Yesterday the snow fell on and off all day, but we did venture out for a walk to find a post box as we had birthday cards to post. The village of Cropredy looked so pretty covered in snow. Back onboard it was a bake day in the warmth of the galley. For a change I made a coffee and walnut cake with coffee butter icing. I have a feeling it may not last too long.
With the temperature getting down to -6.2c overnight, The canal was frozen, the ground was crisp, and the air was fresh when Paddy and I ventured out for his morning stroll. Paddy loves the snow, so runs around like a loony up and down the towpath.
I really don't think he wanted to go back to the boat, but I wanted my breakfast and a morning cuppa, so he had no say in the matter.
Due to the amount of snow we had yesterday, the land was a winter wonderland, and with it came the building of snowmen.
It appears that not many people are venturing far from their boats today, we have decided to stay put. We would both be only to happy to set off as we never like staying in one place for more than a few days, but we also have to think of our own safety when moving the boat and working the locks. Around the lock area at the moment the snow would probably be compacted by walkers and boaters moving, therefore making for slippery conditions. It is also not only the things you can see, it is the things you cannot see, like ice under the snow. For us there is no hurry to move and we take our own safety seriously, as a working boat we have to comply with "Health & Safety" so Keith did his risk assessment and decided not to move.. We are on a 14 day mooring and have the Cropredy shop and sanitary station should we need it. We will now wait to see what tomorrow brings.
I really don't think he wanted to go back to the boat, but I wanted my breakfast and a morning cuppa, so he had no say in the matter.
Due to the amount of snow we had yesterday, the land was a winter wonderland, and with it came the building of snowmen.
It appears that not many people are venturing far from their boats today, we have decided to stay put. We would both be only to happy to set off as we never like staying in one place for more than a few days, but we also have to think of our own safety when moving the boat and working the locks. Around the lock area at the moment the snow would probably be compacted by walkers and boaters moving, therefore making for slippery conditions. It is also not only the things you can see, it is the things you cannot see, like ice under the snow. For us there is no hurry to move and we take our own safety seriously, as a working boat we have to comply with "Health & Safety" so Keith did his risk assessment and decided not to move.. We are on a 14 day mooring and have the Cropredy shop and sanitary station should we need it. We will now wait to see what tomorrow brings.
7 comments:
that looks GORGEOUS!
(the cake!)
I will let you know what it tastes like hehehehehehe. mmmmmmmm yummy.
How did the snow and ice affect the traditional work boats, when the canals where the major transport systems?
Keith says "Mmmmmmmmmmm"
Hi there Nomad, Pretty much same as today, if the ice was too thick no one moved. Before steam and diesel they did have ice breakers which were horse drawn and crewed with men that rocked them from side to side, but they were not that effective. With the introduction of steam and diesel engines powered boats kept going until they couldn't break the ice any more. As today the priority was to be safely moored somewhere where they could have access to facilities, such as shops and water taps. There are many books on the market and in libraries which cover the subject fully.
Regards
Keith Lodge
Keith is norty! The cake looks YUMMY! I told PJ about it and he says that is his FAVOURITE!
Maybe when we come Thrupp way again, I will bake you all a coffee and walnut sponge.... That will give PJ something to think about ha ha.
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