An Impromptu Treat - 5th - 6th September 2020

 Saturday 5th September 2020

Perdiswell to Tibberton Visitor Moorings

2.75 miles, 8 locks

We woke to another dry and fairly warm day with a little bit of blue in the sky

We seem to be getting better at this timing thing - we set off when we were ready with Monty and I walking ahead.  As we arrived at the first lock a boat came up behind us - it is always easier to be in the lead!  To make things even better there was a boat coming down as well, so we had high hopes that most locks would be in our favour, which they were.

We met one other boat coming down, so it was a pretty easy run for us

It was above the fourth lock that things started to get a bit tricky through lack of water

The next pound was even worse

Chris was definitely bumping along the bottom!

The pounds were quite short, so when we finally made it to the top we did stop and run some water down - the pound at the top stretches for several miles, so would not miss a few lock fulls.  Hopefully it made it easier for those following.

Just after the top lock we were back under the M5 - a sure sign to us (but not necessarily a welcome one) that we are nearly home.

Our original plan was to go to Dunhampstead to moor up, but the moorings by The Bridge Inn at Tibberton were so sunny we decided to stop there.

Early evening we popped up to the pub for a swift drink - only our third pub visit since lock down.  We inquired about Sunday lunch and whether we could book a table outside for 6 of us.  I gather it is not something they usually do, but when I explained that Chris was considered vulnerable they agreed.  A phone call to our daughter and family who only live about 20 minutes away and they were delighted to be offered Sunday lunch!

Sunday 6th September 2020

Tibberton

We have an extended family Team meeting on the first Sunday of each month.  Five in Derby, four in Bromsgrove, one near Woking, four on the Isle of Wight and us on the boat.  The New Zealand contingent were missing.  With 7 children and 4 teachers it was interesting to hear how things are going back at school.  Three of the children have yet to start - next week will be the real test.

After than I took Monty for a good long walk.  I came across two C&RT operatives at the top lock letting water down - I gather it is a regular occurrence on this flight.  Once that job was complete they were moving down the canal to do another all too regular job - painting out graffiti.  

On my way back up there were two boats heading up the locks and at the top a queue of three waiting to go down.

Once back at the boat we got ready to go out for lunch.

On arrival in the pub garden by the canal (they have two gardens) we found our table all ready for us

The family arrived followed by the food which was excellent.  They cooked a burger especially for one of the boys as he is not keen on a roast meal.  The children's roast was almost as big as ours and they only charged £6 for each child.  I cannot fault the food or the service and I am sure we will go back.  Even inside I felt safe and found the tables are well spaced, so maybe we will be able to go out occasionally once we are home.  This was our first full meal out and first meal shared with others since lock down.  It was an impromptu event and one to remember.  

We got back to the boat after a couple of hours in the sun and within 20 minutes we had a short but very heavy shower!  Timing is everything.