Cri-T-ical shortage - 14th & 15th August 2020

 Friday 14th August 2020

Stourton Moorings to Greensforge 48 mooring above the lock

2.75 miles, 3 locks

Timing was everything today.  There is only one mooring above the lock at Greensforge and we really wanted it as we have a Tesco delivery booked for tomorrow morning (15th).  We needed to time our departure such that we would arrive after late starters would have moved on and before people stopped to have lunch.  Whether it would work remained to be seen.

If our initial timing was anything to go by we would be out of luck.  Just as we were about to pull pins and set off a boat came through the bridge behind us.

We waited patiently expecting to be following them though each lock.  We only had 3 to do, so it was no real problem - except if they wanted 'our mooring'!  However, before we got to the first lock they pulled over to moor up.  They passed us later in the day, so maybe it was a late breakfast or a coffee break.

The River Stour has been on our left for sometime - today we crossed over it

As we approached the first lock (Gothersley) there was a boat entering to come down. Once he had gone, it was our turn.

As we went up in the lock another arrived ready to go down

A feature of several locks on the Staffs and Worcs canal are these circular by washes.  Usually they run parallel at the side of a lock.

Along this stretch of canal is a bungalow with the biggest garden imaginable - well for a bungalow.  We reckon it is at least 6 boat lengths, so some 360 feet long or thereabouts.  It is all immaculate.

These photos are only a small part of the garden.  A real labour of love over many years.

I hope this is not accurate?!

At Greensforge Chris moored temporarily below the lock

whilst I went above the lock to see if 'the mooring' was free - it was, so Chris brought the boat to the lock and up we went to 

moor right where we need to be for tomorrow morning

We are opposite the 

which when we came past last year was looking very sad and overgrown.  It is looking more loved this year, which is good to see.

So we got the timing right and we are where we need to be to resolve our criTical shortage - we are down to only 5 tea bags!  We left the big box of supplies at home!

Saturday 15th August 2020

Greensforge

The Tesco delivery was due between 11:00 and 12:00.  The instructions I had added to the order was for the driver to call me 10-15 minutes before he was due to arrive.  Monty and I went off out for his morning walk.  At 10:20 my phone rang - it was the Tesco man to say he was there and waiting!  Thankfully we were nearly back.  Monty was bundled onto the boat and Chris and I set off with the shopping trolley and bags to meet the driver.  Thankfully he had most of what we wanted - the proffered corned beef slices instead of liver sausage was refused, but the mini peppers instead of red pointed peppers was accepted and they are really tasty, so may well be on our shopping list in the future.  I am glad to say that the tea we ordered arrived, so we are happy boaters once again!  It is one thing we would both find very hard to do without.

We decided to have a day off to get a few domestic chores done and to enjoy a walk together with Monty in the afternoon ready for a long day (for us) tomorrow.