More Preparations

As planned we  traveled up to Great Haywood on Tues 16th March fully laden with trailer, roof box and no dog to maximize space in the hope that we would not have to do another trip before we left Kent on the 6th April.  We had to go via Oxford as we wanted to look at a futon sofa which we still had to buy. It wasn't an entirely wasted trip as were able to sit on a sofa and see the quality of the mattress but not the one that we wanted, just a small showroom of a basically on line futon company. We bought it anyway just from the picture and it has today been delivered to the yard and put on board by the kind staff at the marina.  Apart from the long trip, 7.15 am to 2.30 pm, and a blow out on the trailer on the M40 we arrived safely.  Then followed a very busy 2 days cleaning, sorting and measuring and of course examining and exploring in detail only to confirm that we have bought a great boat.  We did actually move it...about 50 yards as we had to pump out the loo which stopped working (because it was full).  We intended to leave for home at about midday on the Thursday so as not to miss J's last art class but it was 12.30 pm before we got away. In our rush J managed to not hitch the trailer properly and pulled all the wires from the lighting cable. We stopped for fish & chips and repaired the cable and then drove for 1/2 hrs before we remembered that we needed to bring home one of the arm chairs to make room for the sofa bed. Nothing for it but to go back and get it.  Got home about 7.45pm having done 200mls plus with no spare and 1/2 hr after art finished.  Still a successful trip in the end, and we have spent the time at home since buying and sorting all the bits and pieces we think we need to ensure a comfortable voyage.