Autumn

There's no denying it now. A chilly NW breeze is whipping in at us across the Thames estuary bringing with it dark, rain-heavy clouds. Walks are taken as a dodge between showers, and humans are wearing coats and keeping an eye on the sky.

None the less, we are re-acquainting with all the old walks after our camping and narrow-boat breaks - the Rec, the Cemetery, the Iron Wharf and the boat yard. Yesterday we saw that our old chum S.B. Greta has come "home" to her usual winter residence, after her summer running trips from Whitstable fishing harbour. Soon she will be de-rigged ready for her winter maintenance. We will be able to see ship's dog "Alfie" regularly

Tonight though, Felix is off to the vets. He is sneezing regularly and has been, off and on, for what seems like about a month. More on than off. He may just have a cold, but Mum and Dad are worried that this may be related to a fight we think he's had, when one day he came back with a bit of blood in his eye, or to being grabbed on the nose one time by Asbo. Perhaps it has damaged the inside of his nose, and this is irritating him. But he's a tall, rangey, tough-talking dude, and he never complains. I'll keep you posted

Deefer