April was the month the travelling started. Not what we had planned as Percy got bumped due to poor health but being able to change plans quickly helped - you'll see.
The solar was working well and being monitored as I spent time testing my cerebral dexterity by expanding my knowledge of the rabbit hole that is Home Assistant.
So it was on the 1st April I was seemingly 'computing' in the morning then walking the Clamgoose lane walk over towards Barnfields lane in the afternoon.
The 2nd April the birds were getting active. Our resident woodpecker family were supplementing their food with our peanuts.
In the afternoon I was up Whaley Bridge way exploring the Staffordshire moorlands then to Todbrook reservoir, the one you may recall that nearly burst its spillway. A massive cost for the Canal and Rivers trust. No wonder the canals were found to be in need of ever more work when we had an extended cruise later in the year.
On the 3rd it was progress with the plaster boarding of the walls in the workshop conversion but ensuring the electrical rewire was as needed with ring circuits and lightning circuits being put in by yours truly. This project was getting close to the 'cleanish stage and warm in the rooms I was working on thankfully as I do suffer poor circulation especially my hands.
The next day it was visiting motorhome dealers with my sisters. An interesting day looking at the costs and options of motorhome ownership and camper van ownership . It was also a prep day for the boat visit. This is the 'elsan' at home while the 2nd loo was out of action.
The 5th of April to the 8th April we were actually on board Percy. The engine hadn't been started since I think November 2023 so I took the opportunity to remove the starter motor, drain the block, remove the alternator and the water pump. I was then able to open the door on the crank case to clean out the sump and oil the journals and the big ends. All good so it was put back together started up and we went for a cruise. Not all the same day !!
Getting in and out of the silted up mooring was still an issue so that was mentally pencilled in for work in the near future !
On the 9th April I was back over in Heanor entertaining the grandkids while our daughter in law attended an appointment as the baby was getting close !!
Then is was a wet ride to North Devon on the 10th April to the 12th for a day riding with friends at Nathan Millwards adventure centre ! He's a character who rode a 125cc bike back from Australian then rode the same bike across American and up to Alaska - have a look for his books both a good read.
A wet Weston Supermare on the trip down. I was the only one who turned up on a bike the others all came in their cars and camper vans ( sensible )
A misty but enjoyable ride across Exmoor
Out for the day the next day on a range of smaller adventure bikes. Nice to be swapping as we went through the day and Nathan is a great source of knowledge, he's an ex editor of adventure bike magazine.
The Triumph 400x - a nice bike one for the future as they do the same engine in a 400cc road bike
The man himself
I was rewarded the day after the on the 12th April with a ride home in sunshine. I avoided the motorways and went over the Seven bridge up through the welsh marches. This is up overlooking Porlock
On the 13th I was over at Callum's cleaning the flat with him and Emma as it was hand back time. We must have done a good job as they got their full deposit back. It was a good place for them while they converted their house in Chinley. It was over the Buxton pudding Emporium opposite the Theatre so a good place to visit
Back at the windmill cafe near Ilkeston with my mum on the 16th April
On the 18th back to Heanor to meet Lyra Ivy Wells our first grand daughter
This is the 19th April and I'm test riding the Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 -the bike I had a deposit on but cancelled due to uncertainty in delivery dates for the specification of bike I wanted. I took it on an extended ride to Matlock Bath. Here it is alongside my old faithful air cooled 411cc Himalayan. I have a test when riding new bikes - how does my old bike feel when riding home after a test ride.... I kept the older 411 the new bike didn't do anything for me and was massively over hyped by Royal Enfield at the expense of their loyal customers - I wrote to them to let them know !!
I enjoyed my ride home up onto the Staffordshire moorlands
The 21st April we were walking the Tissington trail out of Ashbourne, Rachel was struggling with her health since March so we'd not done much walking.
To aid recovery and make us feel better we booked a short break to Anglesey. Staying at a lovely spa hotel where we walked and I cycled while Rachel swam It was balm for the body and soul.
Red Wharf Bay
The hotel was the Tre-Ysgawen Country house Hotel and Spa - at Capel Coch near Llangefni
Rachel is a supporter of the nature reserve up near the inland lake at Holyhead so we spend some time there
While Rachel was enjoying the Spa I was cycling
We always try and get to the bridge for a photo !
On the day after we got back - the 26th April I drove over to Audlem to help our boat friend Mandy descend the Audlem flight as she was off on her trip up the Llangollen canal.
Youtubers Fran and Rich on Laura Maisie
Off she goes with Scamp her loyal companion
The 28th April I was on a long blood bike shift - a double if I remember correctly hence the bike being at home
A quiet Stoke Hospital
The next day I was out with my mum and Rachel, I can see my mum is starting to struggle a bit
The 29th April after taking mum out we headed to Heanor as is was our eldest grandsons birthday. A nice time was had and we got to spend some time with our new granddaughter also.
The next morning I was servicing the Himalayan before loading up the bikes and cycling the Manifold valley with Rachel. We were trying to get fit for our cycling holiday that subsequently we had to bump back in the year
Thors cave in the background
So another entertaining month ....what did May deliver ?
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