We
arrived back in Nancy from Perth into the depths of the northern winter 30 to 40
degrees in Perth to 10 below in Nancy.
It
was soon Australia Day and we did our best to let the locals know. Our neighbours, also Australians from
Queensland did the same.
We
had a small list of things to do on
Matilda and the winter is the best time to do them. Some may say, not much else
to do!
People
who have owned boats will now be rolling on the floor, laughing. They will know how small the list really is. Our
list included - repairing/replacing one macerator (electric) toilet, continuing
stripping and varnishing timberwork, replacing some curtains, installing an
extractor fan in an ensuite and ducting the kitchen hood to the outside. Not to
mention servicing the engine and generator for the coming season, checking out
all the ropes needed, and all the other little things that have to be done.
The
extractor fan over the stove has always intrigued us as to where the fumes
went. In the best building tradition we found they went nowhere! – into the
cavity between the ceiling and the cabin roof. – Absolutely Nowhere! We had to
plan ducting to the outside but directly above the stove is the instrument
panel for the motor and all the gubbins that go with it. This meant some “subtle”
re-organisation, cutting of large holes and a complete rebuild of the
instrument panel.
The
big problem here is - where do we buy the right types of timber to rebuild the
panel? We solved it by going to a charity second-hand shop and buying an old
oak sideboard. This, we knocked apart and had ample panel and beams to do the
job. All solid well matured Oak.
Of
course there were other things to do. On one of our shopping trips through the
town, we passed close to our favourite area, scattered with wonderful houses
designed and built in the Art Nouveau style. All attractive with their winter
trimmings.
The
past few days have been positively warm, the sun has been out and the feeling
of spring is in the air. Next week we head off for a week’s skiing then back to
Matilda. Marg’s brother, Peter joins us early April for about four weeks.
There
will be more to tell then so, stay in touch.
Hi Peter and Margaret (and Matilda), have just enjoyed reading your blog and am full of admiration for your intrepid attitude to the 'small' list of winter jobs! You both look well and happy so the horrible European temperatures haven't upset you too much. We were on our barge briefly last month, getting the 3-yearly survey done and a few minor (really!) jobs. She is in Buzet-sur-Baise, not far from Agen, and we are looking forward to a gentler year or two, enjoying the midi and working unhurriedly through our own 'small' list of things to do. Hope we see you somewhere, some time! Best wishes, Lynda and Peter
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