New Year and travels!

OK, this was only the 2nd bottle, honest - Steve was just putting it on for effect! Met up with Steve and Julia from NB Even Balance on New Year's Day and had a very pleasant evening catching up and putting the world to rights. Moored up with them at bridge 3 at the bottom of the Ashby as I was going out and they were coming in. Moored last night outside the new marina at Brinklow and had no signal from T-mobile whatsoever, either GPRS or 3G - not good news, however I live in hope that there might be a glimmer of a signal in the more exposed marina. Delivered my cratch by car to A J canopies at Braunston yesterday for them to do some repairs to the corners and zips and then collected it today by boat. Moored this evening right opposite the hill with the floodlit church on top, at Braunston - it would be lovely if the wind wasn't banging me about and the rain wasn't lashing down on the roof! Stopped for a pumpout yesterday morning at Rose Narrowboats at Stretton and met Christine and Anthony - the new owners. Very pleasant people with a clear committment to expanding services for the private boater as well as continue with their high class hire boats. Anthony used to be the manager at Midland Chandlers, Braunston and they have great plans for expanding the chandlery in a big way - it all seemed very exciting talking to them and I certainly wish them the very best.

Stopped this morning for seventy pounds worth of diesel and coal off Iain and Alison on working boat Gosty Hill. Had a long chat as you do and it quickly appeared that they were as much in the dark as anyone else regarding the derogation of red diesel, having even phoned customs and excise to gain clarification! Why did we have to bow to European ignorance and pressure in the first place but now that we have, why can't we get ourselves organised for proper consultation and clear communication - especially where it matters such as working boats and trade marinas!

I'm pointing North currently, having turned, so tomorrow, the plan is, to return to Brinklow and attempt a landing in the marina! I will then have time to sort things out ready for the weekend and then back to work next week. A new routine is in order - not only because I should be able to leave for work later and arrive home earlier but also to run engines etc for my own generation until mains electricity is connected. Watch this space!

......and before you ask Julia, yes I did check it for typo's today!