Rain Rain everywhere; not a drop to drink

Sunday 25^th November 2012

One of the joys of being able to live (and work) from a boat is that when it rains the sound of it hitting the roof can be very soothing. Inevitably the consequences of a night of continual soothing roof-hitting rain is that the water levels will rise and if the mooring ropes are just a bit too tight then when you get up in the middle of the night (usually due to the response that the sound of running water will produce), you may find yourself walking at an angle slightly nearer to being on the wall of the boat.

We had slackened off the ropes a couple of days ago as we saw some rise in the water and so we did not have the awkwardness that others may have had.

There is now a giant step down from the stern onto the pontoon – something that we are not used to doing – may need to have to buy a step ladder to be able to get aboard soon.

In the morning we rechecked the ropes and slackened them a bit more and just did a quick check of others on the pontoon to make sure that vacant boats were all OK.

Further checks throughout the day meant further slackening of ropes for 6-8 boats.

The other outcome from all of this rain is that the rivers also are swollen and fast flowing and when we were off walking at lunch time we saw the full effects on the river near to the canal.

normally a nice placid river - now in almost full flood

the cows and sheep have deserted the place

the houses in the distance are in Stone

This is why they call it a flood plain and do not permit houses to
be built here

normally the view from the deck of this house is over green
fields - now you can throw a line over to catch dinner

Talk about Inland Waterways – we had a vast inland waterway on our doorstep.

Spoke to a couple of C&RT guys near Aston lock – they were able to tell us that the flooded river had broken through to the canal and there was a height differential of about 2-3” in favour of the river and this has been the main reason for the rising water in the canal and the marina – there was doubt that this would be reversed any time soon.

The kitchen continues with its rebuilding and Mike has been able to install the first of the cupboards – 2 which will hold the sink – the washing machine has been relocated and above it the hob will sit as it had previously.

the existing pipework in the kitchen - no need to change any of this

however the gas line to the hob needed some reforming
to reduce the distance to the new hob position

here you can see how much Mike has had to do to get it right

All is ready for the delivery of the worktop and remaining cabinets tomorrow morning and we have just been notified will be with us by 10am – so all is looking well for resumption of full cooking facilities.

cabinets in place - still a bit more to secure them completely

It has been Mike’s little touches that has impressed Diane greatly – just a little concerned about exactly what she is referring to – she can be overcome by close proximity to trades people.

now with the washing machine in place

There are still a number of things left to be done and we have the electrician coming by on Tuesday to look at moving and installing a couple of power outlets and a few lights.

The weather is starting to turn again – after a bright and sunny day today, the clouds are beginning to roll in and the reports for tomorrow are for some more rain – we will have to wait and see what eventuates.

Just a word or warning - although the sun might be out in full sunshine - please do not sunbake on the road.