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.