Roydon Mill, Roydon Marina, Broxbourne and back again!!

Since we last chatted it has been a very busy time.  The weather has gone from downright chilly, with hailstones, to sunny and warm.  Spring has arrived at last...

Mazey - eating the bluebells!

Whilst moored up at Roydon Mill, the family have been busy.  They went to a private cinema showing of Skyfall - the experience was amazing!!!  Thanks to Jimmy and Yvette.

Sunday, 26 May 2013

The family went to Crick Narrowboat Show and sat through a talk by Julia Bradbury on 'Canal Walks'.  She was very entertaining.  She also allowed photos to be taken with her and signed books.  Great lady.

Julia Bradbury

Susan also loved chatting to the up-coming artist Rob Pointon and watched him create a painting of the old working boats at Crick.  Such a talent..

Susan and Pete chatted with Rob and Pauline owners of Dream Narrowboats where I was created.  Their new boat is also called Dreamer......  I am a put out by that (sibling jealousy) but we are different looking boats.

Rob Pointon painting - Crick Narrowboat show

Pete chatting with Rob - new Dreamer

Pete chatted with lots of other professionals about batteries and solar panels.  He bought a battery management system that would fit with theVictron Inverter.

It was a great day; sun shining all day (not the usual Bank Holiday weekend weather); everyone happy....

Monday, 27 May 2013

A day at Enfield Car Pageant with friend Tim in his Rover P6 3.5 litre V8 car.   Another good day.

Tim in the arena with Pete - red Rover

Stunt bikes at Enfield - brilliant

Tuesday, 28 May 2013

We set off early through 2 locks into Roydon Marina.  I fill up with water and get a new gas bottle.  Susan and Pete see an amazing sight of 31 new goslings being escorted by 6 adult geese.  Susan feeds them as she tries to photograph them without falling in.

Goslings fighting over bread

We go back to Roydon Mill and moor up.

Thursday, 30th May 2013

Pete has arranged for an electrician to fit the new battery management system and he will be arriving early on Friday morning.  Pete decides we should move into the marina as it will be easier for the electrician to do the work there rather than whilst on the towpath.

We cruise through the two locks and moor up where we were at Christmas.  We are in luck as there is £3.86 in the electric meter.  With more luck we won't have to put in another £10!!

Friday, 31st May 2013

The electrician stops fiddling with me by 1:30.  The family set about cleaning the inside of the boat.  Susan's wardrobe which was full of clothes has been emptied onto the bed.  She decides it's time for a clear out.

Susan also does loads of washing.

Saturday/Sunday, 1/2 June 2013

The family visit friends whilst I rest overnight.  Again, the food was scrummy and the evening was great fun.  Susan and Pete say "Thanks" to Yvette and Jimmy for a lovely evening and to Una and Malc for being great company.  Sunday was a chill out day for the family to recovery from the late night.

Monday, 3rd June 2013

We wait for the service dock to be clear of boats as I need a pump-out before we head off again.  It is late in the day before it is free.  Pete decides to stay overnight and do it in the morning.  I am raring to go..

Susan goes for a 3 mile walk.  She and her sister, Lorraine, have entered the Shine Marathon walk and are now in training for it.

Tuesday, 4th June 2013

We leave the mooring early to go the service dock and then get asked by James to move as the pump-out is not working - waiting on it being emptied.  Another wide-beam needs to get diesel so we have to move.  It is very windy.  Pete eventually manages to move me to the right spot.  I get tied up.  The family go for coffee in the Marina Cafe.  4 hours later.........  we eventually set off.

We moor at Dobb's weir outside the Fish and Eels country pub.  Nice spot but Susan does not like it here as she feels like a fish in a bowl as everyone who is eating or drinking outside the pub seems to watch our every move!!

Total 3 locks and 1.5 miles

Wednesday, 5th June 2013

A beautiful sunny day greets us.  We head to Broxbourne and moor up near The Crown pub and restaurant.  They do yummy food here, Susan says.

Total 2 locks and 1 mile

Thursday, 6th June 2013

Day of rest for me.  Susan watches as a swan and 7 signets swim by in the morning.  The family go walk about to Silvermeade which is part of the Lea Valley Regional parks and take photos.  It is very busy here with small boats and pedalos passing me throughout the day.

Friday, 7th June 2013

We return to Roydon Mill.  A lovely day's cruising.  Susan and Pete saw a Kingfisher and Greater Spotted Woodpecker.  Susan helped day-boat occupants through Carthagena Lock - they did not seem to know what to do.

Pete is very happy with his battery management system as it allows him to check what voltage and amps are being used by what piece of equipment.  He proudly showed Susan how to use it today.  It seems that he has been using the engine to charge the batteries FOR HOURS when he need not have.  It's not his fault as apparently the Victron Inverter only displays green lights when it gets to absorption or float.  He assumed if it went to float the batteries were fully charged.  Now we have this battery management system we can tell exactly how much charge the batteries have and do not need to rely on the inverter telling us as it seems to be incorrect.  So the fuel bill will decrease this year.  Good news.

Total 4 locks and 3.5 miles