the lorry driver, then a Bridge sign stating 4 metres, 13 feet, she sailed (excuse the pun) under with six inches to spare, phew!!!!

The boat went in the water about 18:00 Hrs and as planned we put the necessary items aboard, sleeping kit and breakfast.

We stayed in the slip way overnight, up at 7 the next morning and began to load everything else on board, with just a few items left we were asked to move the boat as they needed the slip way the last few items were quickly loaded through the side hatch.

We moved to a mooring within the marina and over the last few days, some snagging has been done and corrected by the builders.

This is the first time we have stopped (Friday evening) and we are very tired.

We are planning to embark on our maiden voyage tomorrow (Saturday) and make for Market Harborough, our first run out, so if you are in the Foxton area, you have been warned.

We are over the moon with the boat and are looking forward to our life afloat.

We are now car less, sold last week, the van was hired from Enterprise Car Hire and when we returned it this morning as pre-arranged they returned us to the boat.

Sorry no pictures, not downloaded from cameras yet, will post them when I can.