Finally ready to leave

Here's a picture of me actually doing some work just so you all realise that I'm not just swanning about taking photos of stuff ;-) The bit of wire I'm working on is very important because it controls the gadget that separates the engine starter battery from the domestic batteries that the engine is running properly and it can start charging all of them. If you don't do this you can end up flattening all the batteries and not being able to start the engine in the morning!
So yesterday took a lot longer than planned but everything is now ready and a couple of things that I wasn't sure how to finish got finished. The main one that would have taken ages was that Neil (one of the wonderful craftsmen at Norton Canes Boatbuilders) spent 4 hours cutting and welding a new stove pipe for the stove. It looks fabulous as you can see:
We also fitted the Button Fender on the bow so that we don't scratch the paintwork when bumping in to things like locks!
Judicious use of the kayak meant it didn't get lost at the bottom of the canal ;-)

At almost eleven last night we finished that most essential of things... the Ikea chest of drawers. For those of you who know me well, you'll understand what a big issue actually having somewhere I can put my clothes and know where they are is for me. Having lived out of a suitcase for 2 months it was wonderful this morning to open a drawer and get clean underwear out without having to delve under jeans and shirts too!
Today we really start chugging south.

'till tomorrow....