IN THE WATER!!

Apologies for the delay in updating the blog but when i went down to the boatyard a week last Tuesday (6th March) I was informed that we could take delivery of H3O on the Thursday, as all the electrical work would be completed by then! I’d intended to sort out all the practical arrangements (provisions, blow-up matresses, volunteer crew members etc!) for cruising her back the following week when I’d expected delivery, so things suddenly picked up a pace. Luckily my father volunteered (or was cajoled) to help me bring H3O back to Kings Bromley (well…, it keeps him active in his retirement!). All the other necessities were soon gathered ready for 3pm on Thursday.

Unfortunately the crane was delayed but managed to get to us by about 5.30pm, by which time the sun had started to set as you’ll see from the first couple of pictures! As Colecraft is not on the canalside all boats have to be craned onto a lorry to be either driven back to the home marina or in our case, to be dropped in -not literally- at a local marina (Blue Lias) which is just a mile down the road. The whole process only took just over an hour, but the sun had well and truly disappeared by the time H3O was lowered onto the water. The photo left is a little blurred as the camera had to be set for maximum exposure.

We managed an inaugural cruise out onto the canal through the very congested and dark marina to moor up for Thursday night. Luckily a pub was spotted within 50 yards – could have almost been planned – so dinner was sorted to commemorate the launch!

The sun shone for just about all of the three day cruise back to base, which should have actually taken 5 days if it were not for 11 hour cruising days! I even managed to get my father on the tiller, something he’s never been that keen on – Well done Dad (photo opposite – hope you don’t mind..).

On Saturday my partner Jane drove across to help us through the flight of 11 locks at Atherstone, whilst the children were looked after for the afternoon by my ‘in laws’. After two nights of an uncomfortable blow-up mattress my Dad decided to head back home with Jane that afternoon. I continued on alone for the last day managing to practice my technique of lone locking -which I thoroughly enjoyed. I’ve included a few of the photos taken whilst cruising back. I hope to update the site next week when I should have started with the rest of the fitout. Cheers.

The beautifully lit Newbold Tunnel from the Stern of H3O.

Below Right: – Entering Braunston.

Left:

Right: Fradley Junction – Nearly Home! Now how do I open the swingbridge single handed!?