The 3 years have flown past and, I am very pleased to say, I have absolutely no regrets about the decision to buy, and live on board, Matilda Rose. Safely back in Birmingham we had a celebratory meal out and then rounded off the evening at The Prince of Wales where our favourite performer was hosting the open mic night.
Nursing hangovers we were dragged cruelly out of bed at 9.15 am by the arrival of the service boat delivering our coal and diesel - not due until 10.30 - oh well, it wouldn't be a celebration without a hangover!
Having got stuck in the ice the other night, I discovered another ' hidden' gem. If you scrabble from the towpath on the new BCN mainline down this deep hollow, you can go through the tunnel under the canal and the railway line into Sheepwash Urban park.
Acres of paths and lakes and pretty much deserted (can't be used by many as I didn't even come across any deserted dog poo!).
I met one lady walking this 6 month old dog and one fisherman. The boys spent a lovely hour playing with the pup and, somehow, the subject of The Anchor pub on the Shroppie came up - the lass had been in there on a regular basis since she was 15 as it was her grandfather's local. We swapped tales of Olive's (the owner) rudeness and she informed me that Olive's daughter was getting ready to take over and was, also, now quite good at being rude - seriously though; it's a great pub and one hell of an experience; just make sure you ask for the
proper cider/beer etc and be sure to wear a very thick skin!!! Oh; don't go if you are allergic to cats as one of the locals still walks up with his cats.
I get all the best and most feminine presents; mind you, I'm well equipped to do some serious wood splitting now - maybe I should follow Bones's new fashion and try some skirts, naah; I'd just get tied up and fall in the cut.
