It's been about a year since I wrote last, a long time I know!
Firstly I promise not to mention two things, the weather and the EU. The weather is rubbish and the EU, ummm... Enough said!
After spending the early part of this year in MK, sharing moorings with Corinne on Avanti we parted company mid March. I had secretly arranged a family lunch gathering at The Walnut Tree, Blisworth, for Geoff's 65th birthday. A big thank you to those of you that kept my secret and made it possible!
Willow Too was booked at Braunston dry dock for her bottom to be washed and blacked April 11th, so that was next on the calander.
It was soon after this that our friends Martin and Steph were looking for a puppy. They found a beautiful litter in Derby and yes you've guessed it! Rocco came to live with us April 22nd. He is a Lemon and White working cocker spaniel. Let me introduce to him..... At 9 weeks old.
Then onwards and upwards to Normanton upon soar for the Beacon Boat gathering, the first bank holiday in May. The cruising club had agreed we could share their facilities, thank you to Karen M for making this possible. Although had they realised what they were letting themselves in for? The bar takings far exceeded the normal!
To continue our trip from the gathering we teamed up with Lynda and Ken on Nb Dyonisus. Going through Leicester is best done in a day, it's a long day too, so Lynda and I made good lock crew! Parts were slow as Dyonisus picked up a large piece of carpet round her prop, then a two seater sofa in a lock, plus loads of rubbish along the way....
A diversion down the Welford Arm, very rural and absolutely no phone signal or Internet!
Then through to Market Harborough, really nice there. A lovely birthday for me!
The Foxton staircase came next and on to Norton Junction, well known waters and back to Braunston, full circle!
It was soon after this that we had to say goodbye to Lynda and Ken as they were going to Oxford, the K & A and beyond.... Probably best we parted as our livers needed to be hung out to dry! We turned right, past Calcutt ( where our first boat was moored ).
A lovely surprise, I saw Pat one of the grounds men. We shared a hug....
We stopped off at the Saltisford Basin. A little oasis, the manager is so committed and takes pride in his job. In fact he dug out sections of the basin by hand to restore it. It is run by a trust ( not CRT ) so the first night is free and £5 per night there after. Clean laundry room and all the usual facilities.
A thank you to Karen K for joining us to work the Hatton flight. A quick three and a half hours, 21 locks.
Then a day at Tom 'o the Woods before turning onto the Stratford Canal. Beautiful canal, heavy and difficult paddles but worth the trip down into Stratford upon Avon basin. 30 locks I think, each way of course! Phew! Nice parks for dog walks, a look at the river and for us a walk around the town.
On the way back a stop off at Wootton Wawen, leaving all the boys on board Karen helped me to achieve a flying visit to see Dad on Father's Day plus a coffee on the way down with Beck and Emily. Beck is excepting a baby 3rd September, Emily is excited and looking forward to being a mini Mum! How long for, I am not sure!
Back to the boat with a food shop.... A day or two after that we were back on the Grand Union Canal, heading to Birmingham. At Knowle locks about half way up we past Jules and Richard! The fuel boat that serves us all winter. They were well loaded.....
A day to go through Birmingham, onto the Birmingham and Fazley Canal. Now at Curdworth nature reserve. The dogs had a great swim yesterday and this morning.
We are following the Warwickshire ring, taking in the Ashby Canal also. The aim to be at Rose Boats, Stretton Stop by the 4th August. A lovely lady by the name of Christine is going to make us a cupboard in the galley and another book case. At that time we are house sitting for Karen while she is away, partly to give Christine a free run of the boat and the dogs not getting in the way! I am also doing a one night trip to see Emily and Dad. A sleepover at Jacqui's.
In September we have the village at war weekend in Stoke Bruerne, various appointments, Dentist, Doctor, Vet etc... In October and a winter mooring from 1st November. So water and electric on tap so to speak!
That's all for now! Bye from all of us!!
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