The WTF Parakeet

It was a laugh a minute on Waka Huia last night and the dinner Marilyn cooked was superb. This lady cooks a mean meal! Wine flowed freely although I did share a red Limestone Coast with Ian. David did the sensible thing not touching Marilyns Chardonnay partaking of cider instead. A UTube video was shown of a Parakeet amazed at the disappearance of his owner. OMG side-splitting laughter, you just have to watch this but only if you don't mind a bit of bad language. Only 20 seconds long but says it all! We left by 8.30pm, early you might think but when you are shown through the boat it's time to go! (you will have to tell that story to your readers Marilyn).

 Bank Holiday Monday and time to leave Sawley. Nearly ready to leave, (in fact ropes were about to be untied) when suddenly from the stern of Waka Huia a dressing-gowned figure appeared holding a napkin which contained an interesting bulge. It was Marilyn bearing gifts with an offer of warm cheesy scones. Time 8.30am! Blimey girl...what time were you up making and baking those scones! I just had to go and get the camera, after all, it's not often we get accosted by a lady in nighty and dressing gown. By the time I had got the camera.... hang on....is that Ian cuddling with the women???? Put her down my lad before David turns up!

But David was not to be left out and after Marilyn had badgered him to get out of bed, insisted we did the Parakeet WTF pose. ( I tell you, you must click on the link above) Anyone passing by must have thought us mad!

The WTF pose.

Before saying our goodbyes Marilyn took a photo of us by Waka Huia. (click on the photo Marilyn for a copy)

Finally, we were on our way. David and Marilyn will be heading back to New Zealand in September so not sure when we will meet again. But that is the beauty of travelling the canals, it could be years until one meets again but friendships are renewed every time.

We joined another boat at Shardlow lock who had just set off for a months holiday, it's so much easier to have a locking buddy. Between locks, I was hailed by a gentleman on Nb Rock and Roll giving us some very welcome news. The facilities at Willington was in good working order so our toilet needs would be met. Apparently, he had read this blog so knew of our plight. Lovely to meet you and your family although it's a shame I didn't have the presence of mind to ask for your name. Maybe next time.

Reaching Swarkstone lock our locking buddy went into an open gate. Thinking the last boats through had left the gates open it appeared I was wrong as both gates started to close on my approach. Ah...must be another boat already in the lock. Blast, now we were left to do Swarkstone and Stenson on our own.

The usual gongoozlers were at Stenson but also a volunteer lock keeper.  Made Ian's task so much easier as this is a deep lock and saved him walking backward and forwards over the gates to lift paddles a bit at a time.

Swarkstone Lock

Stenson Lock

 Passing Mercia Marina a new car park is in the process of being laid. This has become one very popular Marina and it's no wonder with its tea shop, gift shops, chandlery, dry dock, holiday lets and boat sales. Obviously, the existing car park is not man enough to cope with the increased footfall.

Entrance to Mercia Marina.

 Willington was almost empty. Seems most boaters are heading back to their berths after the Bank Holiday. We could have stopped after doing the biz at the facilities but instead decided to find a spot in a more remote part away from the hustle and bustle.

Willington facilities

And seen on route,

Cormorents

Oyster catcher