allaboardolive

Our last entry to 2007 cruising log

Sun, 07 Oct 2007 14:58:01 GMT

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.

Penultimate day on 2007 Cruise

Sat, 06 Oct 2007 17:24:27 GMT

6^th October 2007

We got up late 10.00am, and discussed our trip. We have no regrets. We then set sail for our last cruise. I stood on the back deck with Captain for the last time and shed a tear. I will miss waking up and opening the curtains to see the water with the ducks, coots and swans going about their daily routine.I will miss being in a different place every day, I will miss cruising and even working the locks. One of my favourite things has been feeding the wildlife. Tomorrow will be my final blog and that is something else I will really miss. We have between 500 and 900 views each week. So to all you bloggers Thanks for your support in my daily witterings and I hope it has inspired some of you to do something different.

We moored at our new mooring in Quedegley for our last night. Captain spent an hour positioning his tyres to protect Olive from the winter weather. I drove to Tesco for some supplies, and yes, it was like riding a bike, with no worries. Captain painted his roof in between watching England beat Australia in the rugby, and we did yet more packing. I am looking forward to XFactor tonight and Captain to more rugby.

Weather

Cloudy and dull (just how I feel)

Menu

Steak & Veg pies, broccoli, carrots, new potatoes & gravy.

Knitting

I am going to start tomorrow.

The next generation of Hotmail is here - Windows Live Hotmail - update now for free.

October 5th

Fri, 05 Oct 2007 19:02:15 GMT

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

Octotober 4th

Fri, 05 Oct 2007 19:00:59 GMT

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.

October 3rd

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 17:33:43 GMT

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.

October 2nd

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 16:07:30 GMT

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.

October 1st

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 16:06:55 GMT

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.

September 30th

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 09:48:29 GMT

30^th September 2007

We awoke this morning and sadly discussed a week today, we will be going Home. We walked Navigator and then set sail for Shepard’s Patch. We moored and Captain desperately needs a bag of coal for our fire. The shed did not have any although I was very pleased to buy the Sunday paper. Captain went in search of coal and the two boats that used to sell it no longer do as they have had it stolen from their boats, a sad sign of the times. One boat did say if we were desperate, he could sell a bag for £7.00. Captain said Thank You very much, so we will keep warm this week.

We then cruised to Sharpness, where we moored for the day for Captain to watch Ireland V Argentina in the rugby. Unfortunately, Ireland lost. I then gave Captain a towpath haircut. I decided his eyebrows were looking a bit bushy and as I have now gained experience, I would trim them. A row ensured, but I won. I got a comb and it was a disaster. The left eyebrow no longer exists. At least he now looks like a true pirate. I laughed, but Captain is not amused!

Weather

Dull all day

Menu

Nut roast & Pork chops, cauliflower cheese, green beans, new potatoes.

Knitting

Too, busy laughing at one eyebrow Captain to knit.

The next generation of Hotmail is here - Windows Live Hotmail

29th September

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 14:24:43 GMT

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.

28th September

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 14:23:49 GMT

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

27th September

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 19:00:36 GMT

27^th September 2007

We awoke this morning late, and went to explore Quedgeley and buy a newspaper. We had a long chat to the Bridge-Keeper and then a leisurely breakfast. We then decided to charge the engine batteries; we would return to our mooring at Monk Meadow and check no persons had moored illegally on our patch.

Captain started the engine and an hour later was still talking to his new best friend walking his miniature dog originally from Neath. While the Welsh men were engrossed in their conversation (and they say women can talk), the man from Neath’s dog decided to go for a swim in the shipping canal. Captain galvanised himself into action running for his large fishing net he caught the dog, pulled him towards the bank and leant over, cutting his arm in the process, and saved the dog. Captain says it looked like a drowned rat before it became a drowned rat. The dog was shaking and cold. I got a towel and we dried the dog. The man from Neath was very grateful and having recently moved to Gloucester, he did not wish to return home and inform his wife, he drowned the dog. Yet another save by Captain.

We then cruised to our mooring, there was no fanfare, or even anyone we knew, and it made me feel sad after our epic voyage. In fact, I do not like our new moorings. I informed Captain to set sail, as I did not wish to stop. We reversed out and returned to Quedgeley where I mopped all the floors to relieve my tension. Although we have another 10 days left, we feel out of sorts. I think the reality that the dream is almost over has hit us and it’s nearly back to work and reality. Yes, it is me!

P.S. Captain has just found out he is out of Pork Scratchings and is devastated.

Weather

Sunny but very cold.

Menu

Beef & Veg Lasagne, salad & garlic bread.

Knitting

Thinking of starting now, we are back.

The next generation of Hotmail is here - Windows Live Hotmail - update now for free.

26th September

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 19:35:00 GMT

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.

September 25th

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 19:48:28 GMT

25th September 2007

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.

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.

Got a favourite clothes shop, bar or restaurant? Share your local knowledge with BackOfMyHand.com

24th September

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 16:33:43 GMT

24^th September 2007

We were awoken at 8.00am by the rain thundering down onto the roof of Olive. It was only a heavy shower, and we reluctantly got up. Olive seemed very quiet today with the lack of guests. I did a man’s clean, and Captain walked Navigator. We then had a busy morning, which included a visit to the laundrette; well you have to take advantage when you find them. We then visited Pershore Abbey very impressive and I lit a few candles, unfortunately, the tour to the top was not available, the minimum party was twelve, we would have been OK yesterday. We then stocked up with supplies at the very large Co-Op, and set sail at midday.

The water situation is critical – like we have run out so we cruised the 7 miles to the nearest water tap in ferocious wind. Two huge locks today and the second at Nafford Lock had a swing bridge in the centre, very unusual. As we moored at the water, a hire boat turned up also desperate for water and it took them 30 minutes in the wind with Captain shouting instructions to moor alongside us. They were a very nice crew and we let them use our hose, as we did not think they would be able to moor in the wind for a second time. After an hour both boats were full, so we turned around and returned to one of the few moorings on this stretch of the River, at Eckington Bridge. It is next to a car park and picnic site so we set up Navigators fishing rod to keep her amused.

Weather

Windy, rain & sunny spells. Very cold.

Menu

Captain – Hake Fish, First mate – Quiche, new local potatoes & salad.

Knitting

Too busy dancing to Captains Birthday Northern Soul Cd’s to knit.

The next generation of Hotmail is here - Windows Live Hotmail - update now for free.

23rd September Captians Birthday

Sun, 23 Sep 2007 18:56:05 GMT

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!!!!!!!!!!

22nd September

Sun, 23 Sep 2007 18:54:55 GMT

22^nd September 2007

We awoke this morning and went into Pershore. We found a curry house to eat at this evening, and I bought two new rugs for Olive. Our Visitor Mates arrived and Visitor mates Sue & Tim surprised us with an unexpected visit.

Here are Visitor Mates Sue and Tim speaking

Oh what a lovely boat, and great to hear all the stories of lock rage, near death experiences, and camaraderie amongst barge’s! Linda and Nick both looked very well and we look forward to seeing them back in Cardiff.

Firsr Mate speaking. Ten Visitors arrived, so the rest of the afternoon flew by gossiping and catching up with all the news. We then went for a lovely meal, followed by a pub session, and then back to Olive for more beers and a sing along to Jon’s excellent guitar playing. All in all a very relaxing , drunk evening with great Company and yes I do feel a little homesick!!

Weather

Mild, sunny & cloudy

Menu

Lots of excellent curry, delicious but too many to name (Apart from Visitor Mate Chris who ate scampi!)

Desert

Lots of alcohol

Knitting

Visitor Mate Mare offered to cast on, but decided to have another beer instead.

21st September

Sat, 22 Sep 2007 08:18:57 GMT

21^st September 2007

We awoke this morning late and cleaned Olive ready for our weekend Visitor Mates. We waited and waited for the strong winds to die down, but eventually had to set sail. As we moved, the rain came down, so we had a stressful journey on the River. We passed more casualties of the floods, and Tiddle Widdle Island, what a great name, unfortunately we could not moor. There are plenty of gin palaces on the Avon which Captain eyes up with envy.

We were planning to moor at Wyre Lock, but was very small with nowhere to walk Navigator so we had to continue to Pershore. The Mooring are great and apparently, you can go to the top of the Abbey with fantastic views so we will visit tomorrow. The water point today no longer existed and so with eight Visitor mates the situation will become critical. We are moored in front of the Leisure Centre so I have told Captain tomorrow we will both pay a swim to have a shower and save water. We cannot swim, as we do not have our costumes with us. Is it me!

Weather

Windy & Showers

Menu

Captain chicken, First mate quiche, jacket potato with cheese & French beans.

Knitting

Not shore whether to start in Pershore.

Get Pimped! FREE emoticons and customisation from Windows Live - Pimp My Live!

September 20th

Sat, 22 Sep 2007 08:17:56 GMT

20^th September 2007

We awoke this morning after a very peaceful night in Evesham. The whole Riverbank was lit up with red, green and white lights, which made us feel safe and was very pretty. We could not move until late afternoon after we picked up the washing. Captain and I went into town and stocked up in Sommerfield and M & S. We both bought a pair of black walking boots yes I know its now over 10 pairs of shoes this trip for first mate! I also bought a cerise pink fleece – very handy on the boat. Captain did some repairs on the cratch, and collected the laundry.

We finally set sail, and met another vessel at Chadbury Lock, which had travelled from Tewkesbury this morning and we were only second boat moving they had passed – the River is very quiet. We passed in the trees an 1100 litre skip, caravan bits, curtains. Pillows, quilts, and an oven. All these items 10ft above the water, Captain is worried about what is lurking below, waiting to wrap itself around his prop. We are moored at Craycombe turn and the only boat. Nicks brother Ben is also coming to visit this weekend in Pershore, so we will have loads of Visitor Mates and we are excited. Captains Birthday on Sunday will be a good celebration.

Another fender lost to the lock god and there is shooting opposite our mooring so Navigator has retired to the shower!

Weather

Rain am, Dry pm, Windy all day.

Menu

Captain – Beef & Red wine Yorkshire pudding (M & S)

First Mate – Vegetable bake (M & S)

Both – Swede & Carrots, new potatoes, cabbage & Gravy

Desert - M & S Strawberry trifle

Knitting

Too, busy applying my expensive red sea lotion on hands & feet to knit.

Got a favourite clothes shop, bar or restaurant? Share your local knowledge with BackOfMyHand.com

19th September

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 18:03:46 GMT

19^th September 2007

We left our mooring mid morning, and set sail for Evesham. We passed some sunken boats ( See photos), and at Evesham lock the lock-keeper told us horrendous tales of the floods, including his own house on the side of the lock that now has to be demolished and his boat ended up parked outside the house and had to be re-floated. When you see the damage, it gives you some perspective on the devastation the floods caused.

We called into Evesham Marina for some much-needed diesel and Captain had difficulty mooring in the high winds. We needed 120 litres and yes it was 62p a litre. We then went aboard some new heritage boats for a nose. We thought they were nicely made, with the shell imported from Poland, but at £1300 per foot (plus extras) out of our price range. We are now moored in parkland on very nice moorings in Evesham; they really welcome Visitors to the City. Captain then went for a snooze after his stressful cruising fighting the wind, and I went to the shops. All the shops fronting the River are closed due to flood damage. I called in the dreaded laundrette, and although they do not do service washes, I managed to persuade a very nice woman to do a wash & dry for me by tomorrow afternoon. I quickly returned to Olive and got Captain up, (the service wash is more important than his sleep!) to strip the bed and take washing to be done. I then returned to the small town with all you need including an M & S food hall. I treated Captain to the new range M & S beer that meets with his approval.

Weather

High winds but dry

Menu

Captain – Cod & Fish (from the chippy)

First mate – Egg, beans & chips (with chip butty)

Knitting

To full and fat after a huge portion of chips to knit.

18th September

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 18:03:16 GMT

18^th September 2007

A very peaceful night on our mooring at Bidford – On – Avon. We got up late and walked into the local village, it was a very nice place with a good feel. We bought a few supplies and walked Navigator on the recreation ground. We have our very own water tap at this mooring, the only time this trip. I went a bit mad and washed everything in sight with loads of water, yes little things do please me. We set sail midday, and passed a few caravans destroyed in the floods . The Avon is far more scenic than the Severn with lots more moorings.

We moored for the day at Robert Aickman New Lock, named after the founder of the Inland Waterways Association. We are in a lovely mooring surrounded by countryside and we can watch the boats with varying degrees of proficiency working the locks. Captain also kept himself amused by fishing with his magnet for lost lock keys (we only have five!). All his found was a bit of pipe, and a wooden gate, is it me? He then went wooding with more success. We are heading for Evesham tomorrow, but the weather forecast is not favourable, wet & windy. The day has just gone – doing not a lot.

Weather

Sunny with a cool North wind.

Menu

Nachos, with re-fried beans, guacamole & sour cream (Mexican)

Knitting

Will have to start before Visitor mate Fay arrives this weekend – the knitting was a Bon Voyage pressie from Fay five months ago.

Photo Album: The last photo's of this year

Sun, 07 Oct 2007 14:56:30 GMT

The last photo's of this year

HPIM0333

HPIM0334

HPIM0335

HPIM0336

HPIM0337

HPIM0341

Photo Album: Last visitor mates

Fri, 05 Oct 2007 19:08:02 GMT

Last visitor mates

Sue & Rob

Photo Album: Big boats on the Glos & Sharpnes

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 16:12:49 GMT

Big boats on the Glos & Sharpnes

HPIM0329

HPIM0331

HPIM0332

HPIM0338

HPIM0339