tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30020317494202062592024-02-07T21:11:33.373-08:00Sonia LouiseCaroline and Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038448009182299379noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002031749420206259.post-71532886877830416642020-07-12T09:06:00.000-07:002020-07-12T09:06:07.758-07:00Will she or won't she?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We made the journey to the boat on Monday 6 July, after rush hour, really still quite quiet on the motorways, we arrived ready for coffee, soon unpacked and everything stowed away in fridge and freezer, enough to keep us going for 10 days or so.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The boat is filthy, covered in soot from the winter fires on those boats occupied during the winter, a grey film that lingers, but the outside can wait for a clean.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On Tuesday we had some things to do inside before the BSS later in the afternoon, the day as one forecaster had said was 'grotty'. I vacated the boat after lunch and sat in the car, our first boat safety every, not sure why we were nervous but we were, all done and dusted after an hour with a pass, great stuff, no nasty surprises an some compliments to boot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We stayed put, due to the weather getting worse, we'd break free on Weds instead, even if there was wet stuff.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Weds dawned and we started getting ready to leave, but then our departure was curtailed somewhat, a dead starter battery! hmm, nothing for it but plug the shoreline in and see what transpired with that, so after coffee and lunch, there was enough in the starter to start the engine, but would it stay charged or would we be stranded, we then tried the generator battery, that was dead too! oops not the best of getaways, but with things tested to make sure they were being charged by the alternator, we left after lunch, turning left and out towards Snarestone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We decided that a longer run than normal should be done, giving everything chance to recover, so that's what we did. We passed Derwent 6 and both commented how nice it looked, clean with shiny brasses. We turned at Snarestone, and headed back to shackerstone and moored on the first bit of arnco on the sweeping bend opposite the long tern moorers, a nice spot and away from the bridge. it has persisted down since.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We move on Friday.</span><br />
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<br />Caroline and Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038448009182299379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002031749420206259.post-85161110939220468572020-04-05T12:46:00.002-07:002020-04-05T12:46:41.160-07:00A couple of weeks into lockdown<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So here we all are dealing with lockdown, some better than others I would think. For us it's meant some skype calls with family, our skype dinner party has not gone ahead yet, we need my sister in law to be pursuaded it is a good idea I'm leaving that with my brother, it would give a lighter mood to the situation outside of our bubbles.</span><br />
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W<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">e joined a live video over facebook yesterday (Saturday) it was with one of the dance hosts whose dances we attend locally - or did before all of this started, it was great to get some dancing in. The hour and a half was well thought out, and having gone outside to the patio we danced under the stars and moon, said hello and sent requests, joined in some banther. The audience varied, but most touching was the older contingent, many having never used technology in such a way before, some without their dance partners but still joining in being able to listen an put in requests or just to say hello to friends, for this group a lot are within the most vulderable age group, it gave them some time to hear something normal and joining in with a group of people they know but cannot be with. The evening was made a great success by the people who hosted it and those who joined in, we'll be looking out for the next one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our days are full, deciding what to do and where to be, either in the garden or indoors, currently due to the weather being so lovely we've spent a lot of time outdoors gardening, and giving the summerhouse another coat of paint. I've also sown some seeds, some of the hollyhock seeds my dad saved back in 2012 he passed away the year after and I've not had the inclination to do anything with them till now, so fingers crossed they do something, it's right on the end of the time they should be viable, we'll see what happens. I have gloss painting indoors for cloudy/rainy days, that looks like next week at some point.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And lastly some photos of spring in our garden, take care x</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Caroline and Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038448009182299379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002031749420206259.post-54393633335737385962020-03-19T10:03:00.001-07:002020-03-19T10:03:46.847-07:00Keeping things normal<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We like many are trying not to get too caught up in the panic that seems to be escaling when food shopping, we are sticking to our normal shop, but have an added pressure of making sure Martin's mum is well stocked, at 92 her decision to not venture out of the house was welcome, best stay in and be safe (and away from the madness of the queues and lack of wheelchair capability at the local stores).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our choice of store is changing though, local smaller shops for bread and milk, people only shopping for what they need here helps, we don't need to use a car for this either so getting some excercise as well is great, going to the larger shops for fruit and veg when needed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have no other need to go out at the moment, we are doing some work in the house so that will keep us out of trouble for a while, and it helps with the 'social distancing' we're hearing so much about.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We're due to go on a small uk break in April and so far that is going ahead, it's not been cancelled but that may change.</span>Caroline and Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038448009182299379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002031749420206259.post-72050555197321648082020-03-17T08:48:00.000-07:002020-03-17T08:48:02.120-07:00First outing<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I went for a walk detoured into a field to avoid the bog and then walked through Snarestone to the <a href="http://alpacaparkfarm.co.uk/" target="_blank">Alpaca farm</a>, 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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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 <a href="https://spinneybankfarmshop.webs.com/" target="_blank">Spinneybank farm shop</a> (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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you Jo for your comment, hope to see you at some point too.</span>Caroline and Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038448009182299379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002031749420206259.post-56557524227286478182020-02-03T02:05:00.004-08:002020-02-03T02:05:46.581-08:00Today's the day <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A year ago today I lost my mum, so it seems a fitting day to move on and look forward to a new chapter in my life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've been waiting for today for several months now even marking an event in my work calendar as 'today's the day'. Today is the day I handed in my notice at work, what a feeling that was, at 7am I pressed send on the email that has been sat in draft for months, it's had some small itterations to it during that time, but today it was good to go, such a feeling, mainly happy but a bit of a leap too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Having worked full time since I left school at 16 this really feels like a new beginning unchartered territory, and one that is full of promise, and I'm really looking forward to it. I now have 15 working days left till my final day 31 March, I have a lot of leave to get in so 26 Feb will actually be my last working day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There will be some house jobs to do during March, I'll be painting the kitchen, utility and cloakroom, and Martin has his no.1 little helper back, it appears some jobs will need four pairs of hands not two.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Depending what the weather is up to during March we'll think about when to go back to the boat, we also need to think about what our cruising plans will look like for the year ahead, no more time constraints put on us by annual leave, but at the moment we are happy here at home and have plenty to keep us occupied untill then.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Spring is really around the corner with the weather being so mild this winter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Caroline</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Caroline and Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038448009182299379noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002031749420206259.post-59316763282017582812019-11-24T05:43:00.001-08:002019-11-24T05:43:22.338-08:00Winterising....<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This weekend has seen us winterising the boat, and heading home for the winter, no more weekends away till next year. I'm hoping next year to write a few more posts, this year has been manic trying to sort out mums affairs, work for me (himself being a man of leisure). But next year we have some plans so we're looking forward to that, and I'm a tad excited!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Christmas!</span></div>
Caroline and Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038448009182299379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002031749420206259.post-53687460395634684232019-04-20T09:43:00.001-07:002019-04-20T09:43:21.348-07:00Boat jobs for the weekend<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We've been to the boat several times since February and mum passing, it's recharged our batteries, chilled us out and meant I'm not constantly worrying if we don't have a phone signal. I must say I'm not missing the driving to Exeter, which was proving to be taxing, tiring and at times traumatic.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This Easter break we've decided to stay put in the marina, we don't do that very often, but due to the weather forecast we figured it would be less than quiet, we have plenty of times when we can go out and not join the crowds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So this weekend my plan was to wash and then re-proof the front and back canopies, no mean feet on your own, they're huge! having the safety of the pontoon along one side of the boat made it a little easier. Martin has been doing some bits inside the boat, which meant the inside of the boat being in total upheaval, along with the back steps being removed, he's fiddling with the calorifier and looking at how he can recirculate the hot water to make it more efficient. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With plenty of solar being produced not the clocks have changed we have been back up to 100% by about 9 in the morning, it means we can solar dump into the hot water tank, cook jacket potatoes in the combination microwave, boil the electric kettle whenever we want amongst other things. We don't use the shore power at all even in the winter which is a money saver!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today (Saturday) having finished the canopies yesterday I've turned my attention to the outside of the boat, giving it a thorough was down to get rid of the soot from other moorers winter fires. I only put polish on once a year at the end of the season, glad to say though the boat always benefits from a good clean.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hopefully the blog will get a little more attention now things are settling down and time appears to be more our own.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />Caroline and Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038448009182299379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002031749420206259.post-59889735820026826172019-02-09T04:24:00.001-08:002019-02-09T04:25:45.157-08:00Rest in peace Mum<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Early hours on 3 February my mum slipped away peacefully following another stroke early in January. What a strong loving mum. So grateful my brother and I were so involved with everything about her, even at the end, no regrets at all. Love you lots mum xx</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">23 June 1934 - 3 Feb 2019</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Caroline and Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038448009182299379noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002031749420206259.post-54933375141899892352018-05-14T10:40:00.002-07:002018-05-16T07:14:11.098-07:00Pootling around<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">F</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">or The last few weekends we've made it away from home on a Thursday after I've finished work. Having prepared a meal to re-heat from the day before, it's great to be on the boat, unpacked and eating our evening meal, giving me the feeling we've made the most of our get-away.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The weather has also been great, and we have been fortunate to be out of the marina in some glorious sunshine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The bank holiday weekend saw us making the most of the sunshine and a good mooring at Shackerstone. This enabled me to get on with touching up the paintwork along one side of the boat. I've been really apprehensive about tackling this, but it's not turned out too bad at all. I'd been researching some paint makes to understand how I could get a paint that would be a match for our awlcraft 2000 two pack as this is only something that can be sprayed, I've ended up getting an epifanes custom colour, this really does match our original paint and was really easy to apply, I feel confident in tackling the other side, when we have the time to do it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">This past weekend saw us arrive again on Thursday early evening, giving us time to get out of the marina and motor down to Stoke Golding, having made tea again before we came away the smell of cottage pie warming through followed us along the canal. We walked to the Dog and Hedgehog for evening drinks on Friday, and decided to book for lunch on Saturday, the staff are always very attentive, and we had some good banter from the bar staff.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Saturday afternoon we headed back to the marina, rain was forecast for the evening and as we were going to a local May ball we didn't fancy getting drenched before the event, instead we drove, which turned out to be a good plan as within an hour of our return the rain started. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">We're now back home and planning for this weekend, we'll be welcoming a special guest who is responsible for our boating adventures. We'll also be thinking about the week after as I have some leave booked, we will be getting off the Ashby canal for a while, and that will involve some locks, that'll be the first since last October.</span></div>
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<br />Caroline and Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038448009182299379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002031749420206259.post-16472973015642554612018-03-12T08:29:00.003-07:002018-03-12T09:35:03.852-07:00Space for ballgowns required!<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Winterising and seeing how things have faired over winter.</b> We were last on the boat on 10 December, Martin had been busy lagging many of the water pipes to help protect as far as possible against any hard frosts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The last engagement of this year was to the local Christmas dance, avid dancers (ballroom, latin and sequence) with varying degrees of execution we've had fun going along to a very welcoming bunch at one of the local village halls. So when you have a boat built you normally don't allow for ballgowns to go in your wardrobe, hmm not me!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">On the Sunday morning we woke early (5 ish) I looked outside to see what the conditions were - no sign of the forecast snow yet, at 7 am it was a different story, it was leave now or get stuck for a few days, not really an option that was open to us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">After clearing the car a few times in the space of half an hour the car was loaded and we were making our way out of the marina home, 4 - 5 inches of snow by now made the trip the longest so far. One lane of just passable motorway does not make for quick travelling, but sticking to following lorries proved to be the best policy, although Martin's stop at Hopwood Park Services could have been a different story (I'm packing proper grippy outdoor shoes for him next time, as I ended up being the one to push the car out of the car park and onto the service road)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">This weekend saw us back at the boat, fingers crossed everything would be ok and certainly dry when the water was turned back on, it was, should we have doubted it? anyway all the preparation to winterise was well worth it, this year we may well do it a bit earlier, weather and forecast dependant I think.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">So exactly 3 months from when we were here last, I went for a 6 mile walk while Martin pottered, we had a good bit of snoozing and on Saturday night we were again at a dance, greeted like long lost friends, the weekend has started our boating season, and oh have we missed it, it's good to be boating again.</span></div>
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<br />Caroline and Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038448009182299379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002031749420206259.post-46010400224775521182017-10-18T08:41:00.000-07:002017-10-18T08:41:33.191-07:00Through Banbury to Claydon top lock<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We woke to a misty drizzly day, so for the first time this holiday we donned wet weather gear, having moored quite close to Banbury we were soon approaching the outskirts, and the permanent moorings before we got into the centre and Banbury Lock.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The moorings here are plenty but as we crept passed the rather full lines we could here talk of very loud music and people not having much sleep, we had a little smile as we'd had a perfect night, out in the countryside. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">At Cropredy there were no cues like we'd seen on our way down so we made short work of it</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">At Broadmoor Lock the heavens opened, but snug and dry in our wet weather gear this did not deter us. I picked up some cooking apples again by the lock side to go with some more blackberries we'd gathered, apple and blackberry crumbles seem to have been a staple pudding this holiday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The first Claydon lock we worked through on our own but at all of the other locks there were 4-5 boats waiting to come down, this should have meant our progress was swift but it wasn't. Boat crews were just too eager to turn locks in front of us and for them to join the large cues above each lock, so selfish, in fact one hire boat crew of all men couldn't even acknowledge us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">At the top lock we were again on our own, so worked through the lock, and moored just beyond the bridge, and chilled for the evening.</span></div>
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<br />Caroline and Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038448009182299379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002031749420206259.post-30649375271125407072017-10-17T03:54:00.004-07:002017-10-17T03:54:48.915-07:00Retracing our steps<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We're heading back towards home now, knowing the river section of the Cherwell is just the other side of Thrupp we decided to make another early start, to see it at its most appealing, still and mirror like, we weren't disappointed, here we are before 8, and the promise of a good weather ahead.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We'd thought about mooring up for the day at Pigeon lock again, but as you can see the from the photo above the day was too good to stay still, perfect cruising weather, so instead we put in a longer day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;">When we reached Somerton deep lock, we had time to take in the prettiest setting I've seen so far on the canals. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had a lunch stop a little way passed Somerton Deep lock, and continued on our way. Along passed Aynho and it long line of boats, and through the odd shaped Aynho weir lock. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;">After working through Kings Sutton lock we decided to call it a day and enjoy the evening, so sat out on the back deck in the sunshine before having our evening meal.</span><br />
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<br />Caroline and Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038448009182299379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002031749420206259.post-77504456446788190592017-10-16T04:57:00.000-07:002017-10-16T04:57:26.069-07:00A day in ThruppWe spent the whole day here, pottering, going for walks (mainly to the pubs - as you do) me knitting, Martin catching up on afternoon nap times. <br />
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I also got rather excited when I spotted a flash of blue, so most of the afternoon was spent trying to capture the little so and so, this was done in varying degrees of blurriness! sadly with one with him fishing and knocking the fish out on the side of a boat was not that good.<br />
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So some of the failures below.<br />
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But the best and last one<br />
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maybe next time I'll have learnt a bit more about my camera!Caroline and Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038448009182299379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002031749420206259.post-49958846973205407412017-10-13T05:26:00.000-07:002017-10-13T05:26:01.070-07:00Into Thrupp - before anyone else is on the move<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We left our mooring at pigeon lock very early before 7, and enjoyed a mist filled cruise with the sun working hard to clear the skies and the mist rolling off lock I found the lock in our favour, we were soon down the lock and onto the river section where the Cherwell joins, lovely deep water.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">At Shipton Weir lock I found the lock again in our favour but the lock gate was so heavy I found it really hard to get going, it did eventually and again we were soon out the other side. We were now approaching Thrupp, long lines of moored boats greeted us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">As we approached Aubrey's lift bridge we could see the services were vacant so we tied up to fill with water and dump the rubbish, taking the opportunity to ave breakfast while the water was still filling. This was all done and dusted by 8.30</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">We were soon on our way working through the lift bridge, well thought out here for single handers with controls on both sides. We spotted several moring spots on the way past the Boat and the Jolly Boatman, time to decide what to do, as we would be turning below Dukes lock to start are return journey we hoped the mooring back in Thrupp would still be free when we got back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Having gone through the long line of moored craft leading up to Dukes lock. I set the lock and waited worked the boat down and stayed at the lock waiting for Martin to wind and come back in, nearing completion of the turn a boat appeared from the Oxford direction , Martin explained he was winding and going back up the lock, having worked back up the lock I could get back on board and enjoy the cruise back to Thrupp. We got to a moorning just outside the Jolly Boatman at lunchtime, having tied up for the day we decided a pub lunch was on the cards, as well as a well earned drink, the sun was again getting very hot so this was most welcome.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Relaxing back at the boat, sitting in the cratch with my knitting it was lovely to sit and watch the world go by.</span></div>
<br />Caroline and Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038448009182299379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002031749420206259.post-89618131072286124692017-10-12T02:19:00.001-07:002017-10-12T02:19:06.063-07:00Time to get the blog up to date - A short day to Kirtlington<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We had a really lazy day, we didn't move till gone 10. a short cruise today as we had made up so much time, it is a holiday after all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">A total of four locks to do today, and due mainly to our late start queues were formed at each lock, the boat behind us seemed to think he'd be able to hurry everyone along, it didn't work. It was good chatting to other boaters and helping them through locks before it was our turn.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">At pigeons lock our last for the day another boat had got in front of us, with four crew on board I held back and stayed with our boat thinking they would be able to help the crew of two going down in front of the, it was not to be they just stood there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">I walked on to see what the mooring situation was like below the lock, and was very pleased to see it was empty. On my way back to Sonia Louise I helped at the lock by closing the top gate for the boat that had been in front of us till this point, we made comment about the lack of willing helpers from the boat behind, and wished each other a good onward journey.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">We spent some time Blackberrying once we'd tied up below the lock, and soon put the boat hook to good use.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfM8vd65pFuhivS2TMzQoJ9dmjvrf01ejkN66OjPJ1hw6HAHhQ7CV23ixyMwmqVZPbqSQrJxRNbaSms7SDsDQTIGOm7tuAHpAQz1WxQ6CiEA8kRX_7CHjZf7nQQ1O6WoJQr-6TtMq7WD4/s1600/DSC00559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfM8vd65pFuhivS2TMzQoJ9dmjvrf01ejkN66OjPJ1hw6HAHhQ7CV23ixyMwmqVZPbqSQrJxRNbaSms7SDsDQTIGOm7tuAHpAQz1WxQ6CiEA8kRX_7CHjZf7nQQ1O6WoJQr-6TtMq7WD4/s320/DSC00559.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I want the blackberries at the top please!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">After lunch we walked back to the bridge over the tail of pigeon lock and turned right and followed the track along past the quarry and Janes enchanted tea garden and into Kirtlington, a very well kept village, it has a village store, a pub (the Oxford Arms) and the Dashwood a hotel that is popular for food alfresco eating. We had a drink in the pub and then on our return at the Dashwood. both would warrant a further visit if I didn't fancy cooking.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">On our walk back down the track we sought shelter from a big chestnut tree, the outer edge of a thunder storm was passing, and dumped a sudden heavy shower, but the tree provided us with the shelter required to keep us bone dry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span><br />Caroline and Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038448009182299379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002031749420206259.post-50377402687465888352017-09-18T04:53:00.001-07:002017-09-18T04:53:10.295-07:00Flapjack currency alive and well<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We left our mooring at Cropredy by 8.00 a little cloudier than of late, and headed down through the lock in the village, out passed the long line of moored boats and into the sticks for a while.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">At Banbury we stopped for a late breakfast, and decided to shop for fresh fruit and veg at Tesco, via Spiceball Park and the keep fit machines, what a laugh they were. The noise of the traffic brought us abruptly into modern day life. This Tesco is massive, I soon wizzed along the isles with my list filling the trolly with essentials whilst Martin visited the clothing and homewares upstairs, we swapped places after that and returned to the boat within an hour. After a coffee we decided to move on again, through Banbury.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We cruised on through the countryside and the many lift bridges, thankfully most are left open nowadays. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We soon arrived at Somerton Deep lock, it looked busy with people on our approach and a thought crossed my mind that something may be wrong. We pulled onto the lock mooring and I went to investigate. The crew from the boat in the lock had had difficulty winding the bottom paddles up, and there were several children with their mums watching too, checking that everything was ok I got chatting with the children and their mums, it turns out they were out for the afternoon and had just had a ride on the boat going down in the lock, they were learning a little about the canal and the lock in the process.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">When it was our turn to come into the lock I'd enlisted some very willing volunteers to help with gates and paddles, 5 really interested and bright children, who worked really hard on their day out, had asked some interesting questions and were now walking along the towpath at our pace, still chatting away to us, at this moment I spotted the mini flapjacks in the galley sat there looking out the window, we were close to another bridge so arranged a flapjack giving. Many a 'thank you' was heard, and they were soon divided and devoured. That made our day, and actually it made my holiday, they were great.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">By now the warm weather was turning cloudier and rain could be seen in the distance, we were making for one of the Helford's and had decided to moor at the first decent bit of Armco.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Just before Allens lane bridge and the bends to the next lock we found a good stretch of straight Armco and moored, overlooking fields and a farmer working away collecting bales. We put the canopy up too as it had started to spot with rain, with more forecast overnight. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We also decided to have a meal out tonight, so ventured along the towpath over the bridge and up the hill, quite a steep hill where we reached the Barley Mow, Upper Heyford a friendly welcome and a good meal was had, local banter and we stayed put for drinks after. </span></div>
<br />Caroline and Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038448009182299379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002031749420206259.post-17079808377207234922017-09-16T04:04:00.000-07:002017-09-16T04:04:20.801-07:00We deserve a short day!<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Today again there was no plan, but we thought a short day would be on the cards. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Working our way down the Claydon flight I was told by a lady that the two last pounds were very low and she wouldn't be surprised if the summit was closed, for us it didn't appear to shallow, we could still get the boat to the side without grounding out, unlike places on the Ashby.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">We reached Cropredy by mid morning and ventured out for a paper and a walk around the village, walking back along the canal from the service point, checking out the water tap location we could see we'd be in the bridge hole if we needed to fill here, still having over half a tank of water we didn't need to try this out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">A lazy day was had. (in brilliant sunshine, again. (how lucky are we?)</span></div>
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<br />Caroline and Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038448009182299379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002031749420206259.post-83558538479209556752017-09-12T09:41:00.000-07:002017-09-14T01:33:46.405-07:00A flying start<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Today we had a plan, start early and make the most of the coolness the morning air provided.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">So we were off again before anyone else stirred. Passing a long line of moored boats, and no vacant spaces leading to the bottom of Napton Locks, being the bank holiday weekend</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> it really was still very busy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">We passed around the hill that Napton village nestles in, and got our first sight of the windmill.</span></div>
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View of Napton windmill</div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">By 07.45 we were ascending the locks, where the views got bigger and better. We were soon at the top and looking at the water buffalo grazing in the fields nearby.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCfQZq6Dxke2LgMnePVo-6yyq9xmdmOqAgpvaIzR-8DXIMK4-He-_4EZv7RPisYlhvn1BVMla3MgoBSySMj7KaJ5mJQdmL4OlL5BxnYvaHoLW9g-agLQ35XiZ2TGlYaOjJ5pSyYp3T0Y0/s1600/DSC00537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCfQZq6Dxke2LgMnePVo-6yyq9xmdmOqAgpvaIzR-8DXIMK4-He-_4EZv7RPisYlhvn1BVMla3MgoBSySMj7KaJ5mJQdmL4OlL5BxnYvaHoLW9g-agLQ35XiZ2TGlYaOjJ5pSyYp3T0Y0/s320/DSC00537.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">After the two Marston Doles locks we were at the summit, suncream applied we were ready for another hot day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">We were also celebrating out wedding anniversary and really relaxed into the day enjoying the summit views, wedding bridge was very appropriate to cruise under.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">By 3 we still hadn't stopped for lunch and by now we had reached Claydon locks so we moored on the Armco above and relaxed in the shade for the rest of the day. </span></div>
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Caroline and Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038448009182299379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002031749420206259.post-28545080349011066792017-09-12T09:39:00.000-07:002017-09-12T10:25:14.058-07:00New ground<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We left Hillmorton by 7 am. Another warm and sunny day for us to enjoy and no plan for where we were to finish. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">We've never been to Braunston on our own boat we had an idea that we would visit Midland Chandlers for some additional bits and bobs. As we approached the junction the customer moorings outside were taken, so we made the turn R towards Oxford and moored up on the visitor moorings. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Having a leg stretch is getting to be a daily routine so we made our way back to the twin bridges on foot and walked up to the road bridge and into Braunston itself, it was still early and the pub wasn't yet open. We looked at the produce on display at the butchers and although there was a good queue for the meats, the fruit and veg outside looked well over its best. We walked back through to Midland Chandlers had a good old nose and picked up some of what we had planned to, then it was back to the boat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">On leaving Braunston the Saturday hire boat rush to and from the junction had subsided, and we mad our way past the Napton Hire base, all the boats bar one were out. We used to hire from here but never turned left from the base, so going past it saw us covering new ground.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">We stopped for lunch shortly after, overlooking fields of crops yet to be harvested, enjoying the shade given by a small tree. I also took the opportunity to pick some blackberries, cooking apples sometimes need a seasonal accompaniment. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9YZqL8TwUlFgBcuqmLTcU-lx5ZGsxOBgsYq4_5INolXu1IYdjy9iDa8QFXK1C7NB69jy7k4lOlKBMN6jkspGWAKNrHJd74XeCnimbQtZqZo8xsVdq7mft1W-x1_NAdTCs4dG8GT2nRNw/s1600/DSC00525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9YZqL8TwUlFgBcuqmLTcU-lx5ZGsxOBgsYq4_5INolXu1IYdjy9iDa8QFXK1C7NB69jy7k4lOlKBMN6jkspGWAKNrHJd74XeCnimbQtZqZo8xsVdq7mft1W-x1_NAdTCs4dG8GT2nRNw/s320/DSC00525.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some welcome shade during a long lunch</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">With the heat subsiding a little we moved on, enjoying the twisting canal until we reached the moorings that run up to the Bridge Inn, Napton, we secured the last mooring, a 65ft space. After our evening meal we set off up the hill to the Kings Head, the road leading to it is fast. We sat out and enjoyed the busy garden area along with many others.</span></div>
<br />Caroline and Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038448009182299379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002031749420206259.post-39326106725089387142017-09-11T06:48:00.003-07:002017-09-11T06:48:30.920-07:00Putting in the miles while the weather is so goodWe left Hawkesbury Junction at 6.50 with mist on the water and blue skies above, we were soon through the stop lock, and onto the Oxford canal (northern section). As it was such a nice cruising day that's just what we did, having made a rough plan with the aid of canal plan we were already up on our hours for the day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hawkesbury Junction stop lock</td></tr>
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Another glorious day, looks like there is a theme going on here, I'm on holiday and the starts are early, but oh so worth it.<br />
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We finished for the day just around the corner from Hillmorton Locks, ready for the off the next morning. <br />
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After dinner on board we went for a walk into Hillmorton, looked at the Stag and Pheasant - from the outside and decided it had seen better days, so we didn't go in, the walk back took us through the church yard before re-joining the canal path that led past the locks and back to the boat.<br />
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<br />Caroline and Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038448009182299379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002031749420206259.post-21692605444803363882017-09-10T10:35:00.001-07:002017-09-10T11:55:54.830-07:00We're on our way - well actually we are back now!But I'll try and remember what happened and where we were, mainly the sun shone bright. <br />
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We had a visit to Spinney Bank farm shop (Bridge 23) by car to stock up on pre-ordered fresh supplies, enough to keep us going for our fortnight, having a decent sized freezer on board helps reduce the number of food shopping trips we need to make.<br />
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We wanted to get off the Ashby today, so with that in mind we set off around 10 am, a glorious day was had with shorts and t-shirts to boot. We passed lot of boats heading in the opposite direction, probably heading for Shackerstone festival on the 2nd and 3rd Sept. <br />
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We also passed NB Cheers another Bluewater boat that we have pinched the stern from for our own boat, we also went to visit the owners before our final decision one what we wanted, it was strange looking back at a boat with the same stern as your own, we only know of the two, a quick hello and brief exchange and the moment was gone.<br />
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We passed Charity Dock, not pictures sorry, but the amount of 'stuff' is always amazing, a boat jumblers paradise no doubt.<br />
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We moored short of Hawkesbury junction on the armco, where the canal is wider and away from the hussle of the junction itself, we don't particularly like the other side of the stop lock, finding it not that comfortable to moor a longer boat on the long bend.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmiCAu9hDaDymipuI7djLQ6Gy2T8fqvkf19dM9PC1y2xS233WRlzV1_f8YTfU8vEjfzRfRWr5mYwnZ5UeSXBts5D-fyumtR9qIx1W-yiI2yjD6yJDP_aKsxg4ZjbjANvh6wZQYcUabu0/s1600/DSC00510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmiCAu9hDaDymipuI7djLQ6Gy2T8fqvkf19dM9PC1y2xS233WRlzV1_f8YTfU8vEjfzRfRWr5mYwnZ5UeSXBts5D-fyumtR9qIx1W-yiI2yjD6yJDP_aKsxg4ZjbjANvh6wZQYcUabu0/s320/DSC00510.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hawkesbury, earlyish morning get-away 06.50</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span>Caroline and Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038448009182299379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002031749420206259.post-35781797082212528792017-08-21T06:22:00.002-07:002017-08-21T06:22:34.518-07:00It's been a bit quiet on the blog for a while!I've not had the inclination to blog much during the last 6-7 months. I won't apologise for that as something far more important has taken my time, fingers crossed that is settling down now and I can start functioning with a bit of normality. <br />
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Back in March my mum had a stroke, the second one in two years, after the first she did amazingly well and led her life as she had before it, with some minor adjustments. But this one was far more serious and life changing. I spent 6 weeks visiting mum in hospital every day, the enormity of the challenges ahead were very real and scary.<br />
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The down side is that mum is now in a nursing home, requiring 24hr nursing care, and will never go back home, nor will I be able to take her out to lunch, (happened most Saturdays) Christmas or birthday stay overs or see my mum as the witty loving person I know.<br />
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My brother and I will instead see very rare glimpses of the mum we knew, but will be there fighting her corner in every way we can or need to.<br />
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During all of this Martin and I have managed to steel some weekends away on the boat, a total relax from the stresses and strains.<br />
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So we are planning a bit bigger break in a little while, mum used to read this blog and join us from the comfort of her armchair, she'll never do that again, so I may or may not blog about our next trip but then again....<br />
<br />Caroline and Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038448009182299379noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002031749420206259.post-63035111172523749672017-05-13T07:13:00.001-07:002017-05-13T07:34:50.126-07:00In search of somewhere to relax and chill<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Friday 5 May</b> - 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. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">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! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">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. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">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.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GZ3Teupdm-sUbZRfeYUzDu5tocuIdMC87iJR4ZvtpvLa9DCLd6khso_fEfFnu_8UxanP6jLqog30cxI87Ipf98HlJhnWvPAvzLq4pVVghO4TSNcAMzQoAHGYvmH4UCB2ztqIVJfWmvI/s1600/IMAG0171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GZ3Teupdm-sUbZRfeYUzDu5tocuIdMC87iJR4ZvtpvLa9DCLd6khso_fEfFnu_8UxanP6jLqog30cxI87Ipf98HlJhnWvPAvzLq4pVVghO4TSNcAMzQoAHGYvmH4UCB2ztqIVJfWmvI/s320/IMAG0171.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small posy to add some cheer to the weekend</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>Saturday 6 May</b> - </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">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. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">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.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzCO2N3aRXWPDEIjEEibsnk05jLjw3wnUN3CIik-dYDdy-gBRVdfAQzDIlkHadz_ezGK0KAz5XPr1jm51GrkktMLEhEQBiDNkxB9WpyzIh3Sa5g2dDbFcLlr1dphnt6_MRfKcIoD4zuI/s1600/IMAG0175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzCO2N3aRXWPDEIjEEibsnk05jLjw3wnUN3CIik-dYDdy-gBRVdfAQzDIlkHadz_ezGK0KAz5XPr1jm51GrkktMLEhEQBiDNkxB9WpyzIh3Sa5g2dDbFcLlr1dphnt6_MRfKcIoD4zuI/s320/IMAG0175.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My country retreat.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfmYQ4j8B_Pp4SAuLjw_tulyA8UrTcBRPun1H_KR8rVkpkqhoB2PGQlK4oDIEXYN-S5jdRP-n9C3JzEccC1UKDAzm9T4RtWbJ_FvugvnX5Aio_uD_ZMYcncuoOm6u4zvpWvoMyzNXbNSs/s1600/IMAG0173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfmYQ4j8B_Pp4SAuLjw_tulyA8UrTcBRPun1H_KR8rVkpkqhoB2PGQlK4oDIEXYN-S5jdRP-n9C3JzEccC1UKDAzm9T4RtWbJ_FvugvnX5Aio_uD_ZMYcncuoOm6u4zvpWvoMyzNXbNSs/s320/IMAG0173.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the other view from the front garden room</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>Sunday 7 May</b> - 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.</span></div>
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<br />Caroline and Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038448009182299379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002031749420206259.post-14787185621036882922017-04-25T08:53:00.002-07:002017-05-12T11:28:37.009-07:00New covers<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Thurs 13</b> <b>April</b> - Kathy and Fraser from <a href="http://www.ajcanopies.co.uk/" target="_blank">AJ Canopies</a> have been visiting us for a few weeks now, measuring and templating for our front cover (this being a replacement for a badly made leaky cover by Karl of KC Covers) and creating a new pram cover for the rear.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We went to see them back in October at Braunston, we looked at materials, Kathy was very good at going into detail about the wear of different material types and letting us know what was most suitable for our intended use. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Orders placed and deposit paid Suzanne from the office was on the phone again in March arranging available dates with us to meet Kathy and Fraser at the boat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Having made and fitted both canopies the only thing left was a thorough walk through of how to take the rear canopy down and put it back up. We thanked them both for the smart new look we have, it's also meant that when the rear deck is in canopy up position we gain a further 8ft of useable space, result.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">So if you are in need of any canopies I cannot recommend them enough, good communications, stuck to their timescales and kept us informed throughout, as well as forwarding us some photos of both canopies before the walk through. photos curtesy of <a href="http://www.ajcanopies.co.uk/" target="_blank">AJ Canopies, Braunston</a>.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgFO5mQRVPqkVILEjp-KSNxJft-lh55hh8BVDnVhDcrO2oP_uNtDswjgAxvVXIpGLpKVo-QsWjro-xz-JWiZYYk1qWt7YnixMKduwjWbeL3j9sQyGDAhtCf5mJmuNqkRb4Dj_89JhkIk/s1600/IMG_0078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgFO5mQRVPqkVILEjp-KSNxJft-lh55hh8BVDnVhDcrO2oP_uNtDswjgAxvVXIpGLpKVo-QsWjro-xz-JWiZYYk1qWt7YnixMKduwjWbeL3j9sQyGDAhtCf5mJmuNqkRb4Dj_89JhkIk/s320/IMG_0078.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front canopy, using the existing fittings to the boat, with the added bonus that water is kept out!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXH0nI03xEr5Ld5fZDEMYtgUJdIMyJZQpWg1JCmqodmC1jULRjXagC0Sh2ueLGP0sOtrWDP20bzEeBRE1UFSny1pTEA2dSrbUhrT_nJ6Fl7U-a_fF46-mVR7HCuMzYRch3OQ3Z5riAGxY/s1600/IMG_0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXH0nI03xEr5Ld5fZDEMYtgUJdIMyJZQpWg1JCmqodmC1jULRjXagC0Sh2ueLGP0sOtrWDP20bzEeBRE1UFSny1pTEA2dSrbUhrT_nJ6Fl7U-a_fF46-mVR7HCuMzYRch3OQ3Z5riAGxY/s320/IMG_0081.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New rear pram cover, 10 mins to take down/put up.</td></tr>
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<br />Caroline and Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038448009182299379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002031749420206259.post-48194737839085907972017-04-20T01:23:00.002-07:002017-04-20T02:59:13.810-07:00First cruise with visitors<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Friday 7 Feb - Sunday 9 Feb</b> - We got to the boat at midday on Friday, having collected two friends en-route., Jimmy and Lindsay. The cloud started to break as we neared the marina, big smiles all round at the prospect of such a perfect boating weekend. After unpacking, which was done very quickly indeed, we untied and turned left out of the marina.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The weather by now was warm and sunny with more blue appearing with every second. The woodland areas alongside the canal were alive with birdsong, and the hedgerows bursting into life, hawthorn blossom, catkins and pussy willow all visible.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Lunch was taken alfresco style on the back deck, just by bridge 47, after 3 we pushed off.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">After a couple of hours we were at the end of the Ashby and turning at the winding hole. The moorings here at the end were busy, a boat that had been back at the rubbish point while we turned had a mild panic when they thought we'd be mooring, to many boats here for our liking and all now in shade, so mooring there was not our intention. We carried on through the short tunnel, out the other side, past the tree lined part of the canal and out into the sunlight, still quite warm at 6 o'clock.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Having settled in to the mooring we went for a short walk to the Globe, where we all had a lovely evening meal with good service.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2Sa0Dnei8ozvO2ReWIKl3-8hKFDjvUaNCkOmMjMcRn81MIwXokxXztLO6Z8qDwz5dwrzUxVfV-p-gDuvAdpR1EWrtoiKHgzJ27lNxD3o4WXleDbdN5PWZi0z92ZQy7tw4QG4IoOxvb8/s1600/P1040006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2Sa0Dnei8ozvO2ReWIKl3-8hKFDjvUaNCkOmMjMcRn81MIwXokxXztLO6Z8qDwz5dwrzUxVfV-p-gDuvAdpR1EWrtoiKHgzJ27lNxD3o4WXleDbdN5PWZi0z92ZQy7tw4QG4IoOxvb8/s320/P1040006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to impress a lady in the morning sunshine, Snarestone</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>Saturday -</b> We had a lazy breakfast, enjoying the sunshine. Our guests reported they had a comfortable night on the dinette bed, good news, it's the first time it's been used! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Todays trip was to be along the canal, past the marina and on to Stoke Golding where we hoped to moor for the night.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">What a perfect day, made by the still dry, warm and sunny weather, we passed by plenty of happy walkers, and met one or two boats along the way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">We moored just before Shenton Aqueduct in a peaceful location, overlooking fields of gold oil seed rape, and the sound of the steam train in the background.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">We pootled on to Stoke Golding, passing a very busy Sutton Wharf, everyone was out enjoying this rather lovely weather. Having moored a walk to the village was on the cards to get a paper. drinks on the back deck reading and relaxing were the order for the rest of the afternoon. We walked up to the White Swan for the evening , having booked a table a couple of weeks ago, a lovely warm welcome and great food.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4-YlO5xgvrcuL1S8ikn1aY7-ASoL5-gOHNZNMe0MouhFIOwYGueAwY_g4twWtHJ7wgaz1Dn90ebxeh64CIqy2nbX8t4LTg3fgpLmSnQpIIUVhIFQBIukx3HYhXeDYmNkzkdD8cw43dg/s1600/P1040027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4-YlO5xgvrcuL1S8ikn1aY7-ASoL5-gOHNZNMe0MouhFIOwYGueAwY_g4twWtHJ7wgaz1Dn90ebxeh64CIqy2nbX8t4LTg3fgpLmSnQpIIUVhIFQBIukx3HYhXeDYmNkzkdD8cw43dg/s320/P1040027.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three days of perfect weather, keep the liquid intake up</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>Sunday</b> - Sunhats and shorts were the order of the day, along with sun cream, glad we still had some on board. We travelled past Ashy boats, the hire fleet were all out, so it was easy to get through the bridge, usually we have passed here and they hire boats are moored three abreast, making it difficult to manoeuvre. Just before bridge 22 we winded (turned) and moored outside <a href="http://spinneybankfarmshop.webs.com/" target="_blank">Spinney Bank Farm Shop</a>. Ice creams sausages and hot cross buns amongst our purchases we returned to the boat to enjoy the ice creams.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Pootling on again, with hardly any other boats on the move we moved on towards our lunch stop, Sunday roast was enjoyed moored at Shenton Aqueduct. A shout out from a someone on a nearing boat saw us exchanging comments with the Marina Manager Chris, such a happy chappy :-) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The afternoon was enjoyed before we reluctantly made our way back for the last hour to the marina, in true fashion the wind had picked up especially for our return, but on the second attempt to get back onto our pontoon there was a perfect manoeuvre that saw us tying up with no problems at all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">All that was left to do was a quick pack up and transfer of stuff to the car and the drive home.</span>Caroline and Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038448009182299379noreply@blogger.com0