We did it!

We brought this old barge home!

It was completely bonkers. No one knew if the boat would stay afloat for the journey. No one knew if the old engine would carry on running day after day, or the generator (necessary to run the pumps, toilets and galley), or the compressor (needed to start the main engine).

We painted

and painted

We put her in dry dock, painted and caulked the hull and strengthened the rudder fixings. The machinery, which had not run for twelve years, was all serviced and started, toilets were unblocked and repaired, we managed to get the hotplates working in the all electric galley, (but not the oven) and brilliant Steve, our systems officer, even rigged a shower in a cupboard!

Just doin' the toilet

Dry dock

You'll see from the Museum website that we did the trip in seven days. We, in our leisurely cruising mode, would take two weeks or more to cover the same distance.

Steve under the floor again

Please start

We were up at seven, under way between eight and nine and ran until seven each evening. 

The strain on the boat, its machinery and systems, not to mention the crew, was considerable.

The Aster is very unusual in two respects, the propellor is at the back edge of the rudder and she also has a Bow Rudder. These together mean that we all had to learn a new style of boat handling and control. 

Matthew on the helm and Steve on the bow rudder! Hell who"s driving this rig?

We, together with Helen and Patricia, had signed on as catering crew. We leapfrogged three vehicles, so that we could shop for supplies each day and get back to the boat to prepare lunch. Mealtimes were a chance for all the crew to relax and have fun.

Lunchtime

Helen's Chicken Basque

It was the best adventure. We left Decize in a frenzy of local media and officialdom, and set off for Aster's new home.

TV interviews

Janine and the flag

Glen designed the T shirts, (but did NOT choose the colour), A retired 86 year old (lady) bargee presented us with a hand sewn flag and the Museum had produced two banners for us saying "Let's save the Aster".

A rare moment of relaxation

I can do this

We were completely worn out at the end of each day. We enjoyed the companionship of a lovely group of people, we were apprehensive about fulfilling our obligations, but most of all, we had such fun.

Washing up will never be the same!

It was a one off. It could never be done again. We were not even sure if we had the correct paperwork to make the trip and were prepared to abandon the barge if challenged by the Waterways Police.

We wouldn't have missed it for the world!

So, thank you to a very special group of people - we will remember this trip forever.

A great crew

AND - thank you Charles, you seer of visions, we would never have done this without you.

Shine on you crazy diamond