Chasing the answer - in the rain

Mike and Denise enjoying a trip down the Bridgewater

Today we had to get the boat electrics sorted. We left Dunham 8:40 and travelled through heavy rain interspersed by light rain for 3.5 hours until we arrived at Thorn Marine in Stockton Heath where we hoped to find someone to diagnose our domestic battery charging problems. The guy was there and agreed that the symptoms suggested we were not charging, but he was unable to propose a solution. Thorn suggested we try Alvechurch at Anderton who are Isuzu marine engine dealers,some 5 hours journey away.

While at Thorn we had our long awaited pumpout, so we are happy in that department for another 2 weeks.

A quick call to Alvechurch confirmed they could look at our boat, but we would be most unlikely to get there before they closed this evening. We therefore had the risk that we would have no power overnight with most uncomfortable consequences. Anyway, we had no choice but to move on.

The canal guide listed a boatyard, Claymoore Navigation at Preston Brook as having overnight moorings available, which we hoped would include access to mains power. Luckily they were able to help us. So we are now moored at their premises happily plugged in to the mains, and we should be able to reach Alvechurch tomorrow morning. We also took the opportunity to fill our diesel tank with 180 litres of fuel - enough to last another month or two.

Thanks Claymoore for your help!!