It’s damned cold out there today but I must go to feed the Koi in the indoor pond, hope my half-empty cuppa is still warm on my return?

It’s no good asking the hounds for assistance, they just want to keep warm with mum.

This journey must be made every single day – on foot!

Short pause halfway – to catch my breath.

Now the steps to navigate – hopefully.

Inside it’s much warmer and thankfully hypothermia has not yet set in.

I’ve made this perilous journey just to feed them this.

Check the indoor pond temperature first.

Then check that Hermione and Germaine are still well in the overflow box.

Sling in the food to the indoor tank and watch them feed – like pigs.

I took this shot to show the minute trickle on the pond but the Compact Filter does look a bit dirty to me – could it be because I haven’t touched it for the past 12 days?

What’s this then – it looks like a valve or similar?

Wonder what will happen if I leave the submersible pump running and open this valve fully? Would the water go to waste?

Yes, it is going to waste – I can tell because the level in the filter has dropped rapidly.

Good heavens – I had no idea that the filter was so filthy!

Thankfully the water from the pond pump is rinsing away anything that’s left and the last thing I wish to do is get my hands wet in these temperature.

I think that’s done it – better close the valve now.

Whilst it’s filling up again, I’d best check the E2.5 that’s running the main pond because I haven’t touched it for the past 3 weeks – sorry.

Looks fine to me, no attention required – but the outdoor pond temperature has taken another dive.

Now back to the Compact Filter to find it running as normal.

Here’s a tiny space heater that seems to keep the filter house reasonably comfortable.

Nothing further to do so I’ll get out of here.

Just a final check to see all is well.

Then those bloody stone steps to climb.

And the endless, downward journey to home.

Almost there.

And here they are – still asleep?!

Cuppa was still warm though!

Waddy.