I'm online at last...

Hi all,

I am still struggling with my BT internet connection manager which appears to now be out of date - although I have topped up my "bundle" to get access!! I can't get wifi access to update my software as the software allows me access to wifi. Ridiculous. Anyway, Lichfield public library comes to the rescue (as it did 4 years ago) - support our public libraries. Yay.

Rant over, now for an update. When I arrived back at Hinckley last Thursday we were having blustery winds, so I didn't go anywhere that day (but did manage to do some marking - always good to get some of that out of the way). It rained virtually all night but by Saturday morning it was rather pleasant weather (sunny with a breeze) and I made my way towards Hartshill. I stopped just before The Anchor pub. I walked back for the car (about 5 miles) and found somewhere to park it for the night. The Sunday was another awful day with squally rain all day until 3pm. I took the car to a forward position, did some shopping and walked back. I even lit a fire - mid-June and needing a fire - don't you just love our weather. Did a bit more marking while listening to radio 4's Bloomsday productions. Wasn't Ullyses a bit raunchy? I might read it now :-). I noticed that my batteries were reading 10v instead of the normal 12v - rather a worrying development - although the starter battery seems fine, so it seems to be the domestics. I cruised through all the Atherstone locks and moored just below them. I managed to use the shower by leaving the engine running so that the pumps didn't drain the batteries completely. The other little thing I achieved this week was to light my oil lamp - I've had it a while but didn't ever use it. It gives off a good light plus the bonus of a little heat.

From Monday the weather improved and I was able to cruise good distances. On Monday I stopped at Alvecote Boat services (re batteries) but they are closed on Mondays! I then passed friends, Phil and Jackie on Longfellow, in Tamworth. The last I heard they were in Rugeley and I hadn't expected to meet them so soon. Never mind perhaps we can meet up on my way back. When I moored up near Whittington, I got the bus back to Atherstone and brought the car back to the mooring. Next day I thought I'd try Streethay Boatyard but couldn't moor anywhere near so cruised on to Fradley, where a nice man checked my batteries, alternator and other electrical doings - his verdict was u/s batteries. While there he also spotted a diesel leak. There's always something with boats. Anyway, Fradley had no engineers available so the nice man rang Great Haywood repair yard who could see me the next day, so off I went again, overnighting at Handsacre (nb: nice local fish & chip shop). At this point I noticed that my front fender was hanging off so effected one of my eccentric repairs using baling string. Off again next morning arriving at Gt Haywood about 2.30pm. Mark checked out the batteries and I had to buy two new ones. I shouldn't complain as my batteries had been with me for seven years (and were probably older than that) and I had never ever looked at them. I now realise that I should have been checking the water levels on them (like we did on cars in the good, ole days) however, no-one told me about that! He found the diesel leak but hadn't got the replacement part needed so he suggested I bring Olivia back on Monday when another guy can look at it and replace the part. On the plus side, I found a really nice place to moor and, for once, could sit on the deck with a cider in hand, reading "Cider with Rosie" and feeling quintessentially English. Cheers.

I'm now on my way back to Whittington for the car and Lichfield Library is conveniently on the way. I don't know when I'll be back on the blog but am keeping my eyes open for pubs with free wifi :-).