Stairway to Heaven

Friday 14 October

Well, it had to be done, but what a day to do it! Blue skies, little high clouds, glorious sunshine.  Just 21 locks to do...

How does that song go? "Alone again, naturally"  We waited, but no-one came to share the pain (or indeed the pleasure), so off we set up the Hatton flight (known as the "Stairway to Heaven") at 9.40, promising ourselves lunch at the cafe near the top lock.

Four hours later - well, no more bingo wings for me!  And fellow walking ladies, please note I exceeded the 2 mile quota by all of ..ooh..50 yards?  (Thinks: uh, was that all?)

We had taken on more water and moored up ready to go for our lunch, when who should appear but Chris, Lexie & Molly-the-dog.  Talk about turning up when the work's done - but we were very pleased to see them.  The cafe does an all-day breakfast until 3.00 pm(!), plus other delights, which pleased us,  and sells Bonios at 20p each, which pleased Molly. Then Pam & Mike, Lexie's mum & dad, joined us, and a jolly time was had by all.

We decided to move on out into the country and after negotiating a very drippy Shrewley tunnel (no showers needed now) found an idyllic spot "somewhere near Rowington" (I think).  We can see the Cock Horse Inn down in the valley, but despite the "Save our Pub" banner we have no energy to help and are enjoying our own G & Ts and a fabulous sunset.  Good days indeed.