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. 👋   Never mind it's not really that much further to the bridge😄

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.