Disturbances

A week ago I had to replace the fuse for the pump that drains our shower tray. Last night, the pump stopped working again. Not the fuse this time, and the relay gives a clunk when I press the switch. I fear it may be the pump itself which needs to be replaced. So we've stopped tonight at the home of Rose Narrowboats, a place called Stretton Stop, so their engineering department can check out the pump in the morning.

A nice little place, with a swing bridge across the canal, and miles of Warwickshire countryside behind us.

But you may observe, firstly, that Erin Mae is moored a foot or so from the bank; and, secondly, that I have two mooring lines set up at the stern. Not being able to moor close to the bank because of its profile, or underwater obstructions, means that we are very susceptible to being bashed around when any other boat passes. That's the reason for the spring – the second line at the stern – which is doing at least something to ameliorate the problem, by restricting Erin Mae's movement.

Unfortunately, the other issue is a different sort of line – the main rail line about 20 yards beyond the opposite bank, with a regular stream of passenger and goods traffic. I've traced the line on the map, and been amazed to see how closely it follows the route of the canal from Rugby all the way to Rugeley, from whence a branch takes trains right past our home marina at Great Haywood. It's a reminder of how closely interlinked were the canals and the emerging railway companies in the early days.

It's the goods or maintenance trains in the night that are the sleep-interrupters. But we have no choice – that shower pump awaits attention in the morning. I probably shan't hear a thing. But my best beloved's hearing, sadly, is more finely attuned to such disturbances.