Saturday 29th June

Hello folks!

Was it really a week ago when we moved onto Willow Too?!  Have come along way since then! Ha!!

We had planned to leave Pilling Lock Marina last Sunday, but the wind was vicious so we decided to stay put and relax a little after the very long and tiring day we had had Saturday. 

Monday we set off and got to Watermead Counrty Park. A lovely place, great for the three dogs!

Ally had advised us to go straight through Leicester. So that is what we did. It took almost 9 hours so a long day.

Thursday we tackled the Foxton flight, those were a piece of cake after the 12 before.

Friday it rained almost all day, no locks though.

Today, Saturday our first object was the Watford flight. Once we got going it was quick and easy but we had wait at least an hour, so I made coffee then became an unofficial lock volunteer! 

At the bottom we watered up. At short break for the dogs and a sandwich then off again. Now moored near bridge 19 before Weedon Bec. About 3-4 hours tomorrow and we will be at Blisworth. 

We will stay out on the tow path till Monday which is when we are expected. Geoff will go and get the Beast and all his tools from the garage. He goes back to work Tuesday. I don't!! 

So far we have absolutely no complaints with our beautiful new home. The television / satellite are another story! Same with Jardins, with my car! Still not got back to me, I have rung them but they don't ring back when they say they will!! How do these companies survive? They don't deserve too.

Saturday 22nd June 2013

Well..... Where shall I begin?!

We both woke early, of course! Before 5am, by ten past I was in the shower. Walked the dogs, breakfast then we loaded the Beast and trailer to go to the rubbish tip, managed to get it all on, so one trip. Back home, packed the Beast with boxes, coffee, Karen arrived, packed her car with food and away we went!

I travelled with Karen so we went as an advance party! We wanted to get the food on and out of the way before the dogs.... Can't imagine why?! 

The dogs and I were left to organise while Karen and Geoff went back for a few bits. They left the Beast on the drive, then returned. We were out of luck at the restaurant, they stopped serving at 2.30 pm. So it was sandwiches and cake. 

Karen then left again, this time for her house and to put her feet up!! How would we have done it without her? 

We seem to be trying to put two pints into a one pint pot! But we are going to live with it and discard some things when we get to Blisworth. 

After a late supper we went to bed and slept like logs! It's a very comfy bed! 

Today we were going to start our journey south, the weather was nasty, vicious wind and sometimes driving rain. We decided to stay put, tidy and re arrange the cupboards. This done we had a lovely treat of roast beef etc.. In the restaurant. Nice quiet time getting to know where everything is. 

Tomorrow we will get going, feeling a lot less tired. 

Some exciting news this week, The Canal Boat magazine has chosen to do a review with Beacon Boats and Willow Too. They are coming to see us in July, take her out and chat with Ally also. We are not sure which month the feature will appear, I will keep you posted!

A big ' thank you ' to all of our friends over the last few weeks for the help they have given us, it would not have been as easy without that. Thank you!!

My especially made booster step, thanks Neil!

Maiden voyage....

Monday 17th and its our maiden voyage! 

Once again we could not sleep so up at the crack of dawn again and arrived at Willow Too soon after 9am. Neil was already there, Ally was not far behind us. A cuppa and a chat then we got under way.

The route they use for most of their maiden voyages is canal, turn left out of the marina and down to Loughorough. Approximately a 45 minute journey both ways, well it would be really wouldn't it?!

That all went without a hitch, except for the swans neck trying to make an escape from its position! Neil soon put that right...

Once back in the marina we started to unload and put away. We still have a lot to put on, mainly kitchen equipment. Maybe we will have to down size even more!! 

Neil still has some things to finish off so hoping they will be complete before we leave or he will be coming with us! Geoff only has 9 days off and we need to be in Blisworth Marina by 1st July.

Tomorrow, Wednesday, Karen is taking me, plus our clothes up, to get packed away as much as possible. Thursday the professional oven cleaner is coming, also the guy who has bought my hairdressing chair. A sad moment that will be. Ann is also due, mainly to have a twiglet party with the dogs! 

Thursday evening Diane and Gordon are having us for a meal, again! Can't use the cooker, may make it dirty!! Friday will be a take away. 

Saturday, take our bed to the rubbish tip, pack the last bits, load the Beast and off we go........

( I do hope no one waves us off!! )

Monday 10th June. Launch day!

Hello my friendly followers!

Monday was an early start for us all. We arrived at the boar yard a little after 9am.  Willow Too had been pulled out the of the shed on Sunday, so there she was waiting patiently, outside for the first time.

Very soon after several of our friends / supporters arrived. Then, eventually the truck pulled in with the new empty shell for the next build. The team of men then took the empty shell off and lifted ours onto the low loader. They seemed to have hydraulic problems, so this felt as if it took hours.

Then once strapped down the truck followed us to Pilling Lock Marina. The driver was not sure of the way. We had a happy band of followers, but lost a couple at the traffic lights.... Only for them to find us, damn it!!

At the marina, more waiting. This was time for lunch! Alfresco nibbles and bucks fizz. Chaos in the car park! and cake of course.

Then the crane arrived plus the rest of the team. She was then craned off from the truck to the tressel. This takes her down into the water, helped by a tractor.

Whoopee! She floats! Very well balanced as well. Neil is so clever!
More waiting about..... The engine mechanic then arrives ( Sam, Mr Personality! Not! ) he has to commission the engine. That done, he takes her round to the diesel pump and we fill her up with both diesel and water. This is partly for perfect balance also.

Eventually we get her onto the mooring pontoon, albeit the wrong one, but ho hum! It's not for long.
So after that we made our way home. It had been a 12 hour day. So exciting and nerve racking all rolled into one!!

The next day, Tuesday, she had her tilt and gas test. All ok.

The only problem we have had so far is the satellite / television company. We would not recommend them.

Friday, Karen is coming with me to see her, take some boxes and get the licence from the CRT office.

Saturday is 'handover' day. We need to have a clear head that morning! The electrics sound complicated!
Then The Cox Family come to visit.!

Monday will be the maiden voyage and then she will be ours!! Almost the dream come true...!

Back at the house there is still some things to do but the list is getting shorter. We leave here on Saturday 22nd June. Then leave Pilling Lock Marina Sunday 23rd. Arrive at Blisworth the weekend  29th /30th June.

Week before launch....!

June 3rd 2013

Good evening to all my friends and followers, 

Today went to see how the final week was shaping up. The sign writing is finished, Viv just putting the final touches to the symbols on the bow. 

The interior doors are made but not hung till the last minute. In fact maybe not till she is in the water, especially the one with our lead light glass! The side hatch inner doors are almost ready to, as the fly frames for the Houdini hatches.

The steps for both bow and stern done and engine room complicated! The sola panels on the roof and connected. The dinette table made but not fixed yet. Lots to do but lots done and will come together very quickly I am sure!

So, the dates are coming together now, launch Monday 10th. We need to be at the yard by 10 am to see her ' fly '!! Then taken by low loader down to Pilling Lock Marina. Crunch time!!

Tuesday 11th is The Tilt Test. This is to work out mathematically how many people can be on board. Bodies stand down the side on the gunnels and tip her! Eeek...!! A computer calculates this as it is secured on the roof.

The following weekend 15th / 16th / 17th we will be sleeping on board as a trial and to make sure we are happy with everything. On the Saturday The Cox Family are visiting for the day so that will be fun.

On Monday 17th is the maiden voyage with Neil and Ally. Just a 45 min trip out, then back to check out how she runs. 

We leave Bozeat on Saturday 22nd, Karen is coming with us to drive The Beast back. Sunday 23rd we leave Pilling Lock and make our way to Birstall. A short day but need to get through Leister on Monday which will be a long day. No stopping! Straight through....

Last week we decided to book into a marina for the summer, mainly because of the truck with tools in and moving about may become problematic for  three months. So, those of you that would like to visit we will be in Blisworth Marina. However, we will be out over the weekends so ring before you come, just in case!!

So, back home I have just over two weeks to decorate the living / dinning room, weed the garden and generally finish off the house ready for the tenant to move in on 6th July. Still have to down size the wardrobe.....