Staff Trip

On Saturday we had our first, and last as I am leaving, staff trip from Swanshurst.

We did our normal one day cruise down to the Bridge Inn at Tibberton.

As I was at the tiller all the time, not many photos, I really need to improve this aspect of my blogging.
Here we have a picture taken in the lock, and you may think Iain is wearing strange clothing for leisure cruising. 

The reason for this was that he had decided to come in his kayak, which he dutifully paddled behind us for some of the way, but mainly in front of us.
He arrived at the pub so early that Freya got a chance to try it out. 

A great time was had by all.

Today turned out much worse than we had expected. We spent the first three hours trying to un-fit and then re-fit the chimney for the new water heater. Once we had the knack it was fine, but it did take a bit of practice. We will need to remove it regularly as it is quite high and most bridges quite low. It was pointed out that it might be self removing if we forget, but not an avenue we wish to explore.

Just as we were about to leave tonight, I decided to investigate why the furniture seemed to have a position about an inch lower than it had been.
What greeted me up on removing the carpet tiles has left us both in a state of shock. The floor has gone rotten in two or three places all around the electric cupboard. So rotten it just crumbled when we touched it and it was a horrible green mouldy colour.
We hope it won't affect our summer cruise, but as there is now a hole where the steps to the stern stood it is a giant leap for mankind and an even bigger leap for Alison to get out.

Gordon, the man who we turn to for everything to do with Magpie II is coming to have a look in the morning and we will go from there. We are now drowning our sorrows!