More progress

We went up to the boat fitter a few days ago to visit the shell builders and have a first personal look at "Hoddie" At first glance on entering the workshop we thought "H***" they've built it too long, - would have sworn it was at least 70feet - but to reassure us David  (of D & J Narrowboats who is fitting it out for us) got his tape and and assured us it was right. We did however spot a couple of omissions and mistakes so it was good job we had visited. The hull was due to be delivered to Davids workshop last Monday but probably due to the bits they had to put right it now wont be till next Monday which is a shame as we had intended to go up and watch it being delivered but due to other commitments on that day cant.

Anyway here's a few pics from out visit.

 Whilst up there we decided to have a look at the new marina which we are going to have as a base. Its at a small village called Barby - Doll of a place! (Bet they are fed up with that joke!) As you can see from the following couple of photos they still have a small amount of work to do before it opens! It was supposed to be ready by the Spring and they are now quoting Summer but that looks jolly optimistic to me. The water should be going in in a few weeks providing British Waterways allows them to take it, as due to the drought and the fact that they need something like 4 billion - or was it million? heck of a lot anway! - gallons they might have to wait for some more rain. In addition to that there is suppossed to be a restuarant and club house on site but I really cant see them being completed any time soon. Not that its a problem for us yet as as Hoddie is not scheduled to be completed until February next year anyway.