Unexpected, unwelcome guest.

 Sudden movement at the window, and on our gunwale, what on earth was that? Quite late in the afternoon and dinner was well on the go. Ian saw it first, a cat, most unexpected and wouldn't have happened if Jade was still with us! Hmm, that makes me sound like a cat hater, far from it seeing as during the 'house years' several feline moggies frequented the premises. It's just that many years ago a cat tried jumping onto the cabin top and in doing so left 4 scratch marks in the paintwork. Not even T Cut could remove them! So you can see why we are now a bit anti cat!

Made by both back paws as it clambered up.

 

So had it been abandoned/lost from a boat? No idea but this tabby would not leave us alone even trying to jump in through the side hatch. An hour later it was still there lying by the back of FS. It was no good, as much as we 'ummed' and 'aahed' over whether to take it in, we agreed this wasn't a good idea. So I'm sorry to say we abandoned it to its fate, which we hoped would soon be back with its owners.

This morning we set of early, well, earlier than we have since arriving at the start of the Ashby. Not for any particular reason, but we could see no point in lying in bed when both of us had been awake since 6am. Some provisions were needed and the farm shop by bridge 23 was the ideal place to buy them. As we pulled onto the mooring, most noticeable was a tree that had toppled across the towpath and part of the canal. Wasn't across the water enough to impede navigation, although some care would be needed. No it was the towpath where the hazard was most obvious. 

A good shove was needed from Ian to get the bow to swing far enough out as we pulled away.

We hadn't planned to stop early but the offside mooring was available after bridge 22. A lovely spot and quite excited to go fishing. Surely it must be good here. Plenty of ducks all being fed by the public so stood to reason that the fish would congregate nearby. But failed miserably once again! Not even a nibble and when Ian suggested moving on after lunch, I agreed.

It wasn't until we were well on the way that he mentioned getting to Hinckley and going to Screw Fix. He had placed an order and the goods would be ready for collection mid-afternoon. One mooring available at the start of the residential bit and, as we pulled into the space, a chap opposite asked if Ian would retrieve the bow rope from a moored boat who had been swaying to and fro due to the front nappy pin being pulled out.

Within 30 minutes we had untied and got underway and by 4pm found a lovely mooring after bridge 8. Tomorrow we will leave the Ashby and head for Atherstone but only, that is, if the forecasted rain doesn't materialise!

And wildlife today