allaboardolive

7^th October 2007

 

This is our last day and my last blog. Most of the day has been spent packing. Have we any regrets NONE. We have been on a great adventure and journey. I would not like to spend the winter aboard Olive, but we would love to cruise every summer (despite this years terrible weather) if finances allowed. It has been good for the soul to get out of the rat race and daily grind of life for six months and we have been very privileged. The following sums up our very happy trip.

 

Messing About In Boats (Wind in the Willows)

 

In or out of’em, it doesn’t matter.

Nothing seems really to matter, that’s the

charm of it. Whether you get away, or whether

you don’t. Whether you arrive at your

destination or whether you reach somewhere

else, or whether you never get anywhere at all,

you’re always busy, and you never do anything

in particular; and when you’ve done it there’s

always something else to do and you can do it

if you like, but you’d much better not.

 

First mate final thoughts – the great gift of life is a blank canvas on which to paint as we choose.

 

This is the Captain speaking.

 

Sadly, our 6-month trip has ended. We going back to being land lubber’s

 

Abandon ship!

 

Until next time. Watch this space.

 

Therefore, it is Au Revoir from Captain, Navigator and First mate. Back to reality. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

 

Total Mileage                                    1066

 

Total Locks worked               679

 

Total Weight Gained   Lots

 

Knitting 

 

Started knitting! (See photo as proof). No time left to finish.

 

 

5^th October 2007

 

We awoke at 8.30am, all feeling a little fragile. We had loads of tea, orange juice and bacon & egg rolls. We then loaded Sue’s car with bags of our luggage to return to Cardiff. I said farewell to our last Visitor Mates, and Captain returned with them to Cardiff to pick up our car ready for our return home on Sunday.Ahhhh. It is the longest we have been apart for 6 months.  I then took Navigator for a long walk and did some more packing.

 

Captain returned mid afternoon with the car, and some goodies from Tesco, including some very nice crème custard cakes. Feeling a little sad, it cheered me up. We then went for a little cruise and moored for the day at Parkend. We then both went for an afternoon snooze to recover from last night’s over indulgence. It has been a lovely day and there are a few boats moving.

 

Weather

 

Sunny.Almost a spring day

 

Menu

 

Beef & Veg Lasagne, garlic bread & salad.

 

Knitting

 

Too fragile to knit

4^th October 2007

 

We awoke and gave Olive a clean ready for our Visitor Mates Sue & Rob. We then walked Navigator and set sail for our new temporary mooring at Quedgeley. We had a chat to the Bridge keeper who told us we were on his new mooring list. He then told Captain where he could acquire some used tyres to moor the boat away from the bank. Captain was very pleased and went in search of these tyres. He then drilled holes in them to secure with rope.

 

Our Visitor mates arrived and we had a drink in the pub. We then went for a cruise and opened a bottle of champagne. It really feels like the end of our trip as our first and last Visitor mates were Sue and Rob, and so we didn’t feel too sad we partook of the evil brew to excess. We then went to the Pilot pub and had a very nice dinner and more booze. We retired to Olive for a long game of Uno with good company chocolates and wine! Sue was the champion.

 

Weather

 

Sunny & hot (Captain wore shorts)

 

Menu (The Pilot pub)

 

Captain – Steak, salad & chips

First mate – Broccoli & pasta 3 cheese bake, salad & chips.

 

Knitting

 

Too busy entertaining & drinking to knit.

 

 

3^rd October 2007

 

We awoke this morning after a peaceful night on the very nice Visitor moorings at Patch. We then met our new best friends from Saundersfoot who have lived aboard for 3 years. They were stuck on the Rivers in the floods for five weeks, and the Welshman could tell a tale.  They were marooned on their boat at Bidford – on – Avon, for four days with cabin fever. Three hire boats were stuck with them and the hire boats were leant a rowing boat to get ashore. They hitched a lift on the fourth night and spent it in the pub. After 7 pints of real ale, they tried to get back aboard and both ended up in the River, the man with a cut head. He said he didn’t feel any pain! Moreover, when they finally got aboard their main concern was to dry their mobile phones with the hairdryer and peg up their money. Is it me?

 

 We then went for a walk, and I got rid of three bags of rubbish after sorting things out yesterday. I also have three bags of un-used luggage to take home; items include iron, hair-dryer (very useful if your mobile phone gets wet) and blender! We set sail and stopped at Frampton-On-Severn for bread and milk supplies. We then cruised to Saul Junction and moored for the day. The sun was shining so I got out the table and chairs and sat on the bank with the paper, whilst Captain painted his battle scars on Olive for the last time this year.

 

Weather

 

Mild & Sunny

 

Menu

 

Vegetable Dhansak, Chicken Makhani & brown rice

 

Knitting

 

Must start soon before it becomes un-used luggage.

2^nd October 2007

 

We set sail this morning to Sharpness Marina to fill up with diesel, 55p per litre. We had a look at the moorings and did not like them. They are moored very close together without mooring pontoons and onto concrete so Navigator would not be happy. We didn’t bother to register on the waiting list.

 

We then cruised to Shepard’s Patch where we moored for the day at 3.00pm. We are moored in front of a huge gin palace cruiser and Captain is going on the net to see how much they are. My advice dream on!  We then took Navigator for a long walk. Patch is a very pretty small village surrounded by fields and many footpaths.

 

We then did some more packing and cleaning, it’s unbelievable the amount accumulated after 6 months and more amazing where I found the space to store it. Captain is on oven – cleaning duty. Visitor Mates Sue & Rob are coming to stay on Thursday, and then take Captain back to Cardiff on Friday to collect our car. It means I can then go to Tesco for some supplies (and not have to walk and carry) Other than Gloucester, there are only two or three small shops on the Canal.

 

Weather

 

Dull but dry

 

Menu

 

Pork & Veg sausages, mashed potatoes with parsnip. Mushy peas & onion gravy.

 

Knitting

 

Too lethargic to knit, but will start soon.

 

1^st October 2007

 

We awoke this morning to torrential rain, so stayed in bed until 10.00am – very nice. We got up, put on full waterproofs and went for a long walk around Sharpness docks. We also saw the SARA search & rescue headquarters, which interested Captain. We got very wet and on our return lit the fire. I started sorting cupboards and cleaning with less than a week left of our trip, while Captain watched the film Meet the Parents. He laughed a lot so I think it was good.

 

The rain has not stopped all day, so we decided not to move. It must be time to go home as the TV watching is increasing, and we had a row over whether to watch Doc Martin or Murphy’s Law. I solved the row by ringing Visitor Mates Kym & Steve and asking them to tape Murphy’s Law.

 

A boring wet day! Now talking about things we will have, but not really missed. E.g. washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, electric kettle, and toaster.

 

Weather

 

Rain, rain & more rain.

 

Menu

 

Spaghetti bolognaises & garlic bread.

 

Knitting

 

Too bored to knit.

29^th September 2007

 

We got up very late this morning. We then did our chores and as Captain was on the deck spinning my washing, he heard a voice say Hello Nick. It was a Wesley a friend from his Mountain Rescue Team. He was with his wife and family on a cycling trip. They came aboard for a look at Olive and left saying to Nick see you on the Team Weekend in November. It was a nice for Captain, but reminded me that home, routine and reality are getting closer.Ahhhhh.

 

We then set sail to Frampton-On-Severn one of the prettiest villages on the Canal. The trees on the green have circular seats for watching the world go by. I fancy one for my front garden tree at home, are they expensive? The village store is also well stocked, with a very nice pub. We then set sail checking all the moorings. My favourite to date is at Splatt Bridge in front of a Church and graveyard. Although we now have a new temporary mooring, I am still looking. We then moored for the day at Camebridge Arms Bridge, in time for Captain to watch Wales V Fiji in the rugby. The result Wales are out of the World Cup and it is a depressed Captain &  First mate, although Captain says they deserved to lose. Never mind XFactor is on later to cheer me up!

 

Weather

 

Sunny spells, very mild.

 

Menu

 

Meat & Veg Chilli & Brown rice.

 

Knitting

 

In mourning after Wales defeat to knit.

 

28^th September 2007

 

We awoke this morning and during my witterings to Captain, I asked him what he would like to do if we won the lottery? His answer we have to buy a ticket first! I aim to buy a ticket this weekend and ask the question again – is it me! My next aim for today was to find us a new mooring; I do not want to return to Monk Meadows. Therefore, I got up and said we would cruise to Saul Junction and have a look at the private moorings. I then rang Sharpness Marina and spoke to a very nice lady who informed me their waiting list was years, I was not to be put off and informed her we would call into the office next week and register, and left our telephone no. A few hours later she called us back to say a person was viewing a mooring tomorrow and if they turned it down we could have next option, we again thanked her, progress. I then rang B.W. and informed them we could not return to the building site at Monk Meadow, the mooring manager said leave it with him. This afternoon he rang and offered us a temporary mooring at Quedgeley until building work is finished. We are very pleased and will now end our trip at Quedgeley.

 

We still sailed to Saul Junction and spoke to another Boater, and are now on their private moorings waiting list. Overall, a good result, and I am very pleased. We then called into the boatyard at Saul to discuss up-grading Olive to our dreamboat. We have an agreement to return next week and see Manager, to get the price. We did our loo, water and rubbish duties and  returned to Parkend Bridge to moor for the day. I had an afternoon snooze and Captain watched a film. A relaxing day with the rugby to watch tonight.

 

Weather

 

Dull and rain. Dark at 6.45pm Ahhhh – Winter is coming.

 

Menu

 

Nut roast, lamb, cabbage, carrots & swede, roast potatoes and gravy.

 

Knitting

 

May start now we have a new mooring

26^th September 2007

 

We awoke this morning in Tewkesbury, and after I bought our final supplies, and Captain walked Navigator, we set sail onto the River Severn. We were going to moor over-night at Lower Lode. We arrived at Lower Lode Lock to be informed by the keeper the Severn has high tides, and if we left it until tomorrow, it could be dangerous as the tide would leave large trees and debris floating down the River and it would not be safe for us to move until after 3.00pm. We were advised to cruise to Gloucester today. We did pass a tree 15ft X 15ft floating down the River, but Captain managed to miss it, just.  So un-expectedly, we are now back in Gloucester after a very long day.

 

At Gloucester lock, we had to wait an hour for two other boats. One was a huge cruiser (see photos) and when it came in behind us, the current caught the back end and spun it into the lock gates sideways. It looked a very expensive ship and I am sure the repairs will not be cheap. We came through the lock at 4.30 and Llanthony Bridge could not be opened for an hour, due to busy traffic. We then set sail past our mooring (it is too sad to return yet as we still, have two weeks) and moored for the night at Quedgeley, shattered.

 

Weather

 

Dry, sunny spells but very cold.

 

Menu

 

Vegetable & Cornish huge pasties & chips.

 

Knitting

 

Too sad to knit. 

We awoke this morning and Captain was very pleased the winds had died down, and the sun was shining. We went for a long family walk along the Avon in very rural and pretty countryside. We then had a leisurely breakfast (one of the things I will really miss) and set sail at 11.00am. We worked our last lock at Strensham, as Lock Keepers will operate the rest, and yes, we were both a little sad. As we left the lock, the skies darkened and the heavens opened for about an hour. The heavy rain turned to sleet, and there is nowhere to moor until Tewkesbury. I cannot tell you how wet Captain got – worse than a drowned rat. Even the cows took shelter under the M50 motorway bridge! I stayed inside reading until it stopped and then took over the tiller for Captain to change. We arrived in Tewkesbury, and moved moorings twice before I was happy. They are not great over-looked by houses, but very near the town. The fee for mooring here £3.00 per night. It took me an hour to pay the very friendly lock keeper after he tried to sell me everything in his shop, mainly tat! Captain and I decided to leave for the River Severn tomorrow, and headed into town for some final supplies. The town was average and apart from a Somerfield shop, I did manage to buy a pair of steel grey jeans. Very slimming and I need all the help I can get. Tomorrow we will make an early start to either cruise to Gloucester or secure one of the limited moorings on the Severn. Captain speaking: We broke the 1000-mile barrier sometime today when it was chucking it down! Not much celebrating was done as I was trying to see where the bow of the boat was and spot the banks on either side and first mate was inside in the dry. Total no of locks worked by us 670, we should of lost some weight if we hadn’t been eating and drinking happily. Weather Nice am, horrendous when moving, nice evening. Menu Stuffed Marrow with onions, garlic, mushrooms, mixed nuts & tomatoes, topped with wholemeal breadcrumbs & cheese. Desert – Apple crumble & custard (My favourite) Knitting Too disappointed with Tewkesbury to knit.

23^rd September 2007

 

This is the birthday captain speaking.

 

Had a wonderful evening with the visitor mates last night. My head is a bit dull this morning but it was so nice to see them all. They have brought me some excellent presents. Thank you all.

 

                                                                                                                                                   

Here are invading buccaneers, Jon and Fay.  We boarded the unsuspecting vessel and sequestered their lager supplies.  Had an Indian meal in Pershore (I can recommend Pershore Peshwari nans) and then went to a pub full of punchy locals. I had a disturbing experience with one of them in the toilets................... Had a bet as to when (and whether) Kim and Steve would be able to get up early enough to join us the following day. Olive was looking beautifully rigged with Rosie and Jim smiling at us out of the window. Played some drunken guitar. Listened to one dwarf abusing another.

 

This morning we flew Nick’s remote control plane, narrowly missing two walkers and once pulling up about three feet from the river. Opened the fridge again and it all becomes a bit hazy henceforth........ ginger swans, dolls feets, locks, ducks and Rosie and Jim doing it in the window...........

 

 

This is Visitor Mare speaking.  A number of memorable things about this lovely trip on Olive....just wish I could remember them!    I have a headache; Jon shows his bathers to women at parties;  I do not buy my shoes in a toyshop and Christine is 4 feet ten!!!!

 

This is a very hung over First mate speaking. We’ve had a great weekend, hence the ramblings above. Visitor Mates Kym & Steve joined us today and 10 of us aboard Olive set sail for a River Cruise. We moored for lunch and the hair of the dog. A perfect way to spend Captains Birthday.

 

Weather

 

Windy but dry for the cruise, rained as soon as all Visitor Mates left!  

 

Menu

 

Lunch for 10 All Aboard Olive

Pita bread, chicken, falafels, cheese, mint yogurt dip, tomatoes. Lettuce, cucumber. Followed by Birthday cake and an unknown Birthday wish.

 

Knitting

 

Too, busy celebrating Captains Birthday to knit!!!!!!!!!!