Day 2 - made it

So, after a mammoth 2 days of chugging we've nursed this wonderful craft to the boat doctor. We pulled in to Norton Canes Boatbuilders at 18:30, an hour after sunset - it was nearly dark and very cold! We're moored next to a stunningly painted boat called Resolute. If Relativity's paint looks anything like that good when they're finished we're all in for a treat! I suspect the mirror finish on Resolute might be a bit beyond my budget though :-) Here is a picture...
I even managed to get to Ikea and get some basic cutlery, crockery and some nice bedding - I am going to sleep soooooo well tonight (no pictures though - you'll have to use your imagination).

One of the less fun bits of chugging through canals in built up areas is the amount of rubbish in the canal. We've had to stop 3 times today to pull shredded carrier bags, bits of string and even weeds from the propeller - you have to put your whole arm in the water through a thing called the weed hatch (nothing to do with growing pot - honest) - it is b****y cold!
Here is a picture of my mum guiding the rather grubby looking Relativity into a lock - sometimes we even manage it without bumping the sides. Boodle (the dog) managed to fall into the canal today whilst chasing a moorhen - his favourite passtime - he forgot that he can't fly.

One of the really nice bits of narrowboating is the collection of fabulous pubs along the canalside. The Manor Arms in Walsall is no exception - it has been there since the 12th century! Some of the regulars have been there ever since. Roast lamb for lunch hmmmmm.

There maybe some more tomorrow but I have a monster day ahead of me with meeting the boatyard guys at 8am to discuss the work to be done on Relativity and then leaving here by 10 in order to be at a meeting in Reading by 12:30 - a sad meeting to put part of the company I've spent the last 4 years building into liquidation.