Droitwich Spa Marina to Netherwich
Basin, Droitwich
8 locks, 6 swing bridges, 4
miles
Today welcomed aboard two
very special people in Monty’s life – his breeder (of the Darian Border Collie line) and her husband, Sheila and
Chris. Of course, today above all days
we hoped he would be an especially good boy.
However, the first thing he did was get off his boat without being told,
not once, but three times! Never has he done this before! In his
defence on each occasion it was when a fly swat was being used against invading
wasps. I gather his Mother, Folly,
disappears when such implements of torture are wafted about, so maybe we can
blame her?! Mind it would have helped if
he had come back on board at the first request instead of putting his bottom in
the air in the attitude of ‘I want to play and you can chase me’! I am glad to say that for the rest of the day
he was quite a good boy and was very patient whilst we spent a couple of hours
in the pub over lunch.
The trip was all plain sailing
and was enjoyed by all of us – we really appreciated the day away from the
chaos at home and also the chance to get to know Sheila and Chris a lot
better. The weather was kind – it only rained when we were in the pub garden under an awning.
Heading off with our guests
Sheila getting ready to push a gate - we do like to ensure our visitors don't get bored!
Chris gaifully employed
Do you think he was happy with his job?
We allow them some time to sit and admire the view.
The van in the background was collecting a party of very elderly folks after they had had a day out on the Pamela May (Trip boat). On our way in the morning they were being off loaded from the van onto the boat and we had a rather longer wait than usual before we could open the swing bridge as wheel chairs and a lady in fine fettle, but making her way slowly with the aid of two sticks crossed. We were told they were running behind and we were only too happy to wait. On the return above we were assured that they had had a great day out which was wonderful to hear. I do hope if I get to be that elderly that someone will take me out for a day occasionally.
Now some say that ladies can talk.....
still chatting!
And Monty - well as usual he did a lot of waiting very patiently at locks
His patience was rewarded as I walked with him from the last lock back to the marina - the towpath around here is worth walking if you can. There are a lot of these on what is called the Wychaven Trail
The answer is on the back
One a bit further along after the marina asks what sounds you can hear - the answer they have is bulrushes dancing in the breeze and birds singing. Sadly all I could hear that day was traffic! They are a welcome addition to a walk and I am sure have helped teach some youngsters (and maybe the not so young) a bit about this restored canal.
Then there is this sign - very useful for boaters you might think
However the reeds are so high it cannot be seen from the water!
Monty and I made it back to our berth, but where is our boat?
No we still cannot see her
Ah there she is...
Once we were safely moored and had a welcome cup of tea, Monty saw our guests safely off the premises. Sheila and Chris can just be seen to the left of the building in the distance - that is our rather swish facility block.
Postscript 1: we have new neighbours at the marina with a boat name I am particularly enamoured with
Next trip: Sunday 18th August - same route, but with the family this time.
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