A couple of questions I have been tormented with for a while now are, what size van do I need and what size storage unit do we need? It been difficult to know as we have boxes all over the cottage. Add into the mix,how much more can we fit onto the boat? What we cannot fit onto boat,will either have to be stored at Lynne's mam's house, given away or most likely, taken to the skip! It can be quite a brutal process deciding what to keep and what we cannot keep, but it must be done. I should just explain that as our daughter Joanne lives in Crawley, her posessions are being put into a storage unit beside where she lives.
On Thursday of last week I hired a transit van to take the last of our things to the boat, the first question was answered, YES eveything did fit into the van (phew)
So it was off to Brumpoolie in Milton Keynes. I arrived at about 4pm and was greeted by Paul our new neighbour. After chatting to Paul for a while I managed to get the balance of our things onto Brumpoolie. Incredibly I got everything into the storage spaces, with space to spare! (we might get those
Christmas decorations in yet Lynne!) What we don't want is to have things stored in the passageways. There is not too much space on a Narrowboat to start with, but stacking things will make it worse. After a quick chili con carne and a couple of bottles of beer, it was time for an early night.
Next day it was off to Crawley with Joanne's things. Everything was in order, except I forgot to take my id. They would not let me use the unit without this - argh. I thought I had left my passport at Milton Keynes, and was about to go back (4 hour round trip) before I realised it was back at the cottage. A frantic call to Lynne and the documents were found. Lynne does not drive, but luckily her friend Lorna had just arrived, so she was able to take Lynne to Staples where she was able to photocopy and fax the documents through to the storage company! Everything was timed for this to be done on Friday afternoon (van had to go back, hotel booked, train tickets booked for return journey) so a big problem was averted (thanks Lorna)
Well, that sorted, the second question was about to be answered. Would all Joanne's things fit into the unit. As you can see from the pictures, the answer was another YES!
The storage now sorted, I had to return the van before 6pm. Got this done with an hour to spare, then walked the 4 miles to my hotel for the night (I needed some fresh air) I stayed at the Holiday Express Inn at Crawley and was very impressed with the Hotel. After a meal and a couple of pints another early night was in order.
The next morning I met up with my lovely Daughter Joanne for breakfast. Full English,with hash bowns and a pot of tea, lovely. It was so nice to see Joanne and catch up. She seemed so happy and bright as usual. After breakfast, we went to get Joanne's fruit and veg from Crawley's outdoor market. So much cheaper and fresher than the usual supermarkets. Then it was time for our farewells and my journey home.
I needed to get the 12.30 train from Crawley, which came on time, but was then delayed. This meant I missed my connection at Kings Cross by 1 minute!! But, because of the delay, I was given a free ticket for the next train, phew.
The next journey I make will be on Thursday morning with Lynne and the doggies. This is the trip I am most looking forward to. I have tried to make the boat look nice for Lynne. As she has not been able to see Brumpoolie at first hand, I hope she likes her, I know she will.
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