We took advantage of the marina pump-out for the first time (we know how to have fun) and also filled the diesel tank. getting onto the service jetty was really easy - no wind, flat calm fingers crossed it'd be like that on the way back.
With the sun breaking through the low cloud we se off down the Ashby for Stoke Golding, just a couple of hours cruising but enough, we took it in turns steering, I negotiated a couple of the really tight bends through bridges at the beginning, but then chickened out and let the professional do the mooring up manoeuvre. The trip to stoke Golding corner was uneventful, we passed 3 boats, all jolly and chatty.
We had booked a table at the White Swan, just up the hill, and the first pub you come to in Stoke Golding, this was our third visit since the new landlord took over, glad we booked as they were full! the food was yummy and well priced, well worth a visit, home made grub by the landlord Jamie - we'll be back.
Walking back to the boat in the fog we were pleased that we'd put the Christmas lights up, it certainly gave us something to aim for.
Sat 17 Dec - a Lazy morning, we set off for bridge 22 to wind, the sky was blue and the sun was warm and the air was very still. Once winded we moored at the farm shop just short of bridge 23 - if you've never visited spinney bank farm shop then you're missing out, Elaine is really helpful, she butchers her own meat. We stocked up, cleared the shop of chicken sausages (they are yummy scrummy) a few joints of beef and pork. Even ice cream was purchased!
Back at the boat coffee was drunk out on the back seats, the sun was really warm and it was lovely just to sit and enjoy it for a while.
We made our way back to the marina, lots of jolly people out for walks what a difference the sun makes. We had chicken sausage sandwiches for lunch mmmm, and were aiming to get back to our berth by 3 ish, which we did, again there was no breeze, and getting back to the berth was a real treat, no pirouettes today.
Sun 18 Dec - boat winterised, Christmas lights taken down and we set off home, a really festive, relaxing weekend.
 |
| Just looked lovely in the sun |
