Well, we have a date for moving the barge to Sharpness. I hope to be on the channel somewhere between the 6th and 8th of October. I will once again be missing my club's shooting championships at Bisley but needs must when the devil drives. Just to be clear the devil won't be driving, we will hire a pilot to take us up the channel, unless Satan has had a career change, but I suspect with all the idiocy and warmongering going on globally I suspect business is good for Beelzebub...

Jobs which I absolutely need doing whilst I am up there.

1) External strip of all paintwork, hull and superstructure and repaint in 2 pack epoxy (contractor)

2) Removal of sea cock in the main living area and plating over and replacement of the somewhat iffy sea cock in the engine room (contractor)

3) Removal of the 'poop tube' which connected the toilet to a hole in the hull (now welded shut)

4) Inspect and plate over the areas of concern in the hull

5) Remove and weld over all the remaining portholes in the cargo hold (self and contractor)

6) Remove the old anchor tube and have a new one welded in place (contractor)

7) Shot blast and rust treat the inside of the foc'sle and main cargo hold

If I get all that done it will have been what I consider a successful visit to dry dock. If it goes super well I would also like to complete the following:

1) Removal of the skipper's cabin flooring (both wooden and steel)

2) Removal of the steel water tank in the skipper's cabin

3) Shot blast the inside of the skipper's cabin

4) Get the skin fittings for the cooling water from the engine and generator replaced with stainless fittings

5) Shot blast the inside of the skipper's cabin

6) Rust treat and start to paint the inside of the cargo hold

It's a pretty big wish list but the first lot of jobs MUST be completed before I leave. I may be able to tie up alongside for a week after dry dock and finish shot blasting the rear cabin as this is impossible in the marina. The pilot has been semi booked although we have big tides that week so commercial traffic could take priority for them which wouldn't be great, but we have a 3-5 day window to get up the channel so I am hoping this is sufficient.

I have had the odd offer of assistance whilst in dry dock which is most gladly accepted and will be in touch with said individuals be email shortly. That said, Andy, I am looking forward to shot blasting with you....