Yesterday we walked to Enterprise car rental to collect the car. Fully expecting to have the car for three days because of the bank holiday, we were pleasantly surprised and that bit richer when we were told we could return the car on Sunday (today). Instead of £86 we only forked out £28.
Wasnt a bad journey to Derby, traffic very light and even got to see a rolling road block. All to do with debris in the middle lane of the southbound M1. Marvelous how the traffic cops get the cars to stay back. The party was in full swing when we arrived with Kevin's mum and dad, sister and her three children already in party mode. Shame Josh and birthday boy Thomas were a little under the weather. Some sort of virus causing ear ache and the runs! Still it didn't stop them enjoying themselves although toward the end of the afternoon Josh had about had enough and departed for bed, bless.
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| Thomas's present from us. Bath bongos. |
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| Thomas and his new bongo |
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| The Grandads. Ian and big Kev |
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| Gunda (little Kevs mum) Jazz (sister) Ian and big Kev |
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| somewhat bemused! |
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| Doing a grand job little Kev. You can see Josh doesn't look well |
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| Happy couple, Kev and Christine |
On our return (which wasn't late thankfully) the moorings were completely full. Behind us was a small cruiser and, in order to secure the boat, his bow rope stretched right across our stern and onto the bollard. Now I say thankfully because if it had been dark we wouldn't have see his rope (being black) and tripping over it would have been most likely. Out of courtesy he should have put some sort of warning, (coloured ribbon or like) for us to see. Then one of the hire boats thought it a good idea to run his engine at 10.30pm. it was switched off an hour later! If we hadn't been watching the Eurovision song contest (which finished at midnight) something would have been said.
This morning all the boats left. Ian decided to move up so as not to appear to have moored smack bang in the middle of the moorings. Big problem with that. The cladding pin was firmly wedged down the back to the cladding. Took several attempts to free but a lump hammer and crowbar, did the job. As you can see in the photo, we have had loads of rain this morning!
Now for the advice needed. We have never cruised the river Avon and although our ancient Nicholsons shows several moorings on the upper section, the lower part seems to have very few. I went on Google earth which didn't show me any at all. We have our Niece Lizzie coming for a visit from tomorrow staying for a few days, and had thought of taking her as far as Evesham. We don't want to rush this river so if any of you can help by pointing out a few good mooring spots it would be most appreciated.
Today, and with us now without a car, Ian's brother Alan and sister in law Angela are coming to visit instead of us driving to them. The plan is to have a meal out this evening and then spend a few hours at their house near Worcester. Shame the weather is so bad but it could be worse. We could be cruising along and getting very wet, just as the hirer on their boats are having to do. Dont you just love not having to move.
3 comments:
Here goes Irene. I'm assuming you're gonig to Tewksbury which is lovely, there are moorings just as you get onto the Avon and they are easy walking distance to the town. There is a small charge per night, £3 last summer. Eckington Wharf, Comberton Quay and Craycombe Turn all have flood safe moorings but ther's not a lot at any of them. Pershore is lovely and well worth a visit. There are a lot of moorings easily accessible to the town. There are some lovely shops and an indoor market which is great. Evesham was a real disappointment to us. I remembered it as a flourishing Cotswold town that it was twenty years ago and it had lost so much of it's charm for me. It was full of charity shops and not a lot else although there are some lovely buildings. If you moor there moor on the flood safe moorings just after the bridge. The park moorings furthur on look great but there were a lot of drunks and drugs being sold so we weren't really comfortable although i know some people have moored there and been fine. Hope that helps a bit. Paula
Thanks Paula, Thats has helped a lot.
Hi Irene,
We moored above Elsie and Hiram Billington lock which was lovely in 2009. I have a note in my log that the stretch from Cadbury lock is good for barbel up to 14lb! The Evesham moorings at Workman Gardens were pleasant enough at lunchtime though with a lot of traffic noise. Pershore recreation ground was nice too. You do need to remember that the Avon responds to rain in the hills very quickly - we were told that if levels are rising the pontoons below locks can flood, marooning you for a while.
Have a lovely trip - it's beautiful
Debby
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