1st July '15

James contacted us early to say he'd got us into a different boatyard that afternoon, so John rang the insurers, and like all their kind, what had seemed easy when it was a possibility, suddenly became a HUGE problem, when it's actually necessary. They wanted 2 engineers reports plus photos before they would agree any payment which meant that we'd be paying out owner £600 before we even knew if they'd pay, plus the time delay.
Since the boat has been handling fine on the river, we decided to get home and instead of being lifted, go into dry dock, with people we know to do the work. Which means we've wasted the best part of a week. If the insurers had made the situation clear at the beginning, it might have been different. Apparently they sent an email to John but got the name wrong...how did they do that? They have it all on record, but can't tell the difference between an 'a' and an 'o'. Prats!
We went down to Bath Marina and pumped out, emptied Elson and filled water, so we're all set for a bit.
We also went to Sainsburys and bumped into one of my old students, Siobhan, who recognised me, which I was pleased about. She's in her final year of her degree before doing her PCGE. I'm so proud of all my students, all the ones I know of are doing so well.
We had a wonderful evening with Alan and Sharon from West Stour, who came up and we all went out for a meal. Went to Browns and the food was great. A lovely evening generally. We wondered if we'd get in anywhere as its graduation week and the city is swarming with students in gowns and proud parents. It's so lovely to see them all, but not necessarily if you're looking for a place to eat!
It was incredibly hot and sticky and we left the shower door open with a wet towel inside for Paddy to cool down on, boats can be tricky things when it's roasting.
Cooler today, but I'll save that for next time.