Moving our Store - 23rd January 2013

When we moved out of our house in March 2003, we kept stuff that wouldn't fit on the boat (or couldn't part with?!) and put it into a store – in South Manchester.

During our boat re-fit when we rented a house in 2006-10, we expanded again and had moved it all into the house using the large cellar.

After the re-fit and we moved back onto the boat in September 2010, again what wouldn't fit went to store – in South Manchester. This was a 24 hour Access Store which suited us whilst working. We combined shopping at Handforth Dean with going to the store and then returning to Bollington.

Now we are moored in Audlem, we decided to re-locate our store – nearer and more convenient AND downsize a bit! The rental cost saving is a modest £20pcm though the reduced travel costs in terms of time and petrol are significant.

Having decided to “Go for it!”, we chose the Crewe Go Green Van Rental.

  SWB Transit does the job

We loaded on the Sunday and brought the van back to the marina for an early start on the Monday – the day of the fresh snow!

Cold and white start to the day!

The people at our new store had offered for us to use the empty store adjacent to ours in order to sort out our stuff (downsize?)

 First load for sorting!

 

The second load came down on Monday and the job of packing the new store began?

Will it all fit?

Chris finding and sorting!

  

 The temporary sorting space – almost there!

 Hurray – it fits?!

Snowy Scenes - 18th January

Like most of the country, we awoke to our snow on the Friday. As we knew it was forecast, we had planned to stay indoors as the wind got up and a good 2 to 3 inches fell.

By the time we needed to get out, the main roads were clear and even our farm lane had been gritted and was OK though passage restricted in the odd place.

The track around the marina was, by now, compacted snow and icy in places – needing careful driving.

A happy snowman!

January Micro Cruise!

January 6th Overwater Marina

When we came into the Overwater Marina in October, we had asked for a bow-in berth.

The idea was that we would use the front hold as our entry into the boat. In fact, this hasn't happened and even for our visitors, we have used the stern deck and boarded through the Boatman's Cabin. This is better for wet jackets and shoes etc.

Autumn berth looking across the marina pool

With the dark nights and icy weather, the walk to the end of the pontoon to step onto the back has a certain heart raising aspect.

Also, we seem to be hidden from the Vodafone signal more than before.

So we asked to move to a stern-in berth and have been allocated back to our first 2011 berth on K9. Already this feels better and is more convenient and will be safer when the snow comes?  When our grandchildren stop over, it will be safer for them.

Back to K9, tucked in!  

Our boat viewed from the opposite bank – we have the black sheeted hold and the elegant TV ariel (good signal)

So on 6^th January, we took a wintry Mini Cruise around the marina. Several boaters have warned about the challenge of squeezing into a stern-in berth – some claiming it is impossible with even the slightest breeze! Anyhow, we managed it well this time!

 Shortest cruise ever?!