Wednesday 31 October 2012

Repaint cruise - day 1

We'd originally been due to collect Briar Rose after her repaint on Monday, but the damp, dank, foggy weather last week meant the job was delayed a little.  Consequently, we've spent the past couple of days visiting friends and family in the north west.

We spent last night at a hotel in Market Harborough, but we were up and about early and got on the road at about 7am.  We swapped cars at the marina, shopped, and went along to Baxter's Boatfitting.  We were both quite nervous -- would the two greens work together?  Would we like the raddle red?  Would the renewed signwriting look good?  Fortunately, moments after we saw the boat we were grinning from ear to ear.  It looks incredibly glossy; the colours look fantastic, and the signwriting is fresh and lively.




We unpacked the car and set off.  I was very aware of every branch sticking out from the side of the canal.  While I steered, Adrian started getting the inside of the boat sorted out.  It wasn't as dusty as we'd feared it might be, but everything still needed a good clean.  The view of the roof is now completely different.


We considered stopping below the locks at Stoke Bruerne (as we hadn't yet had breakfast), but a boat was just going in the bottom lock so we joined them.  It was reasonably sunny and relatively mild.  All the locks were against us, but we still made reasonable progress, and moored in the long pound above the fifth lock.  There was still quite a lot of sorting out to do, and we were both hungry.  As we had lunch, the forecast rain arrived, so we're staying put.

3 miles, 5 locks.

14 comments:

Sue said...

That looks fantastic! Of course green is the right colour! ;-)

Anonymous said...

She looks lovely - glad you resisted the temptation not to share a lock in order to preserve your shine :-D

Sue, nb Indigo Dream

Geoff and Mags said...

Very smart, the two greens work well together. Wouldn't do for us though, Mags hates green!
Raddle Red on the roof looks good, I'll do the same when Seyella gets smartened up.

Anonymous said...

Looks great, very smart....just like having a new boat. Just mind the scratches!

Ian and Irene Jameison said...

Its amazing what a good paint job will do to ones boat. Love the two greens together and the red roof works very well. I'm sure you'll be the envy of us all.

Neil Corbett said...

We have been waiting with bated breath......
She looks really smashing! Very smart.
Kath (nb Herbie)

Tucker said...

Hi Adam
Think the boat looks very smart, we know what you mean about getting it scratched, June would love to go along with a pair of seceteurs on the offside.
Expect to see it looking like Chance when we see you next.
Bob June and Phoenix

Elly and Mick said...

Hi Adam,
Love the colour scheme - doesn't she look a treat!
My favourite boat with a new paint job. Very jealous.
Elly

nb Chance said...

Briar Rose looks great guys, the new colour scheme works really well, you must be thrilled! Have a great time away. Best Wishes Doug and James

Nev Wells said...

What a fine looking colour choice, enjoy the new boat experience,

Nev

Anonymous said...

Superb! Just one thing though, and I'm sure its in hand, mushrooms!

Andy Tidy said...

She looks fantastic!

Halfie said...

Nice paint job! Baxter's, eh? Just up the cut...

Nb Yarwood said...

Paint job looks great in the photo's and you must be very pleased with the new look BR. And, all you have spent will pay back in the value of the boat I am sure.
X Lesley