Wednesday 21 October 2015

New Kitchen - Day 51



Today the glass splash-backs have been fitted in the kitchen and finishing touches made to the units, but, we're preparing for more builders

Yesterday, MWNN,  Sis-in-Law, Ron, and I headed boatwards, to begin the preparation of the boat for occupancy.

The  Insurance Assessor visited us a couple of days ago and it looks like we will have to endure a few weeks of industrial noise from drying machines before the shower room can be fixed. To that end, we need a place to which we can escape the noise and disruption.





We chose yesterday as it was forecast to be clear and bright - and it was.

The autumnal shedding of leaves is early this year, but there are a few trees with green leaves in abundance.

The lake was still and calm.



















I took Ron for a walk in the woods on the other side of the lake,  while MWNN opened up the boat and Sis-in-law made tea.














One of the (many) joys of boating is that we get to see lots of flora and fauna that we'd otherwise miss. The Thrapston Lakes (of which our marina is one of many) is rich in wildlife.




As we approached the clearing where the entrance to the lake forms a junction near the weir, I spotted a red kite hunting, below tree level.


He had something in his talons, but dropped it back into the river as Ron approached the water's edge.






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I could see every feather on the underside of his wings, his red belly almost scarlet  in the bright sunshine.












Unfortunately, my camera was in my pocket. By the time I'd booted it up, the kite was out of sight. I kept the phone's camera switched on as I played with Ron on the river bank.






Twice, the kite returned, a red figure against the blue sky. I was so entranced, I missed capturing him, not wanting to miss the sight of this majestic bird at such close quarters.

All I could manage was this dark silhouette soaring into the distance.





We  cleaned most of the boat's interior and, with the front cratch cover in place, have removed coal boxes and other stuff from the front cabin. One more visit should see the boat habitable for any future need.

The boat painter made us a glazed stern-hatch cover so that we can have the rear door open on rainy days without rain pouring into the boat.

The boat was lovely and warm, sweet-smelling and dry. Sis-in-Law was thrilled with the little front-deck 'conservatory' created by the cratch cover. She took afternoon tea there and wanted us to leave her behind when we headed for home.