Towards
the end of last cruising season Matilda was showing she had a few problems. The
engine was becoming difficult to start and when it did it was smoky and the
exhaust left an oil film on the water. We have mentioned on a previous post
that Peter diagnosed the problem as dirty and leaking injectors and erratic
operation of the diesel injector pump.
The
pump and injectors were removed and we took them to Bosch in Nuremburg, Germany
where they were to be fully serviced.
They
were sent back in early March and Peter re-installed them. We used the services
of a good young local diesel mechanic who tuned the motor. It was started, and
all the port knew.
The
smoke cleared quickly and when warmed, the motor showed none of the old problems. It now
starts immediately and the exhaust is very clean. Life in the old girl yet!
Spring
was coming to France, the daffodils were appearing, blossoms were abundant and
the weather was becoming warm and sunny. Boats are starting to move. We spent
the winter moored beside Soraya and got to know Margaret and Geoff, her owners,
quite well. They were keen to get going and left last week.
With
the weather warming up we spent some time cleaning the winter “euro-grunge”
from Matilda’s decks and covers. If we are not careful it tends to take over
without being noticed.
We are continuing our wanderings around Nancy and find more of the
beautiful Art Nouveau architecture
that this town is famous for.
Our
friends Thomas and Cecilia share the first floor apartment of this beautiful building. They invited us for dinner and we were in awe at the space inside.
Opposite
their place is a public building of the same era with these stained glass windows by the famous glass artist Jaques Gruber. He headed the Ecole de Nancy for
many years and collaborated with Daum in the design and detailing of some of their glass creations. He made many beautiful windows decorating the grander Nancy mansions
and public buildings.
Very soon we will wish Nancy goodbye and start our meanderings around the European waterways again. We have some
visitors arriving on board in a few weeks and there will be more to tell. So we will
keep in touch.
