Tuesday 11 March 2014

First Trip.

The first weekend of the year with good weather predicted and we decided to take Notos out for a couple of hours on the Sunday.

I went to the boat on the Saturday to make sure everything was ready. The main tasks were to refill the stern greaser tube and fit a strap to secure the second gas bottle.

We were a bit delayed Sunday loading up the car with stuff (bedding, cooking utensils, crockery, cutlery etc) needed on the boat. At least we won't need to bring it back with us and in future we will be able to get way from the house much quicker. The drive to the boat takes just over an hour (this is why we are moving to a mooring nearer home) so it was about 10am before we got to the boat yard.

Once at the boat yard by the time we had got everything out of the car, stowed on board, taken down the 'Pram Top' and generally gave the boat a bit of a spring clean it was gone 12 before we got underway.

Leaving the yard.
 We decided to head up to Napton Junction, past Ventnor Farm & Calcutt marinas and up Calcutt locks. We would wind at the junction and then fill up with water just before coming back down the locks.
The Boat just outside the boat yard (currently closed)


Moored to fill up the water tank.
 Prior to filling up with water we decided, as the boat had been in the boat yard all winter, to empty the tank and completely refill it. The refill took just over 45 minutes,
Calcutt middle lock (From the top)

Calcutt middle lock (from the bottom)

On the way back to Stockton Top Marina with the sun setting

Entrance to Kate Boats (very tight fit!)



Josie concentrating to reverse into a very narrow gap

Almost there