First outing

Last week we went up to the boat on Tuesday, spying a lull in the rain for a few days, leaving mid morning we got to the boat at lunchtime

We filled the water tank whilst eating lunch and put things back on line for our cruise, we also decided to stay put in the marina for the rest of the day and night.

Early on Wednesday we slipped out of the marina and went out towards Snarestone, some days on our own was on the cards, the sun was out and we were happy to be out making the most of the day, en-route we started our first cruise as we had our last with some kingfisher spotting, one day he'll stay put in a place that doesn't stretch to the limit of my camera zoom, but like anyone will tell you it's such a lovely thing to see.

We took our time and I made the most of the combined engine use and in-put from the solar, using the microwave to cook a fish pie for later in the day and getting hot water, Martin has cleverly installed a recirculation switch which means the water in the calorifier is distributed throughout the tank and circulated to give an even temperature top and bottom, it also stays hotter for longer.

we got to the end of the Ashby and turned, the wind doing its best to sent us sideways in the winding hole, but perseverance ensured we got around, there was one boat moored this side of the tunnel but out plan was to go back through and moor on the 48 hr mooring providing the driest and least muddy option for now. With the batteries at 100% and the afternoon sun getting through the trees they stayed that way till quite late in the afternoon.

On Thurs we were awake early and decided to move a bit further, just away from the trees, past the really boggy part of the towpath, the wind was picking up but there was blue sky and solar to be made use of! 10 mins later we were settled in the open.  

I went for a walk detoured into a field to avoid the bog and then walked through Snarestone to the Alpaca farm, it's relatively new and is a nice short walk, it has a wool store and knit and natter groups if you want to join, but I'm happy browsing through the reduced yarn just in case I see something that interests me.  There is also a tearoom and this is usually well attended, worth a walk if you are in the area.

I settled back at the boat, we had lunch and I continued with some knitting, I've brought a Christmas project with me and want to make some progress with it.

We stayed here till Saturday morning, when we pushed off at just before 7.00 (saw the kingfisher again but photos not great) with the aim of getting back to the marina for breakfast, and really before a breeze picked up which would make in difficult to get back into our berth.  All went really well, tied up by 9 and breakfasted we headed out to Morrisons in Hinckley a short car ride away, with the aim of getting veg for Sunday lunch back at home, it took longer than it should of with so many queues at the checkouts, shopping madness is an understatement, we'll be shopping in our normal way!  On the way back we called into Spinneybank farm shop (bridge 23) to collect our order.  Unfortunately the farm is being given as a delivery address for supermarket deliveries, and while this may seem acceptable to those doing it, it really does have an impact on those trying to run a business and normal day to day life, please stop and think.

On Saturday evening we went to the dance in Stoke Golding village hall, met up with friends we have made and had a lovely evening, sadly it will be the last for a while as like most things now social gatherings of this kind are being put on hold, still we may even get some time to learn some new dances during the next few months.

Sunday's journey home was very wet, with 40mph speed restrictions due to the amount of surface water, but again we got home in time for breakfast, let the fire and settled back home.  We enjoyed our first trip of the season and hope the boating season won't be curtailed too much.

Thank you Jo for your comment, hope to see you at some point too.