Cruise 2012 and No Splash!

I had a lovely winter in Swanley Marina, following the boatpaint, and spending quite a lot of time visiting family and friends over Christmas (a big family gettogether in Devon), New Year etc. Also childminded 3 of my grandchildren in middle of March whilst their parents were celebrating their forthcoming 10^th wedding anniversary in Florence. I had a great time!

On Saturday 24 March, on a lovely hot and sunny, windless day, I set off across the marina – only to find that the oil warning light was still on. I was given a mooring just beside entrance, with a good view of passing boats, and had to wait until Monday for the resident engineer. He diagnosed faulty sender and on Wednesday 28^th the part arrived, Eric fitted it straight away and I was able to leave. I just went up 2 locks to moor at Ravensmoor to do a few jobs in the lovely sunshine.

Next day I went to Wrenbury, had lunch out on the decking (the last of the really hot days – 17 degrees!) at the Dusty Miller with an ex-boating friend who very kindly took me back to get my car – which I am moving for a few weeks as I have 2 outings planned when I need wheels.

On Friday evening eldest son Steve, Julia and Lauren (6) arrived for the weekend. Another opportunity to visit the Dusty Miller! Next morning, after moving their car to Whitchurch, we set off at 11am working elec lift bridge, 2 locks before, and 3 after, lunch, then moored below Grindley Brook. Spent the evening playing Mousie-Mousie (last played in the 70's) and then cards.

Sunday morning was frosty, but warm when we set off at 10 and were able to work all the GB locks without long delays, with 3 other boats. At the top, I was sorting out toilet cassettes whilst Steve and Lauren fed ducks from the towpath. Next moment Lauren was standing their – dripping wet. Apparently she had taken a step forward and gone straight into canal – no splash or yell! Luckily we were beside the Sanny Station and she was able to have a shower immediately. Meanwhile we moved the boat to take on water then again to have lunch. After, we continued on to moor in Whitchurch Arm and walk into town, via swings etc. They left the next morning after a good weekend.

I spent the next few days cruising a few miles then cycling back for the car. Had a couple of nights in Prees Arm – away from the now very busy and fast pre-Easter hire boats. Friday am took the boat to Whixall Marina and drove to spend a lovely weekend in Lancashire with my daughter, Lesley, and family. We were able to celebrate husband, Phil's, and Louise's 3^rd, birthdays. Also Easter weekend so we had a busy, enjoyable, time.

Returned to boat on Tuesday and went back onto SUCS moorings in the peaceful Arm. On Wednesday I continued on to Hampton Bank, below Welshampton, to spend 3 days chilling, catching up with jobs and walking in the lovely sunshine. Had a nice evening with almost-relatives in Wem.  Also cycled back for the car – this time via roads to the marina.