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 10th 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 28th 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 3rd,
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.
Hi Linda - lovely to hear from you. Sunny this morning - Jenny's Birthday. At Chirk Bank, by old Post Office. Will watch out for you this morning. We are leaving here about 10 am
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