Autumn into Winter – a short walk along the Grand Union Canal on a carpet of leaves as Winter approaches.
rp – peace and Narrowboats
Autumn into Winter on the Canal
Category Archives: Uncategorized
A Misty Marina Morning
A view out across the marina on one of the first misty mornings of Winter, as the sun comes out.
rp – peace and narrowboats
Simulating Life
Friday 14 August 2020
Life Simulating Art Simulating Life
One of the things I’ve prioritised in my life since moving aboard Silverdale is the playing of video/computer games. A lot of people in the marina have fishing as a hobby but I prefer a more digital form of relaxation.
I’ve purchased several games (with several more on my ever-growing list that extends into next year’s new releases). It’s an eclectic mix. One of the games I’ve installed for the PS4 Pro is Train Sim World 2020. I’ve written about my love affair with trains before in I Feel I Have to Mention the Trains 🙂
Prior to our move to Silverdale, I used to take the train each morning to work.
Journeys by Train
For the journey to work, I had to get up at 05:45 and mu used to drive me to the station, only to wait for a train that was frequently short-formed, late or didn’t turn up at all. This happened a lot. Once on a train, by the end of the journey it was crammed with people and always unbearably hot. Apart from that time the heating never came on in Winter and I nearly froze to death. Ah, happy times.
The return journey was the worst. It was invariably late. I don’t think I ever got home on time. I also had to stand for the first 10 minutes and often longer. The train was always overcrowded and mu used to have to pick me up at the other end so she was always having to wait. journeys by train were not my favourite. So, it may seen incongruous that I chose a train simulation for relaxation? Maybe I was trying to create a perfect rail system or maybe I was trying recreate those waits in the cold, the crammed carriage journeys or the stifling heat on a hot day. Or maybe, I missed it all!
Late, Delayed overcrowded, Cancelled – my first journey was none of these. I found it sedate, clean, not too hot, not too cold and on time. It was the golden era of trains!
Line Expansions
TSW 2020 lets you drive on Great Western Railway’s South West line, I’ve got the West Somerset Line and I’ve also got the Pennine – Leeds-Manchester line (We used to live there and travel on this also). As with all software, there’s an upgrade in the wings. However, as of yet, I’ve only managed to drive the train out of the station at 10 mph and bring it to a halt. That was difficult enough – you don’t realise the complexity and weight responsibility until you sit in the driver’s seat. You have to try it.
I’ll wait before I upgrade.
Update
After the stress of rail travel, I have decided to unwind with The Ultimate DOOM
Check out the Video for Classic DOOM below but it is PEGI 18 Rated
It’s so much more restful 😉
rp – peace and narrowboats
It’s a DIY Kind of Day
Saturday 6 June 2020
It’s a DIY Kind of Day
It was cold outside. The wind continued to blow throughout the night and into the morning. Sun played on the inside roof of the boat creating patterns that moved. The sun was out for a short while but the wind brought in another batch of grey clouds. Our boat and the ones alongside swayed, moved and juddered in rhythm with the wind. The two-section floating workshop parted and joined, as though in some unheard country dance. The antenna atop the workshop swayed ominously and probably wasn’t doing our WiFi signal any good. The trees stoically continued to put up with it all.
Make It a Makita
We started the day deciding upon a multi-tool. We needed one to address the rust: on the prow, in the lockers, in the engine bay and a whole host of other areas we haven’t yet found. After careful consideration, we decided upon a Makita cordless unit – DTM50RM1J1 18v L-ion Kit.
As you may or may not know, I am not known for my DIY skills. If I hammer in a nail – it bends. When I put up a shelf – it falls down. Should I look at a screw – the head looses its thread. So, Mu started the preparation for painting the saloon of Silverdale. It will be all white and our things will provide the colour. I supplied tea and freshly ground coffee.
A break from the DIY (I was exhausted) saw us head over to the Café where we had chips outside – the first for a very long time. The winds and rain and sun continued. A tea break out on the stern, under the canopy saw us open it up to let the sun in, then close it down as a massive grey blanket of cloud rolled over, bringing thunder. It’s really great we have this whole other room: conservatory/greenhouse/tent/deck.
Back to the grind.
Have You Finished Yet?
Painting came along slowly. I didn’t say “have you finished yet?). Covering a sage green colour with brilliant white emulsion will do that. It takes time and coats. I washed half the solar panels so we should be able to pull in just a little more energy – a couple of rays worth. I need the brush to reach the other side of the panels but I haven’t plucked up the courage to walk down the gunwales yet (the last time I did, I fell in – see Tales From the Bilge – Episode 17)
It was probably raining again but the sun did come out and stayed out into the evening. When playing tangram, sorry making the bed, we discovered a leak! A small one. Rain water had gained ingress via the port side bedroom window and had ran along to the corner of the bed. The mattress was a little wet (not me). We were aware that some of the window seals needed attention from the survey. This was one of them. I’m hoping Sikaflex will do the job. A purchase just as soon as the Chandlery gets some in stock. I suspect there will be more DIY kinds of days to come
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Here ends our first week aboard Silverdale.
rp – peace and narrowboats