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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 4 September 2020

Fly in the ointment

Thursday 3rd

To think its only been a couple of months since passing this way and the new Mancetter Marina has come on in leaps and bounds. More pontoons added, so I'm guessing it will soon be ready to receive boats.


Plenty of spaces above Atherstone locks, we chose one opposite the old factory. Derelict now and most of the window panes were smashed and looked to be a most unsavoury place to stop, but we have never yet had any problems on this mooring. 

This knee of mine, a right B and I worried walking on it would cause more problems. It had to be okay today because an arrangement had been made to meet with our Son-in-Laws parents at the Kings Head. Near to lock 5, a towpath walk down the flight was necessary. Plenty of painkillers taken and the knee seemed to hold up okay. So after contacting Kev and Gunda for a time to meet, 1pm was mentioned. The Kings Head website stated opening hours to be 12pm to 11pm so perfect to have a spot of lunch too. Tried phoning to book a table, no reply. Tried again 10 minutes later, still no reply! Never mind lets hope when we get there they can find us a table. But....and here was the fly in the ointment...Kev and Gunda turned up at the same time as us, about 12.45pm only to find the place was shut! On a board in front of the door was the opening times and blooming typical, Thursdays opening was for 2.30pm onwards. Why couldn't that have been mentioned on the Kings Head website and if someone could have answered the phone, we would also have found that out! And we weren't the only ones. I reckon half a dozen families turned up between 1.00 and 2 pm only to be disappointed! Anyway, we found a table by the front door to wait and sat nattering for 90 minutes until the doors finally opened. Oh, and we did get a table even though we hadn't booked, in one of the new huts overlooking the canal.



 This morning, (Friday 4th) and before setting off, it was a walk to Aldi for a quick shop. Got back by 10am and away at 10.15 heading for the top lock. C&RT volunteers ready and waiting to start us down and I noticed a blackboard with 'boats up' and boats down'. One chalk mark to show a descending boat, so I said "We must be number two" "Nop" said he. "You're our first of the day". 


Gosh, we were lucky as at nearly every lock in the flight had a boat ascending. Only two had to be turned around by Ian. 

 Between lock 5 and 6 there is a long length of 48 hour visitor moorings. Hardly a boat to be seen and sometimes I do wish we had second sight. Could have come down the flight yesterday and had a much shorter walk to the pub and shops. Anyway approaching lock 6, I noticed loads of branches lying on the towpath side. To the left of that on the opposite bank, a large stump. All I can say is thank goodness this tree came down by the lock landing 'cos if it had been along the moorings, and knowing how busy this section usually is, there could have been a severely squished boat. 



By Midday, we had finished the flight and stopped on the visitor moorings. Got lunch out of the way and then yes, lets go fishing!  Hmm, after nearly two hours of not even a bite I have come to the conclusion that me and fishing do not go hand in hand. Decision made. Once all the bait is gone I may well give up on the sport!

And todays wildlife,




5 comments:

Barbara said...

Be careful with the lock that has been mended it’s the last lock of the flight, the bottom gate paddle is just about falling off! Not sure what bait you are using but bread and sweet corn work a treat for us. Take care x

Marilyn, nb Waka Huia said...

Osteopath, young woman!
Mxx

Marilyn, nb Waka Huia said...

Just saw your excuse on the previous post's comments! I always thought that between you, you and Ian were good at planning ahead!

In case you have forgotten how, here is the plan:
1 Find an osteopath in the next town you will come across
2 Phone to check if they have an appointment in the next day or so
3 If they do not, then check the town a bit further away, and ring them
4 Repeat 3 until you find one
5 In the towns you are checking up on, decide if you would like to have a quiet sit and wait - after all, you are retired and there is no earthly reason why you have to be racing around. And you are not hurrying to get back to LM so you can pack to come to NZ, now are you?!

Mxxoo

Ian and Irene Jameison said...

Ah, Gosh Marilyn, I really appreciate your advice and I know what you're telling me is the right thing to do but my excuses stand. To be stuck somewhere away from LM indefinitely is not something either of us wants. I'm pretty certain what will be required, Xray's, possible scans, more appointments and the wait to see a consultant which could take weeks! Once back at the Mill, and with our car, I can see our own doctor for advice and then make hospital appointments as needed.

As far as NZ is concerned we would pack and head back there tomorrow but with Covid, sitting in a tube with 100 or more strangers doesn't appeal at all. Until a vaccine has been developed we will stay in GB.

Loads of love to you both

Xxx

Ian and Irene Jameison said...

Hi Barbara.

I asked Ian about that paddle, but he seemed to think it was okay. Maybe it's been fixed. As for my bait, Christine got me half-pint of maggots so that's what I've been using. Maybe a change is needed as you rightly suggest.
Xx


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