Weather just keeps getting better!

On Tuesday 15 May set off in blustery showers.  Unusually, no boats moored at Queens Head but I will stop on way back.  Continued through 3 Aston locks and then on to Maesbury and moored outside the cafe a few hundred yards beyond - am not turning until wind drops!

Wednesday was forecast a sunny and dry day so, after going to lift bridge to turn boat, I packed a lunch and set off to walk to Crickheath, possibly more.  The first part with newish gritted paths to Redwith is not pleasant walking but it was good to see progress made since last year.  After 2 miles I reached Crickheath Wharf - can't wait to see the canal restored through this lovely settlement but it won't be the next stage completed.  Ebony was walking fine so we continued on through Pant and then to Llanymynech, another 2 miles.  Had lunch and a rest near the Hoffman lime kiln in the fascinating heritage area.  Walked back, diverting into Pant village, but Ebony was walking a lot slower the last 2 miles back to the boat - think I will have to stop these long walks - she is 14 1/2 after all!

Thursday - after a stroll (Ebony a bit stiff today), few jobs and lunch at the cafe (bit disappointed with the small menu, but the soup was delicious), I set off for Queens Head.  I managed to get the very last mooring - under the A5.  I walked to find Tony and Margaret, and friend Jean, on Huffler (fellow bloggers) and Daphne on Charlotte.  Sat for about an hour catching up since we last met (thanks for the tea!).  Decided to escape the roar of traffic and at 5.30 (very late for me)but in lovely sunshine, I set off for Perry Aqueduct - boats moored both sides here so continued on to moor in the open on gobions - just possible to get pins in!

Friday - took on water below locks and got rid of rubbish (forgot there is no facility at Maesbury!) then joined 4 other boats at the bottom of the locks.  I finally entered locks but then had to stop to let another boat down staircase.  Moored 2.15 for late lunch at top and then decided to stop the night - love it here - bit like being in a lake!

Saturday 19 May - in a few showers, travelled the 1 1/2 miles to Tetchill (where I used to live) and where I had left my car.  Drove into Ellesmere for a good stock up at Tesco.  Continued to meet lots of local residents, as well as boaters on the farm moorings.  That evening went to Oswestry with my former neighbours, Dave and Viv, for a great pizza meal rounding the evening off at theirs.  Another fond farewell!

Sunday - last walk around my old village then set off for Ellesmere, mooring in the arm, beside hedge and with no view. In afternoon walked along canal, through woods and over to mere (wonderful view as you descend).  Overcast today, sun trying - but lit fire in eve - is it the last?

Monday did a quick stock up at wonderful Vermeulen's deli, butcher etc.  Chatted to couple on MV Arkholme (still don't know their names) but we had gone backwards together down Ribble Link 2 years ago.  Their friends Phil and Doreen had previously fitted out my boat and 'Arkholme couple' had a boaters wedding and used the boat (then named Honeymoon) to leave the Reception!  Set off for Colemere, had lunch then a walk round the mere.  Repotted my herb tub in the shade of a tree, then set off to moor for the night at Hampton Bank - open and sunny.

Tuesday - stayed put as friends were coming in the afternoon and bringing my bike back after borrowing it for their holiday.  Nice and sunny day - good to get some jobs done.  Sowed some more seeds (2 months after the first lot which were pretty poor after the cold/wet weather returned).

Wednesday - travelled just 3 miles to moor in Prees Arm.  Had a lovely walk on mosses (weather now HOT!) and met chap who showed me some wonderful photos of insects and butterflies he had taken - I had seen very little!  Walked back along canal - good to sit in shade on return.

Thursday - coolish but got warmer.  Travelled to Whitchurch and moored in the arm - empty!

Friday - forecast hot and sunny.  Left boat at 8.30 and walked into town.  Got 9.10 bus to Shrewsbury and spent hour and a half in shops and market before getting bus to Ellesmere.  Was asked by lady in bus queue if I lived on a boat - she was Jean, a friend of Tony and Margaret on Huffler and had been on their boat when I saw them at Queen's Head - small world!  Got car, now at Ellesmere, and drove back to Whitchurch - good to get back - it was a hot hot day!  At 5.30 I moved the boat to Grindley Brook, ready for the morning's early start.

Saturday 26 May - Decided to make an early start to work locks before too hot - Ebony really suffers in the heat in last couple of years, since she was diagnosed with Cushing's Syndrome - constant thirst etc.  At 8am moved boat, sorted cassettes, helped a single hander up staircase.  The lockkeeper had now arrived - wearing pale top and shorts for coolness - shunning black uniform.  Apparently a lockkeeper had fallen into the water (somewhere) yesterday and they were all told to keep out of the sun!  Where did you last see enough trees at a flight of locks to provide shelter!  Only 1 boat coming up flight so made good progress and decided to press on through the next 3 - Povey's, Willeymoor and Quoisley.  Moored a mile later with the only tree to be found and spent much of the day sitting in shade or dappled shade - it was HOT HOT HOT!