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In 1977 we hired our first narrowboat from Anglo Welsh at Market Harborough.From that moment our destiny was set. In 2006 we finally purchased our own brand new 57' narrowboat which we named 'Free Spirit'. Our aim is to travel the length and breadth of all the navigable rivers and canals of the UK. This will be our story as it unfolds.

Friday 22 March 2019

Moored in a winding hole...with permission!

How nice was it to actually sleep in this morning? With only 5 and a bit miles to do and 2 locks, it stood to reason that we could take our time. Therefore it was nearly 9am before we set off, but then...ah...hang on a minute... The breeze had picked up pinning us to the edge. Ian gave the bow a good shove, raced to the stern to get on whilst I put the power on to drive her away. But best-laid plans and all that 'cos we stopped dead. Bow swung back to the towpath and no matter how much wellie I gave FS all she did was pivot. Somehow we had got ourselves wedged on something unknown beneath the water. After a bit of head scratching Ian jumped off with the pole pushing the stern with all his might. I put on the revs and slowly she backed off. The bow had by now swung in again so back he went to give that a good shove as well. It worked but I had to leave Ian behind on the bank. ๐Ÿ‘‹   Never mind it's not really that much further to the bridge๐Ÿ˜„





Stopped to do a Morrison's shop between bridge 41 and 42 and was amazed to see a huge washing machine outside the store. We first encountered these machines in Ireland and thought what a brilliant idea that was. Great if you're a boater without a washing machine on board.

This machine was in County Clare Ireland
Outside Morrisons Warwick
Groceries packed away we headed off to ascend Cape locks the final two locks of the day. Ian was lock wheeling and judging by the effort he had to put in just to raise the paddle, I'm glad I stayed on the boat!



Difficult to see just how hard he was winding the paddles up.
Decided to stop for lunch at the top before turning into Saltisford Arm. Ian (manager) was expecting us but not until the afternoon. By 2 pm we did the left turn into the arm and, as soon as FS was under the bridge, I wondered where exactly we would be put. Looked to be chocker block with boats on either side. True to his word though he beckoned us toward the far side of the winding hole and a lovely spot it was too. Three more boats turned up after us. They have had to breast up where they can. Lucky that we arrived when we did.




View from the Port window.


And seen on route,




And the wildlife,



Nesting Canada Goose


Its a wonder she doesn't drop off.

2 comments:

Marilyn, nb Waka Huia said...

Not sure where you are going when you get back, but the Cape of Good Hope pub is run by NZers - best you get yourselves there for a good coffee and good food!

Hope all the appointments go well, darlings.

Mxx

Ian and Irene Jameison said...

On your recommendation we may go for a meal on the way back from Nottingham on Tuesday. Xx

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