First snow of winter

The cold spell is well and truly with us. Ice and snow met us when we woke up this morning. Unfortunately it has come at the wrong time. We were due to travel up to Langley Mill today as we had arranged for a secure mooring there. We were also due to pick up the coach from Langley to take us to the Isle of White . So.... we set of at 8.30.am or tried to!!!!!! It took us nearly 15 minuets to get away from the side. The ice was thicker then we had imagined. Once we got moving I wish I could say we made good progress but after 45 minutes of very slow going and only having managed about a mile we gave up and reversed all the way back.Luckily the coach taking us to Portsmouth for the crossing to I O W on Monday also stops at Sandiacre so all was not lost after all. The weather forecast is for this freeze to continue for the next 10 days or so. I wonder if we will be able to leave for Milton Keynes when we get back!!! If not our Christmas will be a bit lonely as our son expects us there for the festive season.

Back at Sandiacre

The stay at Zouch was everything I hoped it would be. Hardly any fireworks and those that did go off were out toward Redhill and far enough away for it not to bother the dogs. One to remember for this time next year.



We left for Sandiacre on a glorious sunny afternoon on Sunday. Our barometer was dropping toward stormy and all the weather channels gave out weather warnings for Monday. Originally our plan had been to stay at Zouch Sunday because unfortunately Guy Fawkes night doesn't only fall on 5th November ( mores the pity ) but because of the forecast for gales and heavy rain we came back a day early. I'm writing this feeling warm and cosy with rain beating against the sides and roof of the boat thanking our lucky stars that we made the right decision to leave on Sunday. Our plan is to stay in this area for a few weeks tiding our hedges on our bungalow and getting ready for the trip to the IOW toward the end of November.

Another good fish

We have arrived at Zouch and will stay for a few days. As the dogs hate fireworks we are hoping that this small village will be quieter then most. I'm seriously considering putting the washing machine on tonight to drown out the bangs as well as turning the TV up really loud. No doubt both dogs will be hiding in the bathroom again as this seems to be their bolt hole when it all gets to traumatic for them! The fishing here has been excellent. This looks like a roach but although this picture doesn't show it the fish had a golden colour to it. I wondered if it could be a golden Rudd. Maybe someone could put me right. Good news!!! Its raining. Maybe the fireworks will be abandoned tonight. Lets hope it continues to rain for the next few days!

Autumn

A bit windy today and by Jove we have suffered because of it. Leaves are carpeted across the canal making our progress very slow. Every few minutes we are having to reverse hard just to clear them from around our prop. On a lighter note the trees look amazing with the rich colours of Autumn. Its a lovely time of year.
How many of you have been through Saddington tunnel? and how many have seen the bats? I was honored to have them circling the boat just before we exited the north portal. What with seeing 3 kingfisher, a monk jack, buzzards, quail, loads of pheasants and numerous squirrels all in the space of two days, I cant think of a better way to spending my time.