Sunday 15 July 2018
The heatwave continues
Now nearing the end of our summer cruising we have reflected on this beautiful summer, which still continues , with the heat causing us to find shady moorings at the end of each day.
Little did we know back in early May when our shorts came out for the first time, that we would not be needing our warmer layers or waterproofs this season. It really has been glorious boating weather.
The quiet waters of earlier in the season, and even on our trip up the Macclesfield Canal, have given way to the very busy holiday season. Lots of hire boats and fellow boaters enjoying this wonderful weather on the water.
We are currently sitting under a shady tree just below Hillmorton locks having yet another bbq. People around us are either watching the Wimbledon Mens Final or the World Cup final. The outcome of each we will catch up on later.
The past four days have seen us travel many miles, unusual for us to do 6/7 hour days , but with journey's end now in easy reach we can take it a bit more genteely!
Braunston, Napton and then Fenny Comoton lie ahead then we hang up our boating shoes until September and have fun with the grandchildren at home during the school holidays.
Not sure where we'll cruise in the autumn. Bimbling round Birmingham was the plan but have just discovered Knowle Locks and Aston Locks are out of action and we are not sure we want to experience the Birmingham Mainline Canal having heard unfavourable comments. We are sure to vomit up with a plan that could change on a daily basis!! The joy of boating!
The final leg of our summer cruising
Still the summer heatwave is with us as we return to Great Haywood Marina. The next day we take the car to Fenny Compton Marina ready for our arrival back there in a week or so. We then caught a rare bus from the village ,which took us to Leamington Spa where we caught a train to Stafford. Then after a short walk from the station we caught another bus to to the Marina. Thank goodness for our bus passes!
Our journey now follows a much travelled route along the Trent and Mersey, then onto the Coventry Canal, North Oxford and then pick up the South Oxford which will take us back to Fenny.
The towpaths and the surrounding countryside are looking very parched after such a very long spell with no rain, however we did have some gentle rain overnight. It was a lovely sound on the roof of Hunters Moon. However, it was not enough to bring any greeness to our surroundings.
After the waterways being very quiet on our previous trips this season they are now very, very busy. It has been quite a change for us but good to see boats being used rather than being stuck in marinas.
Sunday 1 July 2018
Change of plans, yet again!
This post is being written from home!
We sadly lost our joy of travelling on Monday, after the very sad and tragic events at Westport Lake. We had enjoyed a lovely afternoon wandering around the lake, eating ice cream and planning our bbq that evening. Our mooring was being afforded some much needed shade on yet another scorching day and Jenny was sitting watching the world go by finishing a piece of crocheted cabin lace when the world around us suddenly changed from a peaceful afternoon to every parents worse nightmare. Three young lads had gone into the water to cool off and one of them got into difficulties and only two of the lads came out! Helicopters , police, fire and rescue, ambulances and divers were on the scene very quickly and an eerie silence of disbelief hung over the area and a complete feeling of helplessness. Our mooring was just within sight of where the boy had last been seen. Searching continued until the light faded but the 13 year old had still not been found.
The events really shook us and we took the decision then to get back home as soon as possible to give all our kids and grandkids a big hug and although we did not know this young boy our hearts went out to his family who said goodbye to their little boy that morning before going to school never realising he would never return home.
Hunters Moon is now back at Great Haywood while we catch up with our families and thank God for them. We will return in a week or so to start the last leg of our summer travels when we have decided to get back to Fenny Marina for the school holidays when we will be looking after little Emily for a few days each week.
We sadly lost our joy of travelling on Monday, after the very sad and tragic events at Westport Lake. We had enjoyed a lovely afternoon wandering around the lake, eating ice cream and planning our bbq that evening. Our mooring was being afforded some much needed shade on yet another scorching day and Jenny was sitting watching the world go by finishing a piece of crocheted cabin lace when the world around us suddenly changed from a peaceful afternoon to every parents worse nightmare. Three young lads had gone into the water to cool off and one of them got into difficulties and only two of the lads came out! Helicopters , police, fire and rescue, ambulances and divers were on the scene very quickly and an eerie silence of disbelief hung over the area and a complete feeling of helplessness. Our mooring was just within sight of where the boy had last been seen. Searching continued until the light faded but the 13 year old had still not been found.
The events really shook us and we took the decision then to get back home as soon as possible to give all our kids and grandkids a big hug and although we did not know this young boy our hearts went out to his family who said goodbye to their little boy that morning before going to school never realising he would never return home.
Hunters Moon is now back at Great Haywood while we catch up with our families and thank God for them. We will return in a week or so to start the last leg of our summer travels when we have decided to get back to Fenny Marina for the school holidays when we will be looking after little Emily for a few days each week.
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