A short run out and a a mug shot.

We have decided as the weather is still fairly settled here in Chester that we might have a run out for a week.  We're not going far just heading up into Chester for next Friday's retirement do laid on by my company.  Its also the Roving Canal Traders get together in Chester as well so we might struggle to get a mooring.  We'll have to wait and see later in the week.

Meanwhile we're sitting out on the cut for a while.  As they say a change is as good as a rest.

Taking some time out and mooring online for a few days

Last night whilst in the marina clubhouse, one of our boat neighbours pointed out a picture in the Canal Boating Times paper of yours truly at Crick.  Not a very flattering photo but its about as close to being famous as I'll ever be. Now wheres Chris's slimming world recipe book got to.

Still Here

Hi All,
Sorry for the lack of posts lately but not much boaty stuff going on at the moment.  Still working to earn a crust until next Thursday then retirement at last!

We're still holed up in the marina for now but are getting AmyJo ship shape for our up coming summer cruise up the Macclesfield canal if C&RT manage to plug the leak at Bollington otherwise plan B may have to be adopted.

I've been measuring AmyJo for size to see if getting through Standedge tunnel is possible.  We'll have to clear the decks and put a bit of ballast up front but she should just squeeze through, just.

We did spend the day at the Middlewich festival and met up with the trading boats.  No photos I'm afraid  but we parted company with our cash on some cheeses from the cheese boat and one of Barry's (AreandAre) new mini beer making kits.  10ltrs of Indian IPA are now on the bubble :-).

We have decided to give AmyJo an Axiom propeller to see, if their claims are good, that it helps with maneuverability and saves fuel.  There's nowt wrong with the current one its just I have always wanted to try the Axiom.   

I ordered the prop after speaking with David at Axiom and the new prop is now on its way.  I'm now trying to get a quick lift out to fit it before we start the cruise but thats not proving as simple as it sounds.  Tattenhall has the facilities but seem to be delaying offing their services so we may have to book elsewhere to get it done in time.

Meantime this little family have discovered we have bird seed on board thanks to Chris offering them some.  They now arrive every evening squawking to get our attention to be fed.  Amazing how something so small can make so much racket.

Moorehen or Coot chicks?  Either way they were loving the bird seed Chris fed them.