TUESDAY. No boating was planned for today as Martlet was to be measured for new covers. James from ‘Canvasman’ covers arrived as arranged to make patterns for the replacement cratch and rear ones. As per normal, there was a gust of wind each time that he had a full sheet ready to fix down with draughting tape. It was fascinating to watch him cutting and marking the patterns, which slowly began to look like pieces of a cratch cover (just as well really). Had I been using the scissors and the knife, I know that the end result would have come in useful at weddings.
I helped James with his gear and the patterns back to his car and was on my way back to Martlet.
I had earlier met Rick, on his early wooden top David Piper boat near the lock; we were passing the time of day when we were treated to a happening. A new boater (no slur intended, we were all there once – I was merely stating a fact) being given instruction by his friend, at a volume sufficient to enable us to catch every word. All seemed to go well, the top gate was opened by the new boater; his friend was to put the boat in the lock. Rick called out to the friend ‘I think that the boat is undone and drifting’ No, it’s tied up’ was the reply. Rick and I watched as the friend walked back towards the boat, which, assisted by the strong following wind was now in the middle of the canal dangling a rope behind. ‘Oh, the rope has come undone’ he said, and waited for the boat to hit the top bullnose to enable him to jump aboard. He narrowly missed the high gain TV aerial pointing straight at him and did manage to land on the boat and regain control.
Later, two boats arrived and tied up close to us; they were returning to the Lappal arm after visiting
Weather very windy, but where sheltered - hot
The 2008 journey thus far: 199 Locks & 318.5 Miles & 19 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 11
