Goings on in Newark

Mick & Lynn arrived safely in Newark on Tuesday afternoon ready to spend a few days with us to celebrate the fact that we have been friends now for forty years.
We walked up to meet them after they had checked in to their hotel.  After sampling some liquid refreshment we walked back to ‘Ellen’ stopping off at The Castle Barge on the way.  Good wining and dining on board ‘Ellen’ was enjoyed that evening.
On Wednesday, full of good intentions, we set off to follow a walking tour of the town.  Half way through, however, said ‘tour’ began to deteriorate into a pub crawl and never really recovered!  Hey Ho!
                            We went out for a really nice meal that evening.


After all the food and drink of the previous day, Thursday called for a serious walk so we headed off to an area of Sherwood Forest called ‘Sherwood Pines Forest Park’. 
What an excellent job the Forestry Commission has done in developing areas of the forest providing exciting things for people to do in the great outdoors:- lots of cycle trails, bike hire, segway trails, (they look brilliant fun) walking trails, a Go Ape course (sort of high wire climbing activities in the treetops) and fantastic play areas for younger children. A good cafe. The only thing that’s missing is shelter from the rain!
Well worth the car park charge.

OK.  Which way do we have to go?                          Where to now?                                          

           

     

What a good idea!

Yet more wining and dining on board ‘Ellen’ that night!  Lovely time had by all.  Thanks guys.  Newark has been such a good place to be based and the decision to put the boat into Kings Marina for a few days has proven to be such a good one. 

Enjoy the special experience of being in the Olympic Stadium tomorrow – wave at the TV cameras and add a few cheers for us.
We have now got to get ourselves organised for the arrival of Gill and Will tomorrow.  The aim is to cruise from Newark to Trent Lock at Sawley.  We’re crossing our fingers hoping that the weather will be OK – ‘rain, rain go away’ and next Friday we will need to get back to Newark to retrieve Gill’s car.  Really looking forward to them coming.