Boat Blog: Bobbling in the New Year

Tuesday 1st January

How about a cruise then Ollie? “No I’m good thanks!”

Greygal and A came to visit us this morning with oldies Ranger (my favourite), little Miffy and big Monty – the youngsters, including your own correspondent, Henry, were grounded for being too boisterous. Poor Herbie is still swathed in bandages, and will be for several more weeks – it’s vital that he doesn’t move his injured leg too much as one of his wounds is right in the muscle and needs to be immobilised in order to heal.

I’m pleased to report that Herbie DOES remember who his real mummy is – he gave the pack an enthusiastic welcome before being whisked off to the vet for a dressing change. We had to fess up that Herbie had fallen into the pond at 5am – the stench of pond water when the vet removed his old bandages was awful, but luckily his wounds were clean and uninfected! His wounds are healing well – the better of the two should be healed in a few weeks time; the more serious of the two is difficult to predict as the muscle has been shredded, but it will certainly take a lot longer. To complicate matters, Herbie now has a pressure sore on each of his elbows – these can be tricky to manage but the vet is on to it! Anyway, the conclusion is that Herbie will continue to enjoy a quiet life with Ty and Ollie until his muscle wound can take a bit of movement.

Sarah looked a bit pale after paying Herbie’s vet bill, so we settled down to a roast dinner, cooked by the menfolk – brilliant. We were picking over the bones when Richard pounced with a suggestion that we go for a cruise! It was already 2pm so a mad scramble ensued – Ty, Ollie and Herbie stayed at home; the oldies were bundled into the car and we set off for Limehouse.

Greygal and A back where they belong – we haven’t been cruising for agesl

We haven’t been cruising for ages, but the engine fired up, the coffee machine worked and, after a bit of a stutter, the gas hob ignited (for the pedants out there – just one ring ). We set off for a little bobble up Limehouse Cut – it was a fine afternoon – mild in the sun but distinctly chilly in the shade. We had a trip up to Old Ford Lock, making note of how the landscape has changed since we last cruised this way about a year ago. Having been so energised during the games, the Olympic Park and its surroundings now looked a bit sad – I really hope that the legacy works, but there was a faint air of neglect about the area – maybe it’s more dynamic during the week when you can see the works progressing.

It was good to be back on the water, especially with our canine crew – being oldies, Ranger, Miffy and Monty have been Indigo Dreamers for a long time – Ranger took up his usual position on the back deck sheepskins, snugly wrapped up and fast asleep – it gave a nice sense of continuity being as we’ve lost our own original Indigo Dreamers…

We got to Old Ford Lock and briefly contemplated going through the lock to have a look at the landscape above, but the sun was setting. Although it was a fine day, the light disappeared with tropical abruptness and we returned to Limehouse in the dark (not for the first time!).

We packed up and went home to our respective hounds. Aah, cruising with Greygal – let’s hope that this sets the precedent for the year to come

Big works on the towpath near the northern outfall and the path off to Viewtube…

Another veteran Indigo Dreamer – Ranger dog in his usual position on the back deck…

A couple of Olympic security ribs – funny to them ‘abandoned’ – we’ve been pursued by them (in the nicest possible way) for the last couple of years!

This was the path to Viewtube – was it an official entrance to the park during the games?

Smart new lock landing at Old Ford… wonder what ha happened to the bywash?

Can’t wait for the Bow Back Rivers to be opened again – hopefully this summer sometime…

This chimney is on the Olympic island but well outside the park – something big’s been demolished around it, but what? Will have to check the photo archive..