TUESDAY. At Br194 – Lodge Hill
The 2008 journey thus far: 235 Locks & 341.5 Miles & 35 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 14
John from Canvas Man covers arrived as arranged this morning and began fitting the cratch cover.
It was going well until he has stretched it across the roof after the cratch board fixings were in place. For some reason (probably an error) the seam from the inboard end of the top plank was fine one side, but 3inches out on the other. John marked the correct position on the cover and after the cabin side fixings were correctly placed, he removed the cover for the alterations to be done. I must say that apart from the plank seam, it was a very good fit and looked wonderful.
The semi trad tonneau cover top was a perfect fit; the rear removable vertical part in the way of the hinges had cut-outs which were a bit big. A high level planning meeting was convened and whilst awaiting the published findings of the commissioned report, I decided to have no cut-outs; instead have the fabric stretched across the hinges with a fitted reinforcing panel. John took this panel away for the alterations. Whilst the cover fitting was taking place, Myra was talking to Sarah – May on her tug moored behind us about Concertinas and was swapping music and some contact names. After John had left, we had a cup of tea and – wait for it – untied and moved away from Riddlesden. I have nothing against the place, I merely wanted to be boating again as my back is getting better by the day. We tied up at Br194 where we had a lovely view from the boat, the proper hills are getting nearer! I had replaced the old cratch cover, just as well as heavy rain began soon after supper.
Weather very hot, slight wind, heavy rain in evening.
