Our final destination on the Ashby

The first BBQ of the year. Finished off with a bottle of sparkling wine. Lovely.

What a hot and sticky night! I shouldn't really complain 'cause we have been wanting some decent weather for quite a while. But if only the humidity would drop! Both dogs are suffering horribly and sometimes I wonder if I should let them have a cool off in the canal. I have always discouraged this in case I cant get them out again, what with the steep sides and all! Leaving Stoke Golding by 9ish we made our way to Trinity Wharf. On route I had a chuckle to myself when I spied this.

Had visions of a Police boat waiting through the bridge 'ole with a speed gun!

This was pointing along the canal. Is it some sort of gun to shoot anyone that is speeding?

  The aim was to moor and then go Aldi shopping. Unfortunately all the 'so called' visitor mooring on the offside have been taken for those that moor at Trinity Marina and a small bit of piled edging was only available on the towpath side. One boat was already moored and try as we might, we could get no more then 3ft from the bank. Still we had to go shopping so with the bow pulled tight and the stern swinging out, we tied the best we could and hoped enough space was left between us and the moored boats opposite for two boats to pass. Getting to Aldis was a nightmare. So very hot and at least a mile to walk. Not to bad going but with all the shopping to carry back it was a horrendous journey. As we got back onto the towpath who should we see in the distance coming towards us but Calipso the coal and fuel working boat. We needed deisel and as he drew level Ian asked where next he would be. He mentioned serving some customers at Hospital corner so once the shopping was stowed on board, we pulled pin and chased after him.

With the price of 88p a ltr we took on board roughly 65 ltrs and then set off once more to see if we could moor at The Lime Kilns. Normally it is impossible but we spied a space opposite the pub and managed to squeeze in. Here we will stay until Echo is collected by Christine and Kev tomorrow before leaving this wonderful canal on Tuesday.

Lime Kiln Moorings

Black ducks. The look like an Aylesbury type

I can see honest! Great for keeping the flies away from the eyes.

They look to pale to be starlings.

And finally:-

The mating.

Strangle hold maybe.

Burr Reed