Droitwich
Spa Marina to Netherwich Basin, Droitwich and back again
8 locks, 6
swing bridges, 4 miles
A day off for us amidst the chaos
of at home with friends of 40 years standing, their 6 year old granddaughter
(M) and their black lab Kiera. The first
thing to do was to find somewhere for Monty and Kiera to say ‘hello’ and burn
off some energy- there is a field in the corner of the marina which looked
ideal. Just one very big problem – red dusty
earth and two very mucky dogs, so the Marina dog shower was tested and found to
be an excellent feature – much easier than a bucket and cloth!
We set off in sunshine and
young M was pressed into service. She was an excellent crew member.
she was allowed sometime off for good behaviour!
The water level was okay (the canal was shut on Tuesday after torrential rain)
Ready to measure the head room under the M5 bridge
We
made it with between 2 and 5 inches to spare and that is with the cratch off
and three adults, a child and two dogs in the bow!
I am delighted to say that the vandalised picnic table in Vine Park reported in the last blog has been
repaired, but no photo was taken. We did
consider mooring in Vine Park whilst we had lunch, but as we were leaving the
boat and it is school holidays we played it safe and moored in Netherwich Basin
and walked to the pub – and what a pub it is!
For
visits to Droitwich The Gardeners Arms is a must!
To get there turn right out
of the basin, walk along the tow path back towards Vine Park – there are two
paths – one by the canal and the other by the allotments. You need the latter. When you get to these pretty cottages
(how gratifying to see neighbours who obviously discuss and agree on decoration – they are even
prettier in the flesh) turn left down a little ginnel, snickleway or whatever
else you call a small alley. Turn R at
the bottom and you cannot miss the pub.
It is an Aladdin’s cave
inside. The bar is very small (but does
allow dogs and they provide water in a decent bowl), but outside is a magical
world – a real mish mash of all sorts!
These are safely undercover
There are even a couple of geese
and a piano! I am not sure it will ever play again, but it adds to the ambience
Do you fancy a party?
We ate in this outside area
which is also undercover (just as well as the one shower we had was in the middle of
our meal).
A real bonus – the food was
good. The only issue we had was the
pastry on the steak and ale pie – too thin and not at all tasty, but the meat
was so tender it did not need to be chewed.
This pub is the home of the Droitwich sausage – we can highly recommend
them. To top it all it is a real ale pub with a goodly selection.
On our way back to the boat
Monty and Kiera were allowed a play before being cooped up on board again. They made the most of it!
Back through Vine Park to be
met by a very welcome sight – 5 ice creams please!
The best way to enjoy an ice
cream!
I have to say that each time I have to tackle the swing bridges they get easier and easier. I wonder if having willing assistants is the reason?
Once we were safely moored
back in the marina tea was drunk and Jane, Chris, M and Kiera climbed back into their car to head
for home. It was a wonderful day and I
am glad to say that Jane has been converted – she was very apprehensive having
only once been on a dark and dingy hire boat many moons ago which she hated and
found claustrophobic. Tentatrice passed
with flying colours and we hope this is the first of many trips with us. There is talk of an overnight stay in early
September with a meal in the Queens Head at Stoke Pound – the price being help
with the Tardebigge locks the next day! M is also welcome back anytime - she is a very well behaved little girl. We just need to find someone else free at the
end of October when we have to come back down Tardebigge on the way back to the
marina!
Next trip - Monday 29th July with an ex-colleague of Chris' and her husband.
PS - update on the bow thruster - it is on it's way back to the manufacturer and will be replaced.
and I got my first view of Vine Park and the play area from the water.
