Tuesday 16 April 2013

More of Leighton Buzzard


I had hoped that by now we would be well on our way to Braunston but it was not to be.

BMC engines, which ours is, are notorious for oil leaks but ours has been particularly bad recently. We have also been excessively smoky so Ray decided to do a major overhaul on the engine to try and sort out the problems. This has, of course, taken precedence over the cosmetic jobs of remodelling the cratch and rubbing down and painting Morgana and Merlin.

After cleaning everything in the engine bay up and tracing the leaks Ray detected a problem with the head gasket. Replacing the head gasket is major surgery as it means disconnecting all the oil, fuel and water feeds from the engine, very time consuming. We thought that the spare head gasket that we had was a usable one but it wasn't. It was the weekend so no hope of getting another. Nigel on NB Iceni told us of a supplier here in Leighton Buzzard so Ray walked up there yesterday and the gasket was delivered this morning. He is now in the engine bay putting everything back together so my fingers are crossed (not easy to type with fingers crossed).

Our plans for the summer have been modified slightly as we are later getting away from the south than planned and our finances have taken a bit of a dent with the engine repairs and the prospect of the cost of getting the fridge/freezer repaired. Our original plan to visit the River Avon has been put on hold until later in the year or maybe next year and we now intend to visit Oxford then head for the Droitwich Canal via Birmingham, Stourport and the River Severn. After that we will head back to the Birmingham area to give me access to the rail links to Bristol in early July when Keith and Leesa's baby is due. My fourth grandchild, I don't feel old enough!

I haven't done a great deal, just the usual cooking and cleaning. I have managed a bit of craft work, mostly experimental including a dishwashing scrubbie crocheted from strips of plastic carrier bag! I'm currently working on a crocheted 'flannel' and a pair of very intricate fingerless mittens. I'll post pictures when they're finished.





This year we have travelled 91.8 miles, 127 locks and 4 swing bridges

In 2012 we travelled 876.9 miles, 675 locks,  55 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 31 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 2170.4 miles, 1888 locks, 115 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 71 tunnels

No comments:

Post a Comment