Stratford Canal

After our little detour, we turned onto the Stratford around mid-day: what a beautiful entrance is made into this incredibly pretty canal. About as big a contrast to the Grand Union as you could possibly get-I mean physically, scenically & traffic wise; because I loved the grandeur of the GU, whereas the Sratford is, rather appropriately, "quaint". The latter is also b****y hard work with all the locks threatening to fall to pieces on you & gates that weigh a ton, although there is plenty of time to make a cuppa (not to mention prepare a 3 course meal) whilst the locks fill & empty!

I also received the best (only!) offer I've had in ages from a German boater who asked, "on boat for jumping?" Whilst the idea was not without merit, I do prefer a more formal introduction normally so declined politely and continued walking as MR passed close by.This canal is beautiful & intimate, but I could be biased as it is the only canal we haven't seen in the rain (yet!). Will stay by lock 30 tonight as well, because we've had a Tesco delivery this pm. & it is too late to stir ourselves. I must also confess to finding yesterday's cruise quite tiring.

'cause we can

Found ourselves completely indecisive this a.m. Should we stay-still love it here, but spent 3 nights and not good at doing "static"-so we'll go then, but where? Need to pick up friends at Wilmcote on the Stratford, but not 'til Friday. In the end, just carried on up the Grand Union to have a few hours lock free, battery restoring, cruising in the sun ; doing a couple of loads of washing & enjoying the masses of water points. Wound (or winded?) below Knowle locks & stopped at yet another over expanded pub with a passion for "covers" rather than a passion for foood. Yet again water pouring over the top of the bottom lock, bottom lock gates(!) - I'll stick the photo on when I do the next blog.

Post Hatton

Amazingly, Hatton flight went according to plan (only quicker!). Left at around 9am and, with 6 of us to drive 2 boats, work 21 locks, mind 2 babies, 2 dogs, pick blackberries, no rain and the cats asleep, the whole lot was acheived in 3 hours with a great deal of fun-watered & bacon buttied at the top and moored up beyond the tunnel for blackberry & apple crumble & drinks at a very respectable hour at a mooring with fabulous views & open spaces beyond bridge 61 we're still there now! You will note from the above photos that the crew were very flexible about who did what on what (but I think Graham was quite pleased to get MR back --when he'd done his stint on the lock gates-& was full of admiration for the way Jacquie handled the somewhat recalcitrant hire boat) Really did have to say goodbye to the gang this time, but have a strong feeling that we will see them again. Since they left am yesterday we've just been enjoying this mooring & a little sun. Great walks for the dogs & Daisy off bridge 62 ahead, some much needed housework has been done & even a little painting & fishing. Probably moving on tomorrow but reluctant to leave what is probably one of my 3 top moorings-loads of water but running short of milk & fresh veg (& wine after our recent social period!!!!!!). Top left photo shows a nice friendly lock without any requirement to fill it by opening paddles! It shows just how much water is still about even after several dry days.

Have seen a lot of a boat called "Yesdear" since last Thursday-ish which gave me a brilliant idea for one day a week where all Graham is allowed to say is..........hold that thought for another day-my roast lamb awaits