Friday 17 September 2010

PHUT PHUT SPLUTTER SPLUTTER

WEDNESDAY
At 8am we were heading for Northmoor lock as we wanted to reach Buscot by early afternoon. The wind had been very strong yesterday and more of the same was promised for today, another reason for moving off early.
Rounding the bend approaching the lower lock landing I heard phut phut, splutter splutter from the exhaust and then silence. Martlet had a bit of way on, although my hopes of reaching the landing were dashed by the wind as we were blown into the bank some five or six boat lengths short. Oh well, up to the front and grab the long shaft, initially pushing off the bank and then off the other side successfully reaching for the river bed. Soon I was mooring up front and middle to the landing. Off with the engine covers and reach for the replacement fuel filter. Old filter removed, new one duly filled and fitted. Wait a few minutes with the fuel turned back on and Hey presto - noise once more and we were back in business. Total time from first silence was 20 minutes, all that remained was dealing with the wind; not difficult but tiring.
We had our mid day food on the move, and very nice it was too as the crumbs no sooner landed on the deck than they were whipped away by the obliging wind!
I was glad to arrive at Buscot where we tied up and I sat down to verify that both of my arms were the same length: they were, both had been stretched!