Solar Array Up and Working

Lots happened this last week but not cruising wise!      


1.   Bottom blacking done
2.   Solar array fitted - 3 x 100 panels which tilt ---- since then we haven’t had a really sunny daylong day but power going in nevertheless so very pleased and can’t wait for a really good sunshiney day!    For the techies among you ---- in the last 4 days its put 191 amp hours into the batteries and cut engine running time down from 1.5-2 hours a day to 30 minutes.    Will let you know what happens in brilliant sunshine!    Mick’s made a really good job of fitting - main cable brought through  the roof via a IP roof box, nice and tidy.
3.  New TV ariel fitted - a status 530 digital antenna system - through the overlap lip in the cratch.   Again, a really neat job by Mick.    Before it went up we couldn’t get any reception here with our high gain ariel and now have hundreds of watchable channels (well, watchable in the sense of perfect reception, not what programmes are on!!).   Again, will let you know how we get on with reception in other places where before it was zero.
4.   Dai has built a platform for the roof for logs so they don’t have to be laid directly on the roof from decking and - at long last - a platform for the cruiser stern so that I can see over the top of the boat.   (Oh no, he might expect me to start steering now!)


Been able to meet up with Amy a couple of times this week; met up with my mum and niece Millie for a canalside walk and picnic; been picking wild cooking apples and blackberries, so lots of fruit pie and crumble!    Dai’s done a bit of fishing inbetween his jobs.


Met the couple for a pint who are having their new boat “The Cat’s Whiskers” fitted out by John and Mick starting September as they came down to the boatyard to go over a few things.     


More bits and bods to do next week so we’ll be sticking around here for them.


Since last blog we have done …  0 miles and  0 locks
Total since Setting Off ….. 1421 miles and  1165 locks  

No photos this week - been too busy but I will take some for next week.