Now THAT'S my kind of party.

Last night and on a recommendation from Marilyn (WaKa Huia) and, I might add, as a birthday treat to me by my wonderful hubby, a fabulous meal was had at the Cape of Good Hope pub situated at the top lock of the Cape flight of two. Run by two Kiwis (who unfortunately were away in India) their menu was way above average pub grub. Needless to say, homemade Venison Pie with Swede and carrot mash and crunchy vegetables were to die for. So I too would recommend this place as a fab eatery.

The Cape of Good Hope on the right.

 Now for a bit of bad news. Due to unforeseen circumstances, our plans to continue with our journey to the Lea and Stort have had to be cancelled. We will now be heading back to Langley Mill for the foreseeable future and I very much doubt if we will be cruising on FS again this year. That's not to say taking the Beast out is out of the question, small journeys could be planned. Anyway, it's not something we want to elaborate on just yet, let's just say the news was unexpected. Anyway best foot forward and all that and of course the journey back via the Soar will also be blogged about. We may well be travelling over pastures known but every day is one of an adventure and no doubt plenty of tales to tell will come out of it.

Today then we left Saltisford, turned right toward Cape Locks and with only these to do today and no rushing involved, having to wait to fill the top lock gave me time to bask in this glorious sunshine. No warm coats needed for us today! The second of the two locks were full as a small cruiser had not long exited and awaited our descent from the top lock.

Leaving the Saltisford Arm

Creeping past the cruiser I caught a glimpse of a small garden on the right. Wow...that must have been some party. A few sore heads the next day no doubt?

Approaching bridge 49 and the congested part of the canal with Kate Hire fleet taking up most of the water, it didn't help matters that a pump out was being done to another visiting boat considerably reducing the channel width. That boat's tiller was sticking way out toward the bank and I had to shout to the lady on the stern to move her tiller out of the way as I had visions of catching it with FS.

Crickey...how did we squeeze past that?

 Having negotiated the fleet what do we spy coming under the bridge 'ole? A hotel boat and one of the bigger wide beams on the system! How on earth will that get past?

 Having stopped at Tesco for lunch and shop we made it to Radford Semele, the same place we stopped at on the way to Warwick. This time we kept well away from that underwater obstruction! Plenty of the afternoon left for Ian to check the batteries and me to make my soup. Still very warm outside so maybe time to get the chairs out and soak up the sun.

 And today's wildlife,

Ruby Tiger Moth caterpillar??

Female Blackbird