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In 1977 we hired our first narrowboat from Anglo Welsh at Market Harborough.From that moment our destiny was set. In 2006 we finally purchased our own brand new 57' narrowboat which we named 'Free Spirit'. Our aim is to travel the length and breadth of all the navigable rivers and canals of the UK. This will be our story as it unfolds.

Thursday 17 August 2017

Nuneaton second language

Didn't it rain overnight, washed the dust off the roof so that was one job ticked off our list. Polish the starboard side was another and this we did before the BBQ last night. Lovely beads of water all over the polished cabin side this morning. Proves we did a good job.

The grass cutters were out in force again even though the ground was saturated. I suppose they have to do this job whatever the weather. Not happy about the strimmer being used while boats are going past. Stones can still be picked up and become missiles peppering the cabin sides!


Bridge inspection being done but we had to laugh at the 'men at work' sign.




Laughingly asked the workman if they were Welsh. "No," says he giving us a wink "Didn't you know it's Nuneaton second language"!

Back at Starline boat yard and again we had problems getting through. Seems every time we get to this point Sods Law takes over sending oncoming boats our way!



Back at Marston Junction and two boats appearing from the Ashby.  Sods Law strikes again


Very pleasant cruise to bridge 22 where we stopped. Port cabin side in the shade so out came the polishing cloths. 30 minutes later and two very smug and self-righteous people patted each other on the back. Time for the beer and wine me thinks.

Lovely shine.

Cloths all washed ready for next time.
 And seen on route,

You do see some strange things on boats!

Crow mobbed Buzzard....Buzzard turned on crow!



I'm almost certain this is a Sparrow Hawk

A bit blurred but thought it easier for identification just in case I'm wrong.


4 comments:

Paul Clark said...

Hi Irene

Yes, definitely a Sparrowhawk. I'd also be pretty certain it is a female (which are significantly larger than males).

I've always found that you meet more boats on sharp bends, or is it just that those are the ones you remember..?

Paul

Ian and Irene Jameison said...

Thanks, Paul. This was my first sighting of a Sparrowhawk so another raptor ticked off my list.

Caroline and Martin said...

If you are going to then end of the Ashby, look out for kingfishers from Market Bosworth onwards, I've spotted them just past bridge 43, the wooded areas between bridge 54 and 57, as well as around bridge 60 through the tunnel. also green spotted woodpeckers between bridges 54 and 57. Enjoy.

Ian and Irene Jameison said...

Thanks, Caroline and Martin. I will keep a lookout when we leave Shackerstone on our way the Snarestone.

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