Dry then wet

Last night’s session on photographing wildlife was both very interesting and entertaining, though clearly aimed at those who take their photography rather more seriously than we do. Nonetheless, speaker Paul Hobson’s photos were truly impressive, as they should be since he’s prepared to spend hours setting up a shot, frequently lying on his face or back on the ground to do so.

The settings ranged from northernmost Norway to Costa Rica via Scotland and our local hills. In the post talk discussion it became clear that only folk prepared to spend serious money (I’m talking four figures here) would be likely to get the most out of his instruction, but even so many of his observations were relevant to those of us with more humble kit.

We’d decided to treat ourselves to the Boater’s Breakfast at the Willow Tree this morning, so after a leisurely start ambled over there in pleasant sunshine. It was as good as ever and fortified us for the trip to Betty's Farm to buy a stock of meat and a few veg.

By the time we got back to the boat it was half eleven, so after stowing the goodies away there was time to refix the carrier bag waste bin device. This had originally been attached with four sticky pads which proved unequal to the task. In my experience they usually are, though the two self adhesive hooks which have hitherto held up the waste bag turned out to be gripping the wood ferociously. They were, of course, in the way of the new device.

I finally managed to prise them loose, destroying them in the process, and set to to fix the carrier bag holder with two screws through keyhole slots. I’m always anxious about drilling into the back of a fancy moulded door, but managed it this time without disaster thanks to a strategically placed bit of masking tape in the drill to act as a depth gauge.

Sheila as ever gave useful support, holding the door steady and the like and refraining from voicing her own concerns. The system now looks much more secure. It’s a simple idea but very effective.

Manufacturer's photo

We got ours from Midland Chandlers, but it’s cheaper direct from the manufacturer. (Surprise!)

The weather’s really deteriorated since lunch, so we’ve been lurking indoors, just making brief forays to the facilities block with tumble drying and so on.

Tomorrow, Elanor is bringing our pressure washer over so that we can clean our finger pontoon, then on Sunday the three piece suite arrives, hooray.