Monday 13 October 2014

Busy weekend, a good deed, and some very welcome visitors.

Monday 13th October.

What a lovely weekend I've just had!
Saturday started much as normal, filling water tank, cleaning out fire, stocking up on logs etc.
It was very damp and foggy in the marina first thing so I lit the fire to warm the boat through.
Lately I've been letting the fire go out overnight as its quite warm in the bedroom with a small oil filled radiator on for a couple of hours. (one advantage of being in a marina and connected to the 240 volt mains).
Beth, a very dear friend from years gone by, came to visit me for the weekend. She moved to the Midlands some years ago so it was lovely to meet and catch up on our respective family news. 
After the proverbial cuppa we popped down to the farm shop for some bread and also popped in to say hi to Jenny as the garden centre is in the same area.
On returning to Bracken the mist had cleared and the sun was trying to put in an appearance so we decided to have a mini voyage down the canal for the afternoon. 
Turning left out of the marina along the Trent and Mersey there are 9 miles before you reach the first lock at Colwich should you wish to go that far.
As we had arranged to go to G & Js for a takeaway in the evening we only went as far as the winding hole (turning point) at Handsacre, a distance of approx 2 miles where we winded, and then moored up at a nice spot for some lunch and a coffee/tea. and a chat.




As we approached this property I was thinking this would be perfect for John and Dee, 'cos i could moor up at the bottom of their garden............

.....and there's room for their mini!
Whilst having lunch several boats passed us, some slowly and some not so slowly, Thank you to those that did slow down, its suprising just how much difference it makes to the way the boat sits in the water when moored.
Continuing on the return journey back to the marina we came across a narrowboat  well and truly stuck in the shallows. With the bows pointing out into the centre of the canal the stern was well and truly stuck in the mud .There was just room to squeeze past his pointed end (bows) so as we crept past, the man passed us his bow rope and we very gently took the strain. and pulled him free. So that was our good deed for the day! As soon as he was free we chucked his rope clear and with a wave we continued on our way.
Saturday evening we went to Graham and Jaqs where Jenny joined us for a chinese takeaway and we all ate too much, but a good night was had by all.
Beth stayed overnight at G and J's, while I returned to the boat. 
Bracken is not really geared up for overnight visitors yet, maybe when I get a new loo 'cos at present there is only a portapotti, which may be adequate for just me, but not really adequate for guests.
Sunday morning I picked Beth up and as G & J had plans we drove to Bromley Hayes for breakfast.
This is a garden centre with a restaurant and although not the cheapest around they serve a good sized Full English, after which we had a wander round and I was fascinated by the spiders webs, - nearly as good as the ones on Bracken!

Bromley Hayes.

Bracken.

They also have a 'bits and pieces' area at Bromley Hayes which is basically a second hand shop full of bygone treasures, (junk), that I never get tired of looking at.. (probably because its all from my 'era')
Beth left around 2 pm and text me around 4 to say she was home ok. It was great spending time catching up and putting the world to rights (as you do) and I look forward to our next get together :)

My next visitors arrived this morning. John, (oh great one) Dee, and Phil popped in to say hi before heading back to Kent.
They'd been up for the weekend visiting their eldest son Steve who lives in the Midlands, (in fact John, Phil and Steve did pop in to see me on Friday, but I foregot to take any pics)



As always, great to see you all.

This will be my last post for a week or so. 
I go into Derby hospital tomorrow for Surgery on Wednesday so Ive really no idea when ill be able to blog again. Big thanks to those people who have sent their wishes, and I hope it wont be long before 'normal service will be resumed' 
Happy cruising!!
















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