The Big One (9-5)

Thursday 31st May 2012

Newark (Cow Lane Bridge)

More rain fell over night, and for a change it carried on into the morning. 

This morning in between the showers we had a Kingfisher fishing off the back of the boat. On the other side of the river a Heron demonstrated his ninja like skills by sneaking into the shallow water under the trees. 

The Herons body movements were like slow running treacle. Until a victim was spotted, when he would sink into a crouch position. Quick as a flash the beak like a stiletto would be stabbed into the water and another small fish was retrieved and tossed backwards into the mouth. Such is the way of life for a large fish eating bird.

By comparison our little Kingfisher was not as productive at fishing. I watched him dive into the water about ten times for each tiny fish caught. This was then carried off to some hidden nest to feed a clutch of hungry chicks. With a shrill long call he would announce his arrival back. Skimming just above the water surface to resume fishing once more. 

Then at 8am the nearby scrap yard started up operations. The Kingfisher and Heron soon departed for a quieter place to find breakfast. Our tranquillity was also broken by the noise. The level became an instant irritation. There are many houses located nearby. I think the noise levels must make them ideal if you are deaf. It must also be a problem for people living in the nearby Kings Marina. 

I noticed that there were large square blocks of crushed cars and other materials stacked up in the scrap yard at the side of the river. Some of these had obviously over balanced and tumbled into the river. Now they are begining to poke through the surface. 

It seems incongruous that old cars are being scrapped to recycle for the metal content and are now contributing to polluting the river. All done under the watchful gaze of the British Waterways office in Newark!

I have fallen head over heels in love. I spotted her meandering along the river. What's more I know that the Memsahib would like to spend time washing and polishing my new love. Where did I put my metaphorical pipe - I'm about ready for a good long dream.

I know that she would be impractical, but all petrol heads used to hanker after a Ford GT40. As a road car, totally impractical, but as a piece of engineering beauty - second to none. So it is with Camelot X, for us impracticable. But as a piece of boat engineering beauty, that's another thing. But who cares for practicalities - when its a matter of lust!

This weeks Solar Panel Data.

Average 26.5 Ah per day  High 40Ah Low 10Ah

Daily Total

Miles: 0.0
Locks: 0
Swing / Lift Bridges: 0
Tunnels: 0
Pump Outs: 0
Engine Hours: 0.0

Accumulated Totals
Miles: 706.9

Locks: 653

Swing / Lift Bridges: 115

Tunnels: 6

Pump Outs: 9

Engine Hours: 2152.5

Later....