Day 5

Today cerntainly was slower paced then the rest. We awoke early and fixed our usual breakfast.
 At this point I need to explain how a narrow boat's systems work. The heat is a central radiator system with a gas fired furnace that heats the liquid and a electric pump circulates the heated liquid through the radiators. Similar to a steam radiator system. The 240v (U.S uses 110v) microwave and power outlets  for other apliances run on an inverter that is powered by three deep cycles batteries. All the other 12v devices, such as the TV, refrigerator, stereo, lights and various necessary pumps also run off the inverter and batteries. The Diesel engine not only provides propulsion but also keeps the batteries charged as well as providing hot water for showers. When we picked up the boat, our engineer Louis, instructed us to run the engine, if possible, at 1200 RPM for 5 to six hours to keep the batteries charged and water hot. Day 4 we only ran the engine between 3 to 4 hours. Just after breakfast we realized the water was not as hot as it should be and the lights were fading.Fortunately the engine starts on separate batteries. To keep from disturbing David and Trish, our new boating friends, we untied from their boat and motored up the canal to find a turning point. We moored down the canal from the other boats and ran the engine for two hours. In no time we had steaming hot water again.
We did a bit a house cleaning and enjoyed watching a vintage narrow boat pulling a buddy boat go by.
We walked into Springfield to have lunch and a bit more shopping. Outside the mall and under an overpass was a street style market. Anything you need, you could find it here.
We had to try some of the food stands. The first stand offered a jacket potato with toppings. We asked the gentlemen to give us a local favorite. Potato, butter, cheese then beans on top. It was awesome. We then moved on to the fish and chips stand. It was very good as well.
After a little more shopping it was time to move on.
We stopped to take on water. While waiting for the tank to fill, the boat that we met at one of the locks pulled up to moor for water as well. Their boat is 70' long and we tied up to each other while they waited for the lock. We tied our back to their front and helped then pivot round so they could line up with the lock. It was 3 sisters with their husbands from Sweden spending their holiday together. Are water tank full, we said goddbye to our canal boat freinds and moved down to the Black Horse Inn and Pub for dinner and to moor for the night.
Needless to say we ran the engine just over 6 hours today.