Trust us to get it wrong.

 
  You wouldn't think by looking at last nights photos just what was in store for us today. It always amazes me that from near gale force winds during the day that as soon as the sun starts to set, the wind dies down completely and the clouds disappear.

Does anyone else thing this cloud looks like a dog?

Last nights reflections after the wind had dropped

Sunset. Red sky and all that!!!

So being lulled into a false sense of security, as well as listening to the local weather (who incidentally said conditions would be good this morning with the chance of a shower and possible thunderstorm early afternoon), we all thought that we should travel to the Wide this morning rather then wait until later. The sun was shinning as we set off and with only Haywood lock to ascend we estimated that within 20 minutes we would be on the water point by the Anglo Welsh facilities.  A boat was already there when we arrived and the only space for us was in front. We wanted to turn onto the Staffs & Worc so I felt it would be easier if I winded FS first and backed onto the water point. Even though I say so myself, for once I didn't make a pigs ear of it and reversed past the moored boat and neatly into the space. We had just secured FS when a hire boat ( not Anglo Welsh) came out of the junction and tried to pull in front of us by the bridge 'ole. Unfortunately his boat was longer then the gap. Ian had already attached our hose and water flowing when he called out to me to pull the boat back. Completely forgetting about the hose, I started moving FS when suddenly Ian started shouting that the hose had come out of the hole and water was squirting all over the well deck. Thank goodness I had closed the front doors because otherwise everything inside would have been soaked. As it was, all my fishing boxes, mats, walking boots and the jumper left on the seat were a sodden mess. It seemed that helping one boater lead to the good turn backfiring on oneself! Then the rain started! And it came down in torrents, Both Ian and I were without waterproofs so clothing was now getting soaked. We still had to retie FS and to top it all Dennis and Margaret turned up on Icing and had to tuck in behind the first boat. No bollards to tie up to so both were left holding the ropes until that boat finished at the tap, with both now getting drenched. We finished watering first and shouted to Dennis that we would see him on the Wide. As I made the turn onto the Staffs & Worc the thunder started. Now I don't usually mind boating in the rain because I'm not ashamed to put up a brolly and look a right idiot, but with the lightening flashing all around I thought better of it. It was extremely unpleasant standing at the tiller especially when the lightening appeared to be directly in front of us. I was ever so grateful to find plenty of spaces at the Wide. By the time we had secured FS Icing appeared around the corner. Ian rushed to help while I tried to calm a terrified Jade again. Thunder was still crashing overhead and the rain getting heavier. Finally we all got into the dry. Clothes stripped off (even our undies were wet through) and for me it was straight into the shower to warm up. The rain continued for a good 20 minutes more before the storm clouds drifted away leaving a warm and sunny afternoon. So the moral to this tale is.......don't listen to the weather forecaster 'cause it's nearly always wrong and don't go by the saying A red sky at night Shepherds delight 'cause that isn't correct either!

Storm clouds passing