The paperwork seemed to come through from Carefree quite quickly and on 16th September or there abouts we got the contracts to sign. So back in the post as swiftly as we could and then wait for the money to come through. Christina at Carefree said she would endeavour to get Artie to release the money before he had an operation on his knee, but sadly the paperwork was still sat on his desk. But after a gentle prod the funds were released and popped into our account. Hope that Ken and Eileen enjoy their time out on Winding Down.
So we are now boatless for the first time in about four years, we have a hull, but that's all, certainly not enough to go out for a pootle for even an hour. So life on land it is for the next few months until Oleanna is built.
Well I say that but we had booked ourselves a RYA boat handling course with bearBoating which started on the 4th October. So we packed on the friday morning and set off to the Leeds Liverpool canal to Apperley Bridge. The forecast for the weekend was looking hopeful but we drove through quite heavy downpours. We parked up and headed to the cut as the heavens opened up. Andy from bearBoating was waiting under shelter for us and helped us unpack the car. It was strange that the car wasn't chocka block full of everything that we might want, just a couple of sets of clothing, waterproof gear and food for breakfasts and lunches. Mick then headed off to park the car elsewhere with Andy and left me to explore Mollymoo.
When they returned we had a cuppa and were handed our RYA books for homework. Then it was learn how to put life jackets on, done, and then stowed under the seats. They get in the way on canals and we both can swim! Because I'd put on my waterproofs the rain stopped, so on with the course.
We learnt how to throw ropes around bollards and how to set off if the wind was pushing us into the side. The aim of the weekend for us was for me to learn to drive and to see if we'd been doing it all properly upto now, and pick up things that we had never known about. I was at the tiller and off we set. We stopped every now and then to practice coming into the side and mooring up with the minimum amount of effort. When we reached a winding hole Mick proceeded to turn us round under Andys instruction. Easy. Then it was my turn, Andy said to turn the boat and head for the mud, but I knew we'd be heading for the shuttering, which wasn't a problem. I winded the boat with minimal effort, who needs bow thrusters!
Then on to moor just before the first of the swing bridges before entering Rodley. Andy bade us Goodbye for the day and left us to read our books before heading to the pub for tea. Andy walked back down the towpath, we had only travelled for the equivalent of 45 minutes in the afternoon, so a half hour walk would get him back to base.
We unpacked, made up the cross bed and had a complimentary scone with bearBerry jam, accompanied by a slice of chocolate banana cake (our staple when boating). Then with tummies still rumbling we headed to The Railway for a very large, very nice burger and a pint. Graham who I work with lives in Rodley and he came and joined us for a few pints and a damn good gossip!
Then back to mollyMoo and to bed. Even though the boat has fenders there was quite a lot of creaking and knocking going on. Quick check of ropes and then to bed.
Now I thought it wouldn't take long to update this blog in one post, but I now seem to have gone into cruise blog mode! I really ought to be doing other things! So will come back later to finish.
Will we get into the centre of Leeds?
Will we meet any other boats?
Will we finish the pot of bearBerry Jam?
Have we enough chocolate banana loaf?
Will I be able to handle a boat in a lock, never mind a staircase lock?
Will we HAVE to go to the pub?
All pressing questions, but the answers are going to have to wait.
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