Tuesday 1 November 2016

Enjoying life.

Tuesday, 1st November.

Hello people, I hope I find you all well and happy in your lives. Life afloat continues to to fill me with pleasure and contentment and a feeling of peace.
I wake each day to the sounds of ducks quacking, birds twittering and occasionally,  the sound of a boat engine. The gentle movement of the boat is a pleasant reminder that I am actually afloat which to me, just adds to the feeling of contentment.
Autumn is definitely upon us now and winter is just around the corner. Entering the marina through the gates brings you into a world of boats many of which have wisps of wood smoke rising from their chimneys whilst the occupants are toasty warm inside. Ive been lighting my fire most afternoons over the past few weeks, just for the evening then letting it go out overnight as it has been really mild. In fact we've had some beautiful days with warm sunshine.


I collected my chimney from Kym and Tracy on the Little Chimney boat. Stainless steel, and double skinned so it will last indefinitely it is a perfect fit and looks great. Excellent workmanship, thanks Kym.


I took this sunset picture on 27th September, bootiful aint it.

Then 3 days later this rather dramatic cloud picture.


I started rubbing down the wooden rail round the stern, hard work trying to get rid of all the old dark stain




Eventually I got it down to this.

After 4 coats of clear varnish with sanding down between each coat, I think it looks great. The varnish has really brought out the natural colour  of the wood.
I had a run down to Kent to see friends and family for a few days.My timing was better this trip as I drove down on the Saturday, people were not at work and grandchildren were not at school so I was able to spend time with the people that matter, unlike last time where i got it so wrong and hardly saw anyone!
I stayed with my good friends John and Dee who always make me feel very welcome.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable trip and great to spend time with those people who are never far from my thoughts, I look forward to the day the grandkids can come and 'crew' for me.

Last Thursday I had a little trundle up the canal as it was such a bootiful day, the sun was shining, the sky was mainly blue and the canal was so quiet and peaceful I just had to take a few pics as I pottered along.









Just a few pics to show you people how beautiful the canals can be. 
Autumn is one of the most colourful and picturesque times of the year I think.

Well I think that's about it for now people, take care, enjoy your lives whatever you're doing.

bfn.