We ran out of diesel a few days ago – the emergency bottles of fuel are in the tank and we need to do a services run to Cropredy. The hire car is being left at Spiceball car park for today near Hennef Way – were going to come back there on Sunday and plan to stay there for a while at the old winter mooring location, and I need to drive to the data centre on Monday/Tuesday – but tonight the plan is to overnight in Cropredy as there is not going to be enough daylight to do an out and back in the same day.
Set off and pulled in at Hennef Way – sent the kids off to complete unloading the car whilst I held the boat here (so I didn’t have to pin out for a 10 minute layover..). A very familiar boat is winter mooring here this year.. Emma Jane is back in Banbury.. we were moored with them here 2 winters ago during our first winter on the boat (If you look a the top of the site – the title where were covered in Snow is here at Hennef Way!).. lets see when we get back if we get recognised 🙂
Once were off and running again – it’s past Neithorpe Bridge – we were here in the summer – there is armco to chain upto – but today the towpath is totally mudded out – so possibly avoid here when we come back – unless this lot dries over the next few days (had enough of mud in Banbury..)
Up through Hardwick Lock – another place we have moored at – looking better here – so this is a possible on the next return trip..
Under the M40 and towards Little Bourton Lock..
Still boarded up.. Still a shame..
After I finished scaring Dawson.. ( who decided to see of the padlocked door opened.. and just as he touched it I had to shout “What are you doing!!”.. ” Arrrgggg.. ” arms and legs flailing whilst running away slipping over.. 😀 ) it was onto Slat Mill Lock.
Up through Cropredy – not many boats (other than the usual residential’s) as its not Festival weekend this time through.. and up through Cropredy Lock.
No swans getting in the way this time through.. The lock cottage still looking splendid in the sun – even in January!
Through to Cropredy Marina (which is still my favourite marina – even though I fell from the boat into the water here a few years ago!). Prices still reasonable – with spaces for more boats.. certainly top of my “Marina’s for boaters and their boats” – with customer service for those who moor there, and passing cruisers still being second to none! (There is another “Castle Marinas” at Crick which has the same ethos.. so its not just here, is the group 🙂 )
Once the diesel tank has some fuel in it (not full as it’s a 7 ish week month this January – so money needs to be stretched as much as it can) but with the price at £0.85 a litre (money does go further here!).. toilet tank emptied (still £16 a pump out – a price that has not increased in 2 years!) and 2 bags of coal.. even the prices here are welcoming!
Once were all done – pull back out and moor up at the 14 day spot – yea, were only staying 1 night.. but its a bit more remote, and further down towards the lock peoples houses back onto the canal and they do keep an eye on the behaviour of the boaters moored there.. and having 2 days with no engine with only the winter sun and fuel cell keeping the boat battery bank alive.. the batteries need a good soak charge now we have fuel to power the engine..
Until next time.. TTFN..
Well its good to be able to catch up and appreciated thank you, such excitement both on and off board with Dawson being scared to his wits end, your a bad Dad…. but its fun I suppose you could just not miss to point out though ! Glad all is going good for you all, things have been ok here too, went into hospital after enduring 9 months of very little sleep and tireless nights fighting PAIN in my right leg, stopping me driving and all my much needed tasks being neglected, having had to give up the gardening contract I had really pissed off to be honest, BUT finally after nagging the hospital I was able to see a consultant surgeon….. he agreed that seeing me walking only a few steps with two sticks that it was a serious problem BUT could not fit me in for 3 or 4 months that was late October… But to my surprise a letter confirming I would have an operation on 9th December what a bumper for my Christmas…..He diagnosed that my right hip the cartilage was non existent…..in the joint and after the op he came to see me the following morning and confirmed that I was walking bone to bone and that the joint was “manky” his words not mine SO now I have a complete Hybrid right hip joint and what a bloody difference although I am still recovering… I walk when and where ever I can, I exercise to a very “strict” regime every day 4 times or more and I hope to be back driving though short journeys to start with after seeing the surgeon on 28th January when I hope he will sign me off !! AND THE BEST THING IS I HAVE BINNED THE CRUTCHES AND JUST USE ONE STICK AS AN ASSURANCE When I go out. God bless and keep you all safe and thanks once again for the news of your adventures !! Love from us both xx