The Journey -
This 'n' That on Rosy

FREEMAN BOATS

Those lucky people who own one of the very enviable, classic Freeman cruisers probably already know that bits and accessories can be supplied by Sheridan Marine, Tel: +44 (0)1491 652 085 www.sheridanmarine.com.  But I thought I'd mention it anyway

TRIVIA

Rosy's new engine has a Newage PRM gearbox, but what (I hear you ask) does Newage mean and what does PRM mean?  Well, I'm glad you asked that question.

Newage = North East Welding and General Engineering

PRM = Percy Riley Motors, which was set up by young Percy to make engines and gear-boxes to put into the rather nice motor cars that his dad, Mr William Riley was making.  Details on their web-site www.newage-prm.co.uk.

Also, if (like me) you were trying to work out what size spanner fits the PRM 260 oil drain plug (which the user manual omits to mention) - it's a 1" AF - which is why none of the metric spanners fit.

Where now?

I've been on this mooring for some two weeks now.  I was a bit hesitant about staying, as the village is so small that many supplies are not available, and those that are come in at 'village shop' prices.  However, the other three folks who were moored here, said, worry not, we have cars and can run you to the shops.  So I stayed.  Mr and Mrs UK have now gone back to UK by car for Christmas.  Mr and Mrs Holland have gone back to Holland by car for Christmas, and Mr and Mrs France (who did take me to the shops once) have disappeared off to Paris without even saying goodbye.  Of course, I could cycle to the next village (which is 5 or 6 km away, and which has exciting things like a bread shop and a newsagent) but ever since I arrived here, it has pretty much drizzled/rained/poured all the time.  The stripling River Marne is a mere 500m away over some water meadows, but the rains are causing it to swirl along, laden with mud and silt.  Fanny the Woof quite likes it here as there is lots of open country, but she'll probably change her mind when her food runs out.

The other problem of being here is that BBC radio reception is pretty ghastly, and the mobile phone signal is iffy - so e-mailing sessions often die half way through.  And an advantage of moving on is that at the next mooring there is an easily accessible supply of Moussec and vintage cider  - so I won't be here long!!!

Toodle pip!!

Bill