A TOUR OF LYRA AND A BIT MORE

 Chilling in Ratho:

There is definitely a chill in the air this morning with some clear skies. We had a breakfast of crumpets and bacon with coffee. 

We started the engine to top things up at 0915 and at about 0945 the Scottish Canal gent arrived to provide our pump out.

 

 

The pump out station is located on the other side of the canal so we had to turn Lyra around and moor on the other side. Still no one can tell us the capacity of our holding tank. It was believed we were only a bit over half full. 

With the pump out completed, we returned to our mooring and tied up as we will spend the night here. 

We gathered our rubbish and went to the bins located in the marina. We did check out the showers and may just take advantage of them later today. AND WE DID! IT WAS RATHER NICE!

 

 



On our return to Lyra we made a stop at the Seagull Trust offices near the The Bridge Inn. We met Terry, one of the weekend Skippers, as they were preparing one of their boats for a trip today. 

 

                 The Seagull Trust Dry Dock and Work Shop

 

We got to take a look at the dry dock with the dredge barge inside. 

 



I will reiterate, The Seagull Trust is a charity located on the Union Canal near Edinburgh that provides free accessible barge cruises for elderly people and individuals with special needs or disabilities. Terry told us they have trips almost daily. 

I asked if they had a gift shop where we could help support the Seagull Trust and yes they do. We picked up a few items and made a donation to help them continue the great work. 

 

HERE IS AN ANNOTATED PHOTO TOUR OF LYRA:  

 

                          Lynn at her station on the bow

This bow locker holds the water hose for filling up two mooring pins and a mallet to drive them in place.

          At the very bow is the gas locker with our LP tanks

                                    The bow entryway

 

To your left as you enter is a place we turned into a charging station. There is a water tank gauge (never to be trusted) Electrical sockets and USB ports. Also here you find the water pimp switch. 

                             

                                     
 Here is the bed which I think is very comfortable, the duvets do you you very warm at night. Yes it is small by some standards. 

                                  

 Forward Fire Extinguisher

Next down the hall is the head. Here is the shower, there is a shower pan pump that needs to be used when using the shower.

         The head door can also be used a privacy divider

      Toilet, sink and mirror. The toilet is a macerating toilet.

                    Narrow hall way with one way traffic. 

Here you find a TV and Radio, we did not use either, but used the area for hat storage and other bits.

In the hall way there is a hatch which is very handy for bringing your supplies aboard. It must be on the two path side for this to work. :) 

                            Yes there is mood lighting :)The dining table can be converted into an onother sleeping area.

Here are the map and manual you receive at your briefing. Alan, who did our briefing gave us suggestion on places to stay and see, and maked them on the map. The manual will further explain all things cover in your briefing. Well worth reading this early in your journey

                                                  Four burner gas stove and oven

 

                                                            Sink and fridge area

        

                                                 A good selection of drink ware

                                                       A nice food prep area

                              Ample food storage areas

Crockery and some cooking wares, there are more provided in another cabinet

                  The Fridge is small but works really well

                                  Cleaning equipment 

                   This is the electrical breaker box with heater and power switches. 

The ignition panel with gauges a USB port and headlight switch

The aft deck is where the tiller is and has been my position while under power. Here are the two hatches to the engine

The engine coolant must be checked every morning while the engine is cool

This is the weed hatch where you check the prop daily to make sure prop is free of weeds or other debris. The brass tube there is the stern greaser and it needs to be turned daily. 

Tonight's menu for the Chef’s Table will be a beef steak bits in a stock broth, accompanied by locally procured fresh root vegetables. 



 

Thanks so much for tagging along, It has been an outstanding journey.