We're at Great Haywood Marina at the moment (Wednesday afternoon 17th) with Lisa and David where we met up with friends of theirs (now hopefully friends of ours too) Louise and John at the Saracens Head in Weston on the Trent and Mersey Canal. We spent a great couple of hours chatting and getting to know a bit about each other over a very nice meal and we left wishing them happy travels with their new addition Lola.
Still there this morning but that's not David (or Lisa) in the cratch ... it's George of course ... but why?
We're on a boat swap with them!
They are enjoying life on the wide side on the Thames whilst we cruise in a cigar tube on the narrow ditches of the midlands.
First we have to stock up the cupboards with a Tesco delivery ...
and then George takes a deep breath and reverses WaL out of the pontoon ...
Concentration!
Heading for the Marina entrance
and a tight left hand turn, then a very tight right turn and then reverse ...
to moor behind Seyella with whom we will travel for the next few days.
After a cuppa on-board with Margaret and Geoff we pull pins and follow them upstream
It was Tuesday 28th January 2014 when I last touched a tiller ...
and today, understandably, I was a tad nervous.
All going well as I pull over to let George off to set Hoo-Mill lock for me as Seyella leaves it ...
No problem!
He was enjoying being out and about on lock duty.
Looking back from whence I came!
I am soooo enjoying this too!
Like a hot knife through butter at Weston Lock!
Two locks done just one more to go today
Passing the gate leading to the Saracens Head which we visited yesterday afternoon
I recognised this bridge as soon as I saw it ... Salt Bridge!
We have reached our destination ... we've caught up with Margaret and Geoff at Sandon Lock and have now moored for the night.
I am so proud of myself steering on the narrow canal and through the locks without touching the side after being away from it for 5½ years.
Must go now ... there are drinks and nibble to taste next door!
Welcome back to the northern narrows !!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting- a boat swap-great blog as always-I bet it does feel strange after Still Rockin-Enjoy. Mike
ReplyDeleteThank you Nev and Mike.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea.
ReplyDeleteHopefully see you sometime soon on the Thames, if you return.
Pip
Oh we will definitely be back to the Thames and Still Rockin' Pip ... but maybe we've not finished with the ditches!
ReplyDelete