The last practice!

Friday 9^th to Saturday 10^th May 2014: JL Pinder & Sons to Droitwich Spa Marina via Dunhampstead.

More catch up! There were two purposes to this trip – one to get the boat back to the marina and two to take our friends, Lynn and Mike, who live in Spain on their first trip aboard Tentatrice.

Friday 9^th May 2014

Stoke Works to Dunhampstead

7.5 miles, 6 locks

We had delayed this trip by a day due to heavy rain yesterday and we were right – it was a lovely day to be boating and there is no point in getting wet if you don't have to.  The wind was up, but it was dry, bright and sunny.  It was a pleasant trip - we went past Dunhampstead and winded (turned round) before Tibberton.  A short trip back to Dunhampstead Visitor Moorings where we stayed the night having dinner in the Fir Trees Inn.  A good meal and a great time was had by all.

Mike & Chris

Lynn & Jennie

Mike

Lynn

A very desirable 'desres'!

I would not fancy this footpath at the moment

I just love bluebells

Saturday 10^th May 2014

Dunhampstead to Droitwich Spa Marina

2.5 miles, 3 locks

The forecast was for heavy rain, so we left early (08:30) in the hope that we would miss most of the showers.  It was very blustery, but dry and sometimes quite bright.  

These early birds were just ahead of us

Beautifully round Hanbury Turn Mike

Lynn having a lesson on side ponds - I am delighted to say that all three side ponds at Hanbury are in use this year

Getting darker and darker and windier and windier, but we made it back onto the pontoon in good style! 

As soon as we had tied up it was a quick unload into the car, all pile in (a bit of a squash!), quick stop at Waitrose in Droitwich, back to Pinders to collect the other car, home, unload and as we shut the door and put the kettle on this is what happened!

We are off to a family wedding this weekend and then head off on our summer cruise on Fri 23rd May. Firstly to Braunston where we meet up with nb Cleddau (http://boatwif.blogspot.co.uk).  We then head for Bedford and maybe across the Wash to Lincoln - a very big trip for us.