Heat Stroke

I was born in a very hot country, brought up in another and people cannot understand why I choose to live in England.

Well it doesn't often throw up those blistering hot days that cause my internal systems to fail.

On Wednesday afternoon I had to move from outside Fradley BW offices because I had well and truly outstayed my welcome.  I had left the boat there while I went to hospital about the shoulder.  (so far I know it is not tendon damage but will have to wait for the results of the x-ray for accurate diagnosis)

I managed to move boat sideways to fill with water and soon realised that this was a mistake but my slot had already been filled so I had no choice but to move as there was nowhere else to moor.  At the first lock I forgot to open one of the bottom gates and realised just in time that I couldn't push these ones open. (ie just before I rammed them with the boat!) Passing walkers kindly opened it for me so I didn't have to climb out again.  They then took my windlass off me and operated the next one and also helped me to moor up, as they could see what a state I was in I really couldn't have done it on my own.  I had put a wash on while filling with water and this included a damp tea towel that I wet and draped around my shoulders and mopped my face with together with drinking cold water.  My legs were jelly.  Basically without their help I think I would have fallen in!

I hereby give thanks for the kindness of strangers.

Next day I stayed firmly on board and worked on a set of accounts listening to the birdsong, feeding the ducks, generally doing lots of displacement activity.  All in all it was not a bad day at the office!