Friday 21 September 2018

At last we meet! 20 September 2018

Thursday 20th September 2018
Radford Road to Leamington Spa
1.25 miles, 0 locks

Way back on 18th April, fellow bloggers Pip and Mick on nb Oleanna went past Tentatrice as they headed to Tardebigge top lock.  Chris was reversing out of the Crafted Boats yard and I was at home waiting for a taxi to take me back to the boat so we could set off on our summer cruise - so near and yet so far!

We have been aware for a few days that the two boats were not far apart and that we might just be in the same place at the same time.  On Wednesday evening, via our blogs, we discovered we were moored three boats and about 200 yards apart, so a morning meeting was on the cards. The dogs and I went for a rather wet walk.  Pip and Mick arrived whilst I was closeted in the shower - and no they were not unseemly early - I just decided to shower mid morning after the wet walk!  Chris put the kettle on and I joined them pretty promptly despite being a bit damp round the edges.  It was great to see them both and to learn more about Pip's current and past theatrical enterprises.  We both hope all goes well at Chipping Norton for you this year.

The rain stopped and after a quick lunch we set off past Oleanna

Pip and Mick came to say farewell (I was walking the short distance to Leamington whilst Chris followed on behind).  Sorry I got you with your eyes closed Pip!  No sign of Tilly though.  Maybe next time.


I think we intended stopping after bridge 41 in Leamington, but I got confused and we pulled up before it by the water point that was not in service last year, but

is now!  Some negotiations must have taken place between Alumno and C&RT

Someone has tried to cheer this bit of towpath up with a kingfisher mural on the bridge

and a bit of garden running up to the bridge.

The area was quiet and safe enough, we were on rings (with springs at bow and stern), but the buildings seemed to act as a wind tunnel - it was a bit of a rough ride.  We will definitely go the other side of the bridge next time we come this way.

2 comments:

Pip and Mick said...

The towpath through Leamington has been adopted by Leamington Community Canal Group. We met Janet Alty a local green councillor who is part of the group and very active in the area. They are responsible for getting the water point working, tidying up the area and possibly the new catalogue art works.
Tilly sends her apologies, she was a touch too busy with friends in the sideways trees.

Jennie said...

Well that explains why it looks so loved, thank you Pip. With two dogs on the towpath I can quite understand why Tilly kept herself busy!