Monday 6th May The Flood oh and Did you pack the Wellies dear?

The morning light revealed the worst. Flood waters had invaded the yard. The lads were busy frantically moving stuff to higher ground. People on the water were stranded on their boats and even the loos and shower were in danger of becoming inaccessible without waders. The ducks were happy as they say. Big chief Si was remarkably calm, not much phases him. I offered my assistance which was very gratefully declined. He is getting to know me too well I think. The yard was full of people by 11. Word had clearly spread and boat owners  were arriving to assess their own situations.

 

Dave and anne the Australians were happy to water there flowers.

 Kate wife of Simons able assistant, Roger, had never seen anything like it as the waters headed past the office steps.

 

 

We spent the day mesmorized by the slow but sure advance of the waters. The pompiers arrived to see if any help was required. They were checking on all riverside properties offering any assistance should it be required. Impressive I thought. By mid afternoon, the waters had extended past the workshops and had reached the back wheels of my car in the car park.

 

A trip to the back door of the workshop revealed knee depth water to reach the loo facilities. yuk we hadn`t packed wellies so it was get down and dirty. The water had reached the top of the stern on the airbourne life raft. Staggering and just where would it stop! All i could think about was Mums impending arrival on Thursday. OH MY GOD, it did not bear thinking about!

 

Of course the irony was that it was a beautiful baking hot day!

 

 Despite all his woes, Big chief Si taking a break from rescuing wood, tools, motors etc from the mess of his workshops, was cheerily banging on the side of the boat at 3.30pm. "Andy, it`s here, I am gonna make your day" The shaft had been delivered!

I have got time for this chap, I decided!

 

I was suddenly very nervous. Was it right, had I got those measurements to the thou correct. would the prop fit the taper? Did they remember the cutlass bearing and hose.

I needn`t have worried, all was good.

 

By nightfall, the waters were within 25m of Doucette and showing no signs of abating. We retired after a hell of a day dreaming of mum wading to the boat and me in snorkel gear fitting the new shaft. But that was all for tomorrow!