Rain stops play

Unusually, I am blogging in the morning.  We are moored between locks 7 & 8 on the Atherstone flight and the rain is coming down so fast we can hardly see anything.  Started up the locks at 8.30 this morning intending to put in another long day, but after 4 of them I found I was almost wetter on the inside than out, slipping rather dangerously around the lock sides and ready to stop and have a rethink.

So we have (temporarily) conceded defeat.  I've rung Warwick Hospital and cancelled my appointment on Monday, so that pressure's off.  Just need to get the Chairman back for Parish Council on Tuesday!

1 1/2 miles, 4 locks


Wildlife:  any wildlife with any sense is tucked up cosily in its nest or whatever


Catching up on the last two days (when getting t'internet was a problem):

Wednesday

Set off from Great Haywood through scattered showers mixed with occasional weak sun.  The journey was uneventful and by 1.40 we'd reached Fradley Junction intending to go down the locks, make the turn onto the Coventry and moor briefly for lunch.  However, spotting a likely mooring spot just above the locks we made our way to the bank - and ran aground.  Eventually got off again and as we progressed slowly towards the lock a guy on the side said "You could moor in this space" - indicating what looked like 55ft. "No" says Brian, "too small".  "Oh I reckon you can - I'll pull you in".  So still doubtful we handed him the centre rope and lo and behold we fitted with 1 ft to spare.  What an eye! Wish I had it (see Nantwich).

Brian went to check if the Swan was serving food, but they stopped at 2.30 and as I was not prepared to be seen in public without washing my hair that would have been a bit tight.  Also there was chaos going on below and at the junction so we decided to stay put for the afternoon, cheer on Andy Murray and eat dinner at the Swan.

Had a great meal there and a long chat with a couple who were on their very first narrowboat holiday - they loved it and couldn't believe how much they'd de-stressed in just a few days.  They weren't sure when they'd be able to do it again though as they'd had to pay £700 for just a short break - 3pm Monday to 9am Friday.  We were horrified - no wonder we've not seen that many hire-boats out.

11 1/2 miles, 2 locks

Thursday

At last! A great sunny day when boating is a sheer pleasure.  We started at 7.50 am and finished at 7.10 pm, stopping at Fazeley to replenish supplies and indulge in a fish & chip lunch. Moored just a short distance from the bottom of Atherstone locks ready to tackle the flight, most likely in the rain, judging by the forecast.  Why are we allowed summer only at the rate of one day a week now?  Is it the recession?

19 miles, 4 locks


Wildlife

We have 2 or 3 resident spiders on the boat, who've done a great job keeping us free of flies, mozzies and other unwelcome beasties.  This however is the handiwork of a neighbour, seen early yesterday morning:

The rain is easing off (very) slightly.  If things improve, we may set off again, otherwise, we're here for the day and night.  Watch this space!