May 2014

Hello everyone! 

I am really frustrated with myself! Started to write this about week ago, then lost it! Cricky I was cross!

So this won't be a detailed, just a brief update on our travels.

The boat is almost a year old. Where has that time gone? This is just as we had expected life to be like.

We love it! Especially since Geoff stopped work and we have been able to travel it is idilylic. 

At present we are just north of Stoke on Trent. On the Macclesfield canal. 

During the week leading up to the bank holiday we travelled the Caldon Canal, so lovely. I think I preferred the Leek branch but the Froghall branch was fun as Geoff's brother and wife visited us but camped at the local site. The steam train ride was excellant! Fireman Sam was at the end of the line to greet everyone!! A trip to the Black Lion was a must of course! The next day we did the same trip but by boat instead. 

I am a year older, that was scary! I had some wonderful surprises. Lovely cards and presents. I thank you all for those. I was extremely touched and quite emotional. Poor Geoff! He coped with me very well!!

We have spent the weekend deciding where to go next. Although we are on our way to Macclesfield and then Manchester, we are going up so far then turning to come back and get onto the T&M again.

That does mean heartbreak hill or 36 locks but we are given to understand countryside not to be missed! We then will get onto the Shroppie. Anyway who knows, we may change our minds again yet!

During the last week we have heard of some very sad times. One poor man fell off the back of his boat in the Harecastle Tunnel and was drowned. Two boats vandalised with injuries to the owners, protecting their property. Plus places not to moor or go through unless you have too. With all that in mind we believe it's best not to invite problems but keep it in perspective. None of us would do anything if we analylised everything we did!! 

Please note I have not mentioned the rain! At one point I thought we were going to grow Webb feet and that's all I am going to say! This weekend has been dry, at last. The first week of Wimbedon is usually wet so I'm guessing we haven't seen the last of the rain. Some sun would be nice! 

That's all for now folks! Wishing you all well and thank you for reading my ramble!