In search of somewhere to relax and chill

Friday 5 May - We made an early start from home, encountered no travel problems along the M5 or M42 and arrived at the boat for a 9.30 breakfast. We pushed off from the pontoon and turned left out of the marina, the wind being very gusty we crabbed along the canal for a while, but soon the shelter of some of the hedges made it a little easier.

Soon we were arriving at the Moorings just through bridge 47, no problem mooring here, the wind pinned the boat to the bank in no time at all. it was just before lunchtime so a quick coffee and relax before making the short walk to the pub the Horse and Jockey in Congerstone.  I've been past here on my walks but always before opening time, so today we were in the right place at the right time!

A pint of ale each was ordered and being enjoyed while we perused the menu. I really fancied a fish finger sandwich, never had one before but it seems to appear on quite a few menus. Lunch was delicious, and the character of the place great, very tastefully decorated, with lots of original features on show. Another pint each consumed and it was time to go back to the boat. 

The wind had not subsided at all, and steerers were finding it really difficult to hold their boats on course.  One in particular bounced along our gunwale a few times, we have some additional blacking on top of some of our blue paintwork.

At four we set off again, wanting to make it to the end of the navigation, turn and moor back through the tunnel. The wind had abated a little and the sky was still brilliant blue.  There were vacant moorings near to the Globe so we slipped into one, had dinner aboard and walked to the pub to round off the evening, its a busy place these days with a nice atmosphere.

A small posy to add some cheer to the weekend

Saturday 6 May - We had a peaceful night, and woke to a grey day with drizzle in the air, we pulled pins by 10.00 (no rush we only had an hour at the most to go) We stopped just after bridge 57 a break in the wooded areas and a view of some fields the oil seed rape making the distance look sunny.  We stayed here for the day, I got my knitting out and Martin carried on with some jobs, it was a lovely day.

We don't have a stove on board having decided against it late into our build, but we are not missing it, our bedroom is nice and cosy and we are finding the winter quilt too much, it'll have to change for our next trip! This morning was lovely and warm in the sunshine, and soon the side hatch doors were flung open, to reveal my country retreat.

My country retreat.

And the other view from the front garden room

Sunday 7 May - Return trip to the marina. we aimed to get back to the marina for lunch time where we would eat, load the car and return home, in time for dancing that evening, everything worked out to plan and in no time we were heading home. Another great mini break and boy do I need it at the moment.