Preparing to leave Gent
It is funny how little things can really cheer you up. I had a problem with our wood burning stove over the last few days, not drawing as it should and really struggling to burn well. I investigated yesterday and found that the chimney and flue was all but blocked with tar and soot deposit built up over the winter months. I had no tool in my box that could reach the affectted parts of the flue and I dispaired that I would be able to find a suitable instrument in this part of the world.
Also I was aware that I had to find some diesel somewhere near before we set off at the end of March. I consulted the Havenmeester, Carlos, who gave me a steer to boat yard about 9 kilometers away that could help with the fuel. As I am getting rid of the car next weeked I am trying to get all the jobs that ned the car out of the way this week, collecting coal and logs etc.
I drove to the boatyard this morning and met up with the boss Peter and got his mobile number and the arrangement is that I ring him the day before and then drive the boat around to his boatyard and fill up at a mooring, he will make sure the mooring is free for me on the day. I was cheered leaving the boatyard having secured the fuel supply and knowing exactly where I was going to get the fuel and how I was going to get there.
Imagine my delight when I was traveling back to the boat from the fuel location and came across a large do-It -yourself shop called Bricco. I pulled in on the off chance that I might find something suitable to unblock my chimney. I made a tentative enquiry to a charming member of staff and she lead me to a large display of chimnmey associated bits, I was like a kid in a sweet shop. I purchased a 2 meter flexible pole and a steel brush attachemnt which would do the job splendidly. I bounced out of the shop, fuel and chimney sorted out in one fell swoop..yippee.
This post was written by Terry Barrett
Photographs by Tes