Overcast, but with a wonderful sunrise as the sun tipped over the horizon. The wind dropped off later. Found an intermittant problem with the domestic alternator. This was letting a small voltage flow through the excitation winding. Did a quick rewire and attached a cable from ignition switch to alternator. Circuit is now broken if ignition switch is turned off.
Morning: Bank Newton top lock opens at 10am so a late start was planned. Underway by 10:30. On arrival at 11:00 only one boat waiting to go. Paired down the flight. Monitoring the alternator for output and temperature everything seems to be working ok.
We began to notice a green scum forming on the water surface. It started just above Langber Bridge and stretched almost all the way to Niffany Swing Bridge. Thats a distance of about seven miles. Its said to be caused by a combination of the recent warm temperatures with intermittent bursts of heavy rain that is washing fertiliser into the canal.
The Environment Agency website reports that the Blue-green algae produces toxins which can harm, or even kill, farm animals, pets and wild animals, and cause skin-rashes, eye irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and muscle and joint pain in people. The Environment Agency reports a significant rise in the number of incidents reported compared to recent years. Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, starves fresh water of oxygen. It is a significant risk to human and animal health. Ingestion can lead to symptoms including convulsions and liver failure.
Afternoon: Steady cruise along the canal with only one bit of excitement - a hire boat having problems steering. Gave a bit of advice on controlling the boat. Not much in the way of boats on the move.
Evening:
Wildlife: Nothing out of the ordinary.
Todays Total.
Miles: 6.8
Locks: 12
Swing / Lift Bridges: 4
Tunnels. 0
Pump Outs: 0
Locks: 12
Swing / Lift Bridges: 4
Tunnels. 0
Pump Outs: 0
Engine Hours: 6.9
Solar Panels: 27 Ah
Accumulated Total.
Miles: 1528.1
Locks: 1023
Swing / Lift Bridges:203
Tunnels. 26
Pump Outs: 15
Locks: 1023
Swing / Lift Bridges:203
Tunnels. 26
Pump Outs: 15
Engine Hours: 2655.7
Solar Panels: 10007 Ah
Solar Panels: 10007 Ah
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