Monday 14th March to Saturday 26th March
Monday 14th March
Surprisingly for us we found the cottage without losing our way or
missing a turning. First impressions, a great little place to stay, with easy
access to Rutland Water. Economy 7 electricity does not keep the cottage as
warm as we would like, but then we do have a solid fuel burner on the boat and
diesel powered radiators, so we’re not used to a cooler atmosphere. Which is
why we’ll be taking a drive into Oakham so that I can buy a warm cardigan.
We were far too early for the cottage; although it was already open
when we arrived at half eleven; so we stopped off at a car park and had a
stroll around, eventually finding a café that was open. We ordered a coffee and
slice of carrot cake, which came to £13.00p. Yes, folks, you read that right,
£13.00p for coffee and slice of cake each. Now that is taking the wee, wee!!
Still, we’re only here for three days and the nearby hotel boasts of
being dog friendly. So, if we’re caught in bad weather, we can always dine
there.
Tuesday 15th March
This is a lovely little cottage and, along with a second one of similar
proportions, has a short, private drive down to it. Also, and apart from the
lack of warmth for this time of year, we didn’t have any hot water for washing
up or washing ourselves. So, when it came to dirty dishes after dinner, we had
to boil the kettle up. Then, just after I had done the washing up, my phone
rang and, who should it be but Rebecca, the owner of the cottages. She’d phoned
me instead of the person she should have phone and I told her about the lack of
hot water. Apparently this is an ongoing problem, but it was soon solved by
switching on the immersion heater.
As it happens, as I mentioned earlier, we drove into Oakham; instead of
walking to the nearest village; where I found a really comfortable, warm’
zip-up cardigan and Wifey popped into the local Tesco for a few odds and ends.
This morning we’ll probably take a walk to the aforementioned village,
just for the sake of doing so and to enjoy some more of the stunning views
around the area.
Wednesday 16th March
Yesterday morning was pretty cold in the cottage, despite the radiators
and, although we went out with the intention of taking a long walk by the
water, we took a trip into Oakham and bought a fan heater instead. We then went
straight back to the cottage and switched it on. It seems a pity that we had to
resort to such a move, but I’m afraid it was absolutely necessary in this
instance. Perhaps we’ve been spoilt with our solid fuel burner and 3 radiators
on the boat. We’ll probably leave a note for Rebecca before we leave.
Also yesterday morning, I found I was unable to log on to the Internet.
Initially I thought it was because the WiFi had switched itself off, but this
wasn’t the case. It was simply because I had connected the WiFi unit to the
mains, rather than directly to the laptop. As a result of this the WiFi then
wanted my security details, which I couldn’t enter, simply because I hadn’t
brought the card with me. The problem was soon solved by connecting to the
laptop via an extension lead which, luckily, I had brought with me.
This morning, however, I have been unable to download my messages using
Outlook, and it’s not because the WiFi is off. So, rather than waste time
fiddling, I accessed my Absolute account online. Strange that I can access the
Internet, but not Outlook. Hmmm!
Thursday 17th March
Well, we’ll be on our way back to Crick this morning, having spent a
very pleasant three days by the side of Rutland Water.
Yesterday we simply chilled out, having first walked along to Edith
Weston; the nearest village; for the Mail. After which we did nothing in
particular, except take Alex out for a couple of longish walks. The cottage has
been pretty comfortable since we included a fan heater.
So, what next for our future moorings? Well, I have drafted a letter to
Tim Langer, voicing our concerns and have toned it down somewhat in order not
to offend. I’m pretty good in that regard.
As we see it, we have two choices. We pay the man his new fees
throughout the year – not likely. Or we simply look at alternative marinas for
next winter. The third option would be to hope we can return here, but we’re
not sure that that’s a good idea, as we’ll be leaving under a cloud. We’ll just
have to see.
Friday 18th March
Returning to the rise in mooring fees at Crick Marina. Sheila and I are
quite puzzled as to why we received that letter. After all, we normally only
winter over, wherever it may be, and then get out for more cruising by the
beginning of April. The fact that we paid for the whole of 2015, was simply to
guarantee a mooring spot for this winter. Had we not done so I would have
missed several hospital appointments and diabetes checks. So it was essential
that we come back here. Now, as far as the hospital is concerned, I no longer
need to return at six monthly intervals, so I can just as easily make an
appointment at another hospital. My diabetes checks can also be carried out
locally, wherever we may be.
Saturday 20th March
Well, after a heated discussion about our commitment to this marina,
i.e., the payment of a termination fee, we have decided to pay up and use the
additional time here working on the boat. Nuff said!!
Today is the long-awaited Kennett family bash, which starts at midday,
for a sit down meal at 1.0 pm. As far as we are aware we’ll be at The fox at
Matching, but nobody has confirmed this. Won’t it be a surprise when we turn
up, only to find nobody there? Nah! Carole would have told us of a different
venue – wouldn’t she??
Alex, as usual, will stay with his bestest pal, Tommy and his owner,
Peter, for the day. Peter is the one person that Alex took to as soon as they
met. He was very wary of other men, but took to Peter as if he’s known him all
his life. Tommy is also a Jack Russell, although much smaller than Alex. And he
has a tail and a full set of kit, if you know what I mean.
Monday 21st March
The Kennett family bash went well yesterday, although there were far
fewer attendees this time. Still, the food was good and the conversation
brought quite a few laughs, especially from Michael, Sheila’s brother. Next
year we’re hoping to change the seating arrangements. Thus far we’ve been
separated into two distinct groups but, if we can join tables together next
time, we can all natter across the table and generate more noise. Lovely!
So, everything is back to normal, with shopping our first priority
today. Alex was very pleased to see us again, although he does enjoy his stay
with Peter and Tommy.
We’ve now decided to stay here until the end of June, so that we can
carry out more work on the boat; mostly painting, but there’s also the top-box
to put together. Of course this means paying the increased fees for that
quarter, but saves us carrying out the paintwork out there on the cut. In order
to do so when cruising, it’s necessary to have a spell of dry weather, It’s
also important to find a mooring spot that’s near a turning point, or winding
hole, as it’s known in the trade, so that the boat can be turned around as and
when necessary.
Tuesday 22nd March
Yesterday was just another one of those non-days, in that, apart from a
bit of shopping at Sainsbury’s, we did nothing of any account. Although, the
following might give you a chuckle.
Yesterday evening, at about seven of the clock, Wifey took Alex for his
evening stroll, as is her wont. Between our marina and the next; there are
three altogether here at Crick; there’s an alternative office, which sports a
WiFi aerial. This log cabin sits on a small hillock, along with a few trees. On
passing the office Wifey spotted a notice and, being the Nosy Parker that she
is, went to investigate.
Now, bearing in mind that the hillock upon which this office sits is
only a few square yards in area, she was most surprised to find the words,
‘This area is a wildlife preserve and dogs must not be allowed on it’. Had it
stated that some owners were allowing their dogs to use the area as a toilet,
we wouldn’t have thought if very funny. But, what do we know, we’re only a
couple of unwanted boaters?
Friday 25th March (Good Friday)
I received a return email from RBOA this morning, having asked for
their comments regarding the new structure here at Crick. Their comments were
as I expected and I was reminded that the owner of Crick Marina can do as he
pleases where fees are concerned. Well, I had already stated that obvious fact
in my email to the owner, so we feel that the situation is what it is, and
we’ll vote with our feet, or boat in this case. It’s a real shame though, as we
quite like Crick and the surrounding area. Unfortunately, Noel’s offer of seven
months’ moorings at the end of this year, with payment up front, is not
something we can contemplate at this time. We’ve had the expense of the boat
blacking and the enforced three-day break whilst that was being done, so we’re
hardly in a position to find such a sum right now. We also had the additional
expense of having our engine serviced.
Ah well, that’s life, etc, etc.
I’m due for a kidney scan on 2nd April, a Saturday, would
you believe? So, we now have to go out and find me a decent housecoat. This is
to preserve my modesty when walking across the waiting room in one of those
soppy gowns. Those ridiculous thingies’ that tie up at the back and show your
bum. We’ll probably pop over to Sainsbury’s for that little item.
Hopefully, this Bank Holiday won’t be the total washout that the
forecasters would have us believe.
Saturday 26th March
Didn’t bother with Sainsbury’s yesterday as we’ll be going there on
Tuesday, so I can get my housecoat then, if they have one.
Yesterday was great weather-wise. We took a walk over to the office and
paid our ‘dues’, so we’re officially here until the end of June. Of course, we
won’t spend all the intervening weeks here, but will g out for a week or two
here and there. This morning we’ll be
putting our postal forwarding address in to the Post Office.
We have yet to receive replies from the two marinas we emailed about
winter moorings for this coming November, but it’s early days yet. As soon as
we know, you too will know.
So, with no further ado, I'll post this blog.
Have a great Bank Holiday
Dave, Sheila and Alex
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