A quick check under the deck in the engine room yesterday morning revealed a significant amount of diesel in the bilge. So I spent most of the day pumping the leaked fuel into a can and clearing up the mess. It is most uncomfortable spending so much time sitting or lying on top of the engine and reaching down underneath it. Still, I had wanted to clean up under there anyway, I just did not expect to do it yesterday or while swimming in diesel. I found the leak, a slightly loose union in the spill pipe which carries unused fuel back to the tank.

The leaking joint was hidden underneath this plate.
All cleaned up now and fresh absorbent sheets placed underneath the engine to aid spotting any future leaks.

The sheeting is the lighter blue material under the engine and gearbox, goes nicely against the dark blue of the mechanical stuff.

Had an enjoyable weekend with Chris, including a trip to Beeston yesterday, first time out since arriving at Castle Marina. On the journey to Beeston we spotted a heron standing on the bank with its wings outstretched, clearly enjoying the sun’s warmth. Unfortunately I did not have my camera or even my phone to hand but this morning we spotted a heron perched on the rear fender of a neighbour’s boat. I wonder if it is the same bird keeping an eye on us.