A Darian dog's day!

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.....

.... well the two Chris' had a good go at putting the world to rights - I hope it is a safer place tonight?

still chatting!

Mind to be fair I think Sheila and I did our fair share as well - we were just not caught on camera!

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.

Thank you to both of you for a grand day out.  The work in the house should be finished tomorrow and we can then start the big clean up - no pressure - it just has to be done for Saturday when the family are coming to stay!  7 of us for overnight and 11 for a BBQ at lunchtime!

Postscript 1: we have new neighbours at the marina with a boat name I am particularly enamoured with

Postscript 2:  There was a voicemail message when we got home from the man at Waterways World.  He is hoping to visit us in the next couple of weeks to review our pride and joy, so keep watching this space and as soon as we know which issue it will be in, details will be reported here.

Next trip: Sunday 18th August - same route, but with the family this time.

Thanks to the forgotten keys.......

JL Pinder & Son, Stoke Prior to Droitwich Spa Marina.

4 miles, 11 locks

We did not get wet!  A late start as Chris finished off the painting in the kitchen before we headed off to Pinder’s to take Tentatrice back to Droitwich Spa Marina.  Chris’ car had been left there waiting our return, however, when we got to Pinder’s someone remembered he had left the keys to his car at home!  I left him to sort out the boat with Bob (boat builder) and went off to get them.  The rain was relentless with the windscreen wipers frequently on full speed.  Keys retrieved, I returned to Stoke Prior and by the time we set off the rain had stopped. A fortunate lapse of memory.  Chris' senior moment of the day - mine came later.

The first thing we had to do was go up Stoke Bottom lock,

 wind

and go back down again.  Coming up behind us was nb Lady Hannah

who I had helped up Stoke Locks when I was doing a VLK stint a few months back.  He was doing a single hand stint at the time. We also met them at Tardebigge top lock yesterday.  They kindly finished the lock for us and off we went.  

The rain held off for the rest of the trip which was fairly plain sailing.  We met a Canaltime boat coming towards us crewed by a UK couple and Australian friends. Sadly, although they said they had enjoyed the week as an experience they all said they would never repeat it, so four less converts.  The Australian gentleman said it was like driving in Cornwall – all high hedges and no views. 

He needs to get out more!!  Mind you this did make me realise that autumn is round the corner.

  

We were not sure what was going on here at Hanbury Turn

but there was certainly a lot of blue smoke.

I was pleased to see the VLK, Dave, at Hanbury locks when we arrived around 16:15 – we thought he might have gone home.  I had checked our VLK calendar, so knew that Dave was on duty today, but 16:00 is the notional knocking off time.  We certainly appreciated the help.

 I had jumped ship at the top of Astwood flight . After the second lock my waterproof was returned to the boat.  As I got back on board as we left Hanbury locks (Monty needed a walk) over 2 hours later Chris' comment to me was 'that is a very nice inside out t-shirt'!  Evens then on the senior moments today!

We are now safely moored and we are staying on board overnight as we are off on our day trip to Droitwich Spa with Monty’s breeder and her husband tomorrow.  We left Monty for the first time (apart from trips to the toilet block) whilst we went to Waitrose.  He made a lot of noise!  Our neighbour did say it was not continuous – Monty is going to have to get used to this life afloat.  Chris and Monty have walked down to the M5 bridge to check the water levels - the verdict is that they are good, so we should have no problems tomorrow.

The snags have all been sorted and we are happily re-united with Tentatrice.  They even managed to get rid of the scratch along the side.

We struck lucky!

Droitwich Spa Marina to JL Pinder & Son, Stoke Prior

3.5 miles, 9 locks

We headed off to Stoke Prior to return Tentatrice to JL Pinder & Son for her 50 hour engine oil change, general check and to fix the snags.  There are very few of the latter and most are very minor.  The new bow thruster is in and will be fitted this week.  

The forecast was for very heavy rain.  I therefore kitted myself out in walking boots, gaiters and a waterproof.  Our first stroke of luck today was the weather – we had a couple of very short, light showers.  It was quite muddy underfoot (I walked Monty from Hanbury locks to Astwood lock), so the boots and gaiters were useful.  

The locks were our other bit of good fortune today.  The Hanbury locks were all in our favour – always a bonus. 

Into the first lock at Hanbury

I enjoyed the walk with Monty – we are lucky to live so close to glorious open countryside.

At the Astwood flight of 6 there was a boat in front of us (CanalTime Holker Ender).  

 Usually a cause for dismay, but I spotted that they were a large crew (Mum, Dad and three teenage sons).  I was cheeky enough to ask if they would lend us a crew member if only to open and shut the bottom gates for me.  I am delighted to say that they readily agreed and Ollie (the eldest at 18), a strapping young rugby player volunteered to help me out. 

 He came equipped with windlass, so wound paddles as well as shifting gates.  The rest of the crew even started to empty the lock ahead as they left them.  Thank you.  To add to my delight we found that he was a very personable and interesting young man, so not only did he make our journey a lot easier, he entertained me very well for the time we were together.  He is hoping to read History at Warwick after he completes his second year in the sixth form next summer. We 

wish you every success.   Ollie, thank you for your help and thank you also to the rest of the crew for lending you to us.  Congratulations must go to Ollie’s Mum and Dad for raising such a fine young man.  I hope you see this Ollie and will let me know how long it took you all to complete Tardebigge?

Anyone else aware of this problem?

Spotted at

 Just before Stoke Prior

All too soon we were back at Pinders

Had unloaded

 and were ready to head back to the chaos at home.
To save having to think about an evening meal, we stopped at The Queen's Head at Stoke Pound for lunch. Work was still going on when I took this photo on 4th July.

The pub re-opened (yet again) on 12th July after a long overdue complete make over. It has been done very well and I would recommend this for treat (it is not the cheapest pub around, but we think it is worth the money) having done Tardebigge or to build yourself up in preparation.  The food really is very good and the portions are very generous - we could almost have done with one meal and a spare plate!  Each meal comes with a salad (help your self salad bar) and bread and oil/balsamic vinegar to start.

Where do you start - Chris's burger

My fish and chips - the best I have had in years

 The work is progressing well and we can see it will be worth the effort.  It is paint brushes and rollers for us for a day or so and then all the 'stuff' has to be put away!  We are hoping to have Tentatrice back by the end of the week and the work in the house done by around 13th / 14th August.  We can then start to think about our trip to Llangollen in September.

There and Back - again (again)!

Monday 29th July
Droitwich Spa Marina to Netherwich Basin, Droitwich and back
8 locks, 6 swing bridges, 4 miles

Another day of escape from the chaos that is our home!  This time with an ex-colleague of Chris's and her husband (Kathryn and Rob).  We were lucky with the weather - just a few spots of rain on a couple of occasions, so although the waterproofs were issued they were not required for long!  This really is a very good day trip for us - including lunch in the pub you are looking at around 6 hours and with so much going on in such a short distance there is no chance of anyone being bored!!  In fact, a bit more just cruising might be nice!!  It was a first for Kathryn and Rob and as they left they were discussing who they could rope in for a narrow boat holiday of their own!!  More converts I think and I do hope they will be back for more.  We really enjoyed the day and their company.

It was very light duties for me - two very willing assistants!

 

Another snippet about Droitwich Spa - the church is St Augustine's parts of which date back to the early 13th century.  Having just done a quick google (http://www.droitwichparish.org.uk/about/augustine.html), I think it will be worth a visit one day.  For now please notice how black the tower is - years of salt extraction work in the area are to blame.

Reversing in to the basin for our lunch stop over at the Garndener's Arms

I said in my last blog that the swing bridges get easier each time we go through them - I didn't even have to get off the boat on the return journey!  Thank you!

 and I got my first view of Vine Park and the play area from the water.

If Monty leans out much further to supervise those on land he will be in the drink!  This is a permanent view on Tentatrice - he likes to ensure we do everything correctly.

Back to our mooring and Monty is supervising the checking of the bilges

Monty watching his new friends (red arrow marks the spot) head for home.