The curse of Upton continues.

Train from Paddington bringing our niece Lizzie arrived dead on time. In fact I nearly missed her so busy looking the other way, but how wonderful to see her after all this time.

A quick bite of lunch after returning to FS and got her straight into this boating lark with an vengeance.

Getting out of the bottom river lock at Worcester was fun. A trip boat was right by the exit and hovering mid channel. I couldn't go anywhere and none of my crew told me what was happening. Was he coming to lock up? No was the answer. He was showing his guest the lock and giving them a talk on it. Then with a flick of his throttle he had winded and was gone.

With Lizzie at the helm doing a grand job of steering FS, we eventually arrived at Upton again. Only one space was left on the pontoon and luckily we got there just before another narrowboat appeared on the horizon looking for a spot. This time we were on the in side so he couldn't breast up with us. On he went very slowly looking for something suitable. Then he tried to get moored on a tiny space  on the wall in front of the cruisers. How he managed to get wedged was beyond us but he was stuck fast on the ledge. It took him and three other men to get him off. Strange things happen here in Upton and on this pontoon. First the cat The cat, then The washing and now some toys of a 3y boy. The owner of the boat's dog got a bit playful and managed to send the toys flying off the side. Grandma was beside herself and I loaned her my fishing net because she was convinced she could retrieve them. I knew, and it rapidly dawned on her, that they were lost forever. This pontoon has certainly seen some dramas. 2 days previous a lady had fallen in off a hire boat and with the husband in shock at the tiller it fell to the other boaters on the pontoon to rescue her. Somehow I think this pontoon is jinxed especially as things always happen when we are there!

Walked around Upton last night to show Lizzie the sights and ended up in the oldest pub in the village. dated 1601 It certainly was quaint inside and served real ale keeping Ian a happy bunnie. After staggering back to FS having consumed wine and beer, the new sofa came into it's own. Within 30 seconds the bed was out and awaiting the bedding. Liz said she had the best nights sleep in ages. Could it be something to do with the quantity of wine consumed!? 

Off to Tewksbury this morning and maybe on to Pershore. Yep the Avon has beckoned and Lizzie is up to doing locks. Tad windy on setting off but weather very pleasant. Long may it continue.