Sunday 8 May: After Chris and Mary joined me, we had 2 days in the Llangollen mooring basin. Rain due Mon pm so decided to walk to Horseshoe Falls in am and get train back. As soon as we left the canal to walk up to Valle Crucis Abbey the rain started and we got soaked, especially Mary when the bridge over the river was most dog unfriendly (Ebony had already been lifted over one stile) and Mary decided to walk through the shallow river with her – wet feet. Rain eased for a while at the Abbey but returned soon after to last until after a coffee at the farm/caravan site cafe. We then walked to Llantysilio church in sunshine! After the Falls we crossed the river to wait for the train up to Carrog, to return to Llangollen after a cup of tea and cake.
On Tuesday we were joined by Margaret and Alan for the lovely aqueducts and tunnels journey back to Poacher's Pocket where we enjoyed a good evening meal.
Wednesday we continued to Frankton Junction for lunch and then to Tetchill and whilst car shuffling we visited Llanymynech Heritage Centre. Chris and Mary left for home next morning and I had 2 days of saying goodbye to my former neighbours and lovely friends in the village.
Saturday I went to moor at Colemere for lunch, a walk round mere, then set off. Winds really got up then and had a real struggle to moor just before Bettisfield where there is a lovely view.
Sunday moored in Prees Arm after topping up diesel. Had walk up unnavigable arm, until the footpath unusable (thank you Wem Parish Walk!)
Monday to Wednesday in Whitchurch Arm (where I had my first winter mooring in 2005/6) – for shopping and be collected (thanks again Dave) to return to Tetchill and get my car.
Thursday: to Wrenbury for lunch and on to Ravensmoor for night – lovely walk up track towards village. No sign of the dog-walking boating ladies who usually chat to me when moored here.
Friday 19 May set off in slight wind to go to Swanley Marina to meet boat painters (repaint booked for Autumn this year). Soon wind built up to very strong gusts (don't usually travel in winds like this) and had great trouble mooring outside marina – at one point standing (leaning) holding centre rope with boat parallel, 3 feet out and no ring/bollard for centre rope! Eventually got boat in (lots of noisy bowthrusting involved). Made my number with marina office – why didn't you hoot for help - “because the horn switch was 30' away from me!” Walked up to paint shed for chat and paid deposit.
Continued on to moor at Nantwich embankment – knowing that the wind would blow me onto mooring! Hurleston not too bad and lots of crab-like cruising to Nantwich! Saturday went back by bus to Whitchurch to get car (travelling with friendly couple from nb Maple doing same).
Stayed an extra day due to the still strong winds. Better on Tuesday so set off doing Hack Green and then Audlem locks. Here I struck lucky as 2 ladies on the boat behind me were free due to an energetic crew member trying to do all the work so they VERY kindly offered to help me up locks! Thanks to them I made good progress and, after lunch below Adderley locks ,I set off again for Market Drayton.
I had decided to keep the car with me to help with visits from son soon, and daughter in June (when she will then take it home!). So Wednesday morning I got the 8.30 bus to Shrewsbury, then train to Nantwich for car. Drove to Market D, large shop, drove to boat, loaded food, had lunch then drove to Penkridge where I was allowed to leave the car at the Heling Dene council offices (as they have no wedding at weekend!) Got bus to Stafford Station – here, according to Traveline web site, I was supposed to get bus in 25 mins (1 per day) to Market Drayton. Couldn't find correct bus stop, station had no info so rang Mary who checked Transport Direct. There was a middle bus to get me to Gaol Square – help! First Asian taxi driver – allergic to dogs, 4th taxi – still no dogs. Directed to non-Asian taxi who would take me. Can't drop me in Gaol Square so had to run through shopping precinct and directed down side street. First bus stop not the one – then saw the bus coming – I ran towards it and stopped it in road – much to driver's amusement but who understood my predicament! Phew!!!! Relaxed on journey to MD!
Thursday went on to Norbury Junction for the night – helped up Tyrley locks in the rain by a dog walking, occasional boater who was keen to get a boating-fix – aren't people lovely!
Friday 27 May went to Wheaton Aston, filled up diesel and then moored near Sanny Station (and track) so convenient for son Graham and two of his young children (Edward 6 and Tom almost 4). They arrived about 8.30pm after an horrendous Bank Holiday journey from Kent – boys soon tucked up in bed!
Saturday started cool but dry and Ed and Tom happy to help with lock. Soon after heavy rain started and Graham offered to waterproof up and steer while I played with boys inside. We stopped for lunch at Pendeford Bridge just as the rain stopped. After lunch we set off for Autherley junction (“call this a lock?”) and then up through my dreaded narrow to moor in sun just past Cross Green. After tea etc had a lovely evening playing Monopoly with Edward (Tom exhausted and in bed!)
Sunday (I am amazed how few boats are about for a bank holiday weekend) we went to moor at Gailey and walked up A5 to roundabout and a road house pub. Food OK (roast excellent) but in the garden at rear was a HUGE play area for the boys – they loved it! Continued on through locks to moor opposite Otherton Marina.
Monday 30 May set off in pouring rain to moor above Penkridge Lock (told pound below was short of water). Drove back to collect car, had lunch and at 1pm my lovely crew (thank you boys, I had a fantastic time with you) set off home – this time a 4 hour easy journey. At 3.30 rain stopped and I walked dog back up lock – only to be told by boaters that Longford Lock was leaking badly and BW would close it next day. I belted back to boat and set off after them. They very kindly helped me through Penk. Lock so as to keep together. The next pound was extremely low and we were pleased that 2 boats passed us – who would let more water down! As my boat went into lock and gates closed, the boat immediately started lowering – gosh did it leak! I thanked the lovely, helpful boaters and set off, deciding to continue to Acton Trussell where I could get a bus back to Penkridge the next day.
This I did, taking the car on to Milford (on the Green) and returning by 2 buses, via a shopping spree (yippee) in Stafford. Made quick sandwich and set off for Tixall – my most favourite mooring (a “Tixall Fix”) where I can chill out (and do jobs) for a few days before I go on to collect my next crew.
I don't usually travel every day but this year was planned round visitors (and weather) and in future I will ditch the car earlier too (but it will be useful, I keep telling myself)!
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