Autumn leaves are falling and it is time for us to all remember about the difficulty they can cause when cruising.
The leaves collect around the propeller and make it feel as if the engine is struggling and the speed decreasing.
Just a gentle reverse thrust and it should clear them for a short time.
Lots of patience is needed in leafy areas at this time of year.

The summer is now leaving us but the days are staying warm but the evenings are drawing in.
This is a lovely quiet time before the winter and everyone is preparing for the long evenings.
All those books and hobbies are starting to beckon.

With the coming of high summer it is time to remember all those little checks that are easy to forget when enjoying your holiday.
Engine checks of oil, gearbox oil and water are the basics but just a quick look around the engine bay is always a good idea.
Are the alternator belts both still on?
Is the stern gland dripping ?
Is the greaser full?
Is there an unusal amount of oil or water in the engine bilges.?
These quick checks can help to spot something going wrong.
If in doubt give the helpline a ring to discuss your concerns.

With the early summer here at last and the pubs open and the feeling that life is starting to return to a new sort of normal, we are all looking to escape our own four walls.
The best escape can only be the canals if you want total freedom for restrictions and no masks.
It is amazing.
Lets hope for a pleasant summer so that everyone can enjoy a little sun and freedom

At last I have been cruising, it is wonderful.
Life feels so much better on the canals.
Everyone is so pleased to stop and chat and the spring weather has made it just perfect.
Even if you cant boat try getting out on the towpath and enjoy life again!

On a wonderful day in very late March I am writing this blog.
The sun is amazing and we all wish we could be on the cut again.
We were very lucky and had to move a boat for its engineering last week and so had two wonderful free days boating!
The sun was out and it felt as if Covid was a distant memory.
Well until we arrived at the boat yard and it was back to the masks and distancing again.
It was amazing to just enjoy the sun, spring, birds and early flowers.

With the end of winter in sight and the joys of spring upon us.
I have seen my first Brimstone butterfly and my first lamb.
The insects are on the wing in the sun the birds are singing and performing their mating rituals.
Life does indeed feel more positive than at any time in the recent past.

On a cool and blustery day I am starting this blog.
February is the start of longer days and the planning of those trips on the boat during the coming summer.
If we are lucky and the vaccine allows us we can start to think about our holidays.
Fireside planning and is almost as good as the actual trip.
Happy planning

2020 has been the strangest and disconcerting year.
Now with the news of the Oxford vaccine our hopes can return.
Although we know that the next few months will be very difficult for many at least there is light at the end of this dark tunnel.
Our boats are undergoing their winter maintenance and being prepared for when we can at last boat again.
It is wonderful to start 2021 with hope in our hearts again.

With the fire alight and the cosy evenings in, we can imagine the world as we knew it and hope that it may soon return.
Science and human ingenuity looks as if it may help us to escape this year of restrictions.
After a beautiful autumn we are now starting to feel the cooler days and frosty nights and the wonders of nature never cease to amaze us.
Have a relaxing and quiet Christmas and enjoy our lovely countryside.