Laughton Hills to the Welford Arm

So then here we are a couple of days into this boating malarky and we've forgotten certain elements of it that more senior members of the boating fraternity might consider important.... 

This morning Himself cast off without that long thing in place, you know, yes the TILLER!

Fear not though Reader, only us idiots around this morning and no casualties taken.

To be fair I have struggled to remember how to tie my special knots, David is pleased about this, as he has tantrums trying to undo them.

Pixie seats awaiting the arrival of Mr Lewis to refit, they have specially treated this winter by Mr L.

Aw Bless, tiller fitted and away we go.

Now we are self proclaimed idiots but even we wouldn't park right ontop of a bridge hole.  I am pretty sure this pair were along here last autumn annoying me.  David wasn't that bothered, he said they must be happy to be bumped into.

A favourite wooded stretch.

Now this is all the evidence I have but along here were two or three butterflies, I am pretty sure they were Brimstone's   HERE   bright yellow but all attempts to photograph failed as they were doing about 40mph along the tow path.

David enjoying a healthy breakfast whilst I drove, very slowly.  I still managed to drive headlong into a bend all while trying to capture said butterfly on film.  

We arrived at the Welford Arm long stretch.  Travellers in these parts will know that its a good place to touch up the paintwork as for some reason the boat is high here and the concrete is low.  Aren't canals a bit like the sea in sea level terms?  

Well here we are about to paint.

David got out all related equipment.

Boat is in a shocking state, full of these

and these.

Now you may find it hard to believe but we know nothing about maintenance, we don't know that much about quite a lot of things, but we jointly sought to offer advice and constructive criticism to the other based on no certain experience or knowledge.
But after picking the brains of many we have completed the job to our mutual satisfaction.  In fact I am a most thoroughly happy wife and have repeatedly applauded Himself's efforts.  He seems also to be content with this unusual state of affairs.

Star man in best shirt that now has paint on the sleeve.

I am pleased with the results.

These two watched.

 After doing both sides, we are now snugged up bathed, warm again and both with aching backs, is this normal?

Supper was Italian eggs with a terrific NZ Sauvignon, then chocolate and coffee.