Last week seemed to fly by so we must have been busy!
On the Monday we moved on to Calf Heath hoping to see all those aboard narrowboat "Janus"
We met Sharon, Ken, Ryan and dogs George and Taylor when we were at Evesham. They have had some technical problems and are currently sitting in a boat yard at Calf Heath awaiting things to happen! Unfortunately, Sharon wasn't at all well so kept away to avoid spreading germs but Ken, Ryan and the dogs walked down to see us.
Tuesday was my birthday - 21 again! I had a really nice day. We started off by polishing the other side of the boat and washing some of the curtains! We then moved on to Gailey and had a mooch around the lovely gift shop in the old roundhouse. On to Penkridge where we did some shopping in preparation for the coming weekend and had a delicious Chinese take-away from the unfortunately named "Wang Fat"!! Wednesday was market day so before we left we had a wander round and got fresh veg.
By Thursday afternoon we had found a good spot where Anne and John could come and find us for the weekend. We moored up opposite the "humble" pad Robbie Williams has bought for his mum! Whilst waiting on the Friday we went for a long walk up on to Cannock Chase.
Up on The Chase
Anne and John had a really good run up from Staines. Motorways on Friday nights are never good but they made it in about two and a half hours. We were able to cruise through Tixal Wide the next day so that Anne could see for herself why it is such a popular mooring spot amongst boaters. Moored up in pole position were ........................... none other than Ken and Sandra in "The Floating Palace"! A viewing for Anne was hastily arranged! We carried on to Essex Bridge where we went for a short walk because it is so lovely.
Anne, John and Maggie on Essex Bridge
We ended up on Saturday evening at Wolsey Bridge and went for a walk around the lovely nature reserve run by the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. From Wolsey Bridge we sat a watched a diving gooseander!
On Sunday we moved on up to Fradley. It was a beautiful sunny day and the world and his wife seemed to be out boating! Needless to say we couldn't get anywhere near Fradley Junction to moor. John (as in Elliot) and I were in the throws of preparing a Sunday roast when I got a phone call from my mate Rosa (from college days) and hubbie, Richard. They were on the M6 heading South and wanted to come and find us for a cup of coffee. "Don't come for coffee" says I "come for Sunday lunch!" They did and it was lovely - both to see them and the lunch! With six of us squashed around our little table, as Rosa said, "there wasn't room for a camera!"
Old celebrity boat "President" and butty "Kildare" on there way from Fradley to Great Haywood.
Rosa and Richard very kindly took Anne and John back to their car which had been left at Milford. John and I are now on the Coventry canal heading South. All systems go now to get to Spring Valley Haven to get new batteries!!
Here follows a waxing lyrical bit (sorry, Lynn!) .......................
We have had a lovely cruising season this year and being able to spend time with our lovely friends - all of you -(and Meg & Maisie!) has been a major part of it. Thank you all for making the effort to come and find us - we love you all!!
Onward to get those batteries! Ken & Sandra - watch this space!!!!!