Kathleen batters Percy

Seems we have a new storm and therefore a new name 'Kathleen' is hitting us as we are aboard Percy for an unprecedented long weekend  after only just being here two weeks ago - Five months no visits then two in two weeks !! 

Part of the reason is to fettle the donk on Percy. Five months is a long time to leave an old engine so I want to get inside and oil up the journals just as the 1929 vintage book advises. 

Not done it yet... typing this Friday night before the storm hits but will update with a few pics when it's done and we have the engine thumping aways all oiled up !!

A bit of a split saw me start the work about 4pm last night  ( sat) and finish up with the engine running after three hours Sunday. To get into the crank door I have to drain the block, remove the pulley guard. Then remove the Alternator the water pump and the starter then the lower water elbows. i can then open the 'door' to check the bottom end ( all good) and for good measure give the bearings a good oil before she starts up. Then its the reverse process  - 6 hours all in all but I feel better knowing the bits that need oil have it and the pump and dippers will do the rest going forward. Some pictures  - I take loads to ensure it all goes back as it should mainly the electrical connections. 

Still blowing hard out side  - we will try for a little cruise tomorrow if possible but not of its still blowing 

The Whaley bridge repair

It seems like an age ago that we were watching the tv and being told of an impending disaster as the Toddbrook reservoir spill way was in danger of breaching and the town of Whaley bridge was being evacuated. As in all good disaster movies the event was avoided and all was well.... apart form the cost to C&RT for the repair . I took the opportunity to have a ride that way the other day while out for a longish shopping trip to Screwfix !  

What a work of art it is to incur costs to all canal users.... banksmen on the road below trying to stop traffic  - I rode by. All the site is protected from prying eyes by hundreds of yards of hoarding all nicely painted, The fella sitting in his road sweeper truck watching vids ( I presume )  on his phone - very little site work being done as evidenced by the chains on the gates.  Goodness knows what the ongoing daily costs are are who is clerking the works and signing off the bills and the need for the 'extras' ?

I'm sure some of it is needed and the repair certainly, but please for the love of all the canals please C&RT get on with it and reduce the costs where you can  - it must be costing us thousands of pounds each day ....