Too hot for work

Worked through yesterday till the light was gone then lit the oil lamps (very moody) and settled down in the cockpit for a quiet drink. Didn't sleep too well, (hot and muggy) need a new sleeping bag that's easy to get into (probably a double).

Got a load of work done.

• New mooring warps made for both boats;
• Radar reflector hoisted;
• Satnav, sounder, log and radio tested;
• Headsail and main attached and reefed (not sure how to automatically reef the main yet - need some advice from someone with a similar system);
• Dodger lashed to pushpit;
• Tidied the lockers;
• Charged the batteries.

She's looking very smart and the refit we had done was well worth the time and effort I think (will know for sure when the bill arrives).

Left the mooring at about noon and headed back to the yacht club. Cycled back home for a snooze then to Frinton for an early dinner at Cafe 19. Felt very satisfied with the progress so far.

Back to Walden for the weekend (Gus's birthday party).

The Bird is back in the water

TUFFLE BIRD was put back in the water today. I am going to take MABEL to join her out on her mooring opposite the turning for Titchmarsh Marina and spend the rest of the day and tonight on her.

Day in Clacton

We spent most of the day in Clacton. The sea-front is looking quite smart these days. There's now an ASK and a PIZZA EXPRESS. Ate in ASK then a walk to the end of the pier and drive back home.

Quick visit to the shipyard to see how Tuffle Bird is getting along with her refit. She's looking very sad. Most of the deck fittings have now been removed ready for a repaint.