18th March 2020
Dear Motley Crew,
In response to apparent rumblings from below deck re the status of Matanuska and her movement’s vis-à-vis the current coronavirus pandemic, we have held meetings with the Grand Poohbah and the Ship’s Nurse. The Captain and the Commodore are pleased to report that according to the afore-mentioned authorities, there are no cases of COVID -19 aboard the good ship Matanuska. The Grand Poohbah and the Ship’s Nurse have suggested, however, that the Ship’s Boy (Acting), could lift his game re daily ablutions to include a more thorough cleaning of his fingernails!
The Ship's Boy's response was, as usual, unprintable
We are currently moored at 52.1673 N; 1.3921 W, that is, at Fenny Compton on the Oxford Canal, Warwickshire. To this point, we’ve not experienced any food shortages, probably due to the fact that our hunting and gathering is mainly done at C0-op’s in small villages and these small supermarkets often carry local dairy goods and eggs, bread, and meat.
Many canal-side pubs appear to be empty even though they’ve not yet been ordered to close
Narrowboats are still plying the canals although I understand from one marina owner that those whose boats are currently moored there, are not taking them out.
In effect, we are in a form of self-isolation already, venturing out from the boat only to buy food. The boat is filled with diesel at marinas and water is freely available at various points along the canal. We have been told that, for the moment, we are able to continue travelling without restriction, and so we push on towards Oxford.
Our thanks to those of you who have been asking re our health and our current situation. We will keep you informed.
The Captain, The Commodore, and The Cat
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