A walk in the park

Yesterday evening after a long day helping others race at the velodrome, we went for a walk in Kowhai Park. We were too late for the fair then, so we returned this morning.
The Original Gypsy Fair has been travelling around New Zealand since 1990. There are many sorts of craftworkers and artists in many different media, metal, glass and fabric of many sorts, food stalls, musicians and others.
The vehicles are beautifully adapted, and date as far as we saw from the 1970s onwards, all well maintained and up to date wofs etc..
All sorts of people were walking around..which made it feel completely odd when we visited the cafe on the other side of Dublin Bridge...100% white faces..the first time that has happened to us here.
Back in our homestay now for a rest before a session on the velodrome later this afternoon.

kiln firing and good news about Hay

The kiln behaved differently with the burners further away from the ports, slow firing was easier.

It helped that we're into spring, so the flue only took about ten minutes to warm up and draw, instead of getting on for an hour!
The flame failure sensors had to be adjusted- it does help if they get some flame on them first!
The levers on the burners themselves worked better, but I agree that I need the regulator/guage on the line nearer the kiln. It would save getting wet when it rains, and peering at it when its dark!!

At a couple of points it stalled, and I'm not entirely sure why-it wasn't at any of the critical temperature points where as the silica changes its form you use more energy.

The real test will be the next few glaze firings.

Gas price has risen again. At least I use good suppliers who don't try and squeeze the last penny from you and DO put the price down when they can. The last 47kg ( 100 pound?) bottle cost £50, the next will be about £53.

The good news is that I'll be doing the craft fair at the GlobeatHay during the Hay Festival.
I haven't anywhere to stay yet, but I probably can't afford to pay for anywhere, and £20 per round trip for fuel will be cheaper. The dates are Saturday to Monday, 28-30 May and Friday to Sunday, 3-5 June. The hours we'll be open are 12 noon to 7pm, to fit in with the Festival!

Thats incentive to make!!