Strangely Spring like

Don't worry, I don't believe it, but it has been very like early Spring today. This morning was very misty and murky, but it slowly cleared to leave a cloudy but mild day. We'd planned to start with breakfast in the Willow Tree, but their New Year refurbishment has overrun – something to do with the adhesive for the new floor covering not going off properly – so we had to make do with the usual muesli, fruit and yoghurt on the boat.

Then we went litter picking with the marina volunteers. There were lots of us today, and we had a really good go at the towpath and the wooded clearing where we were scrub bashing last month. There were several bags full of variegated rubbish to take back to the skips by the time we'd finished.

Back on the pontoon, we had so much nattering to do that we ended up late for lunch, especially since I had to cook some part baked baguettes. Whilst doing that, Martin and Mina from Kilgarrah were going to M&S, and kindly brought us back a loaf. I know I wasn't going to mention bread, but I must express my gratitude to helpful other boaters…

/blush

This afternoon, we turned to and washed the roof. As we were getting ready to do it, we found drama going on outside, with boat crews standing looking at the two fire appliances parked outside the Willow Tree. Apparently, attempts to speed the drying of the adhesive with big heaters had got out of hand and a small blaze had resulted. It seems likely that the Willow Tree won't be opening for a while yet; there's no damage to see from outside, but there must be smoke damage within, although the fire was brought under control without using the hoses, so at least things aren't sodden.

It took a while for us to finish washing the roof; Sheila did the hard work as usual, but a lot of conversation was had with both Martin and Mina and with Geoff from Black Pearl on the other side of us.

It's really good that the weather is mild enough to encourage so much casual hanging about and nattering.

To respond to yesterday's comments whilst I'm here:

Sue, don't worry, the paper gets collected from the shop here whilst we're in the marina.

"One thing after another" (sorry, don't know your name): thanks for the appreciation; we're in Poynton at least once a year for the Braidbar Owners' Group weekend, so we'll surely look out for you.

Tomorrow, Sheila has a dentist appointment and will be off the boat for half the day. I'd better get on with my book, then, unless I get involved in too many conversations, of course…

/wahaha