Scrap

I've just replaced the thermostatic shower valve on Syncopation. Frost damaged it over the last few weeks. I've got away with not draining the water system for the last three winters, but I must be more vigilant in future or this is going to get expensive!

















If you look closely, you can just about make out the crack around the central boss at the back of the valve.

Lunch Time at the Cutty Sark

The restoration of the Cutty Sark is progressing. The covers have been removed and you can see the hull of the ship again. From the artist's impression on the hoarding it looks as though the finished article will have something a little like a conservatory wrapped around it. I can't help thinking the finished article will be about as original as Trigger's Broom or perhaps narrowboat butty Raymond. Still I'm looking forward the the time she's open to the public again.

The DUKW Has Landed

Amphibious tour company Meridian Ducks have arrived at the Dome. The company has just started operating an amphibious tour bus from the North Greenwich bus station next to the Milleniumm Dome in London.

A few weeks ago I saw a brand new DUKW, failing to leave the river at the slipway next to the Dome during my lunch time stroll. I had left my 'phone behind so couldn't take a picture at the time. The vehicle (actually a Seahorse amphibian) was digging itself into the silt on the slope despite the efforts of four policemen and two crew members. After lunch I could see efforts continuing to bring it up the beach eventually bore fruit after a couple of hours. A week or so later the slope had been tidied up to make the process of leaving the water feasible.

Today, I saw this at the bus station next to the new ticket booth, at the taxi rank.

Trip on the Thames

More video from my trip on the Thames last month: