Timing it Right

The ever trusty Datsun has gone to the mechanics this morning for her new timing chain fitting. We knew the day would eventually come when it needed replacing, it was already well over the mileage when most become troublesome, in fact some Almera's had issues with the chain from nearly new so it has not done bad to stretch itself out, quite literally, to 143k miles.

It has been a difficult decision to make as to whether to spend the money getting the car fixed or to put that money towards a different car. It isn't the cheapest of repairs, but we have decided that we know the car quite well, well we should do we have had it for going on 13 years, and it has recently had a new clutch, new tyres and new brakes all round. So it was worth it to us to get it fixed.

Hopefully she will be running good as new again in a couple of days time.

By Boat

Of course we decided to head into Lincoln by boat yesterday. It would have been rude not too as it was such a lovely day.

But with the threat of ice over night we decided to head back to the marina after our meal in Huckleberrys. The food was excellent as always, although Liams Have Mercy Hot Wing starter was a bit too hot for me!

We have no need to rush about today. We have to head back home as we need to take my poorly Nissan to the garage tomorrow so need to go and pick it up. So my only plan for the day is cooking a roast ham dinner later on.

Afloat Again

It was nice to wake up on the water this morning. It has only been two weeks with no boat but I have missed it. The gentle lap of the water on the chine, the slight movement on the water, and the water fowl bickering as the sun starts to appear over the horizon.

I could have stayed tucked up in bed all day. But I did manage to make myself get up and showered so that we could enjoy a lovely breakfast at the Woodcocks pub on the marina.

Soon we will be heading down into Lincoln for the day. We are still undecided by which mode of transport though!

Film Night

It is time tonight to head across to see Naughty-Cal. What with one thing and another and New Years celebrations last weekend, despite only being down the road in Gainsborough we never did get to see her last week.

So tonight we have planned a quiet night in tucked up on our berth with the heating on and watching a film with a few drinks before warming through a nice 5% steak mince chilli I made at home during the week served with some wholegrain basmati rice.

We have not got any big plans for this weekend. We will check that everything is ok after a couple of weeks away and perhaps have breakfast in Woodcocks tomorrow morning before heading into Lincoln as we have a table booked for the two of us tomorrow evening in Huckleberries in the city centre. We are still undecided whether to take the boat or take the bus, I guess we will let the weather decide which route we shall take.

Looking Back at 2017 - Part 3

Chilling out in Lincoln

The E Pontoon Beach party

A run to West Stockwith

In the sunshine in West Stockwith Basin

October saw Naughty-Cal take a break as we had a week onboard a hire boat on the Norfolk Broads.

Early start at St Bennetts Abbey

Heading back to base

Halloween Party at Worksop Manor Lodge

Pumpkin carving

And several more local trips to finish the year.

2017 Total Miles = 868 Miles

2017 Total Locks = 70 Locks

2017 Total Litres Fuel = 678 Litres = 5.76mpg

This year we were well down on mileage when compared with previous years but not through choice. We have put this down to our summer two week holiday usually comprising some 600 odd miles but this year only taking 120 miles due to being transported by road. If that is the case then this year may well also be a lower mileage year as we will once again be trailed for our summer holiday.

Looking Back at 2017 Part 2

Another of many trips to Saxilby

Trying on Cals road cover.

Hot, Hot, Hot for the Newark Festival

Newark in glorious sunshine

Our first breakdown in nine years. Luckily an easy fix. 

On to Southrey.

The lovely church at Southrey.

The first time on a trailer.

Being launched into Scottish waters at Inverness Marina

Onto the Caledonian

Anchored at Dores Bay, Loch Ness for a bite to eat in the pub.

Late evening on Loch Ness

The beautiful Loch Oich.

Heading down Neptunes Staircase.

Out onto the West Coast.

Our berth for the last few days in Oban Marina.

A lovely day trip to Seil.

All too soon we are back on the trailer and heading for home.

Looking Back at 2017 - Part 1

2017 was a year of firsts for Naughty-Cal and us. So here is a quick look back at some of the things we got up too.

Back in the water after yet another winter spruce up.

Sea Jay on her first high speed run under new ownership.

The Burton Waters fuel berth fire which saw the sad end to two boats.

An early season run to West Stockwith.

A chance to blow away a few cobwebs.

Running in the little Honda outboard.

Our first trip up the Trent in a few years and a chance to enjoy a fine meal in the Bromley Arms.

Cruising through Newark.

One of many stops at Dunham Bridge.

Still running in that outboard. This time on the Tidal Trent.

One of many visits to Lincoln.

And still that outboard needed more hours running in.

Through Drakeholes tunnel.

Naughty-Cal sporting her new cockpit trim and a chance to remove the hoods.

Cocktails on the river.

A bank holiday trip to Boston.