Place of comfort?

Pork Roast and Thai Festival.

Hello folks.

Since we came home, I have been very busy, so I apologise for not posting earlier.

On arriving back, I needed to blitz the gardens and get rid of the weeds.

On Sunday 5th July, it was Warwick Open Gardens and the raised beds were no where near their best for the visiting gardeners.

The only bed which looked lovely was the Wildflower bed.

Even our garden needed to be weeded, so from the Wednesday evening to the Saturday afternoon, I worked on the beds to make them look tidier. Thankfully the visiting public seemed to love the Arm and they did not seem to worried by the fact that the gardens were not at their best. We got to meet and greet many new people, who did not know the Arm existed.

Saturday 11th July and it was time for the Pig Roast organised to thank the volunteers who have helped to make the Arm what it is today. So volunteers and guests arrived at 12 noon.

We had a fabulous turn out.

The Pig Roast certainly went down well.

Tom Lewis on Narrow Boat Moonstone. supplied the music and the sing song.

Everyone enjoyed the afternoon and thankfully the weather was very kind to us.

Sunday 12th July.

Warwick Thai Festival day and although the clouds were ominous, we decided to take our rain coats and head up into the town.

We got their early and saw the stall holders setting up.

The food stalls sent a wonderful smell around the market square and we were both looking forward to lunch.

The local dignitaries were out in their official capacity enjoying the event.

The BBC Coventry and Warwickshire radio car was also in town.

Amongst the food stalls were the craft stalls as well and so it was hoped for a wonderful day. Keith and I ate early and we were glad we did, because at lunchtime, the heavens opened and it threw it down, so we decided to head into the Museum, which we had never been into before. It was well worth the visit and it meant we did not get totally soaked. The walk home however was a tad damp. On returning to the boat the sun appeared again, so hopefully the Festival will be a success.

As you can see it has been a busy time for us since coming home.

Back Home.

It has been a busy few days for us.

We spent last weekend at the Braunston Historic Boat Rally.

Keith and I had the pleasure on the Saturday of going on the parade on Nuneaton and Brighton the Narrowboat Trust Boats. Colin, Ray and Barry made us very welcome and so I made them a Lemon Drizzle cake, which went down very well with a cuppa.

We had a fabulous time in the organised chaos.

Richard Parry CEO of the Canal and River Trust was there to help unveil new plaques.

Also at the event were Timothy West and Prunella Scales. Doing more filming for their Canal Journey series.

It was lovely to see them both looking well, although both did look a little frail.

We had a fabulous weekend catching up with so many people we know and all were so happy to see how well Keith is.

On Monday we left Braunston and began our journey home. The weather was very hot, but with us not being in that much of a hurry we took our time.

Monday we moored at Bridge No.18 between Calcutt locks and Stockton locks. One great thing about the wall to wall sunshine was the solar panel kept the batteries nicely topped up.

Tuesday we descended the Stockton Locks, mooring up at Long Itchington. It was blooming hot, but keeping on the move actually meant we made our own breeze. Lunch was had at The Two Boats Inn and I have to say it was a lovely meal, which was washed down with a pint of Bombardier. Well worth a visit.

Wednesday morning and the sun was out early and blimey it was hot, hot, hot. We decided that we would make a run straight through to Warwick. So it was onward to Bascote Locks, then Fosse and finally Radford. As we approached Warwick the heavens opened, giving us a much needed cool down. We arrived back at our mooring in the Saltisford Arm at 1.15 pm. It was lovely to be home.

Our garden was riddled with weeds, so after catching up with folk in the arm, I started the job of weeding our garden. On Sunday It is Warwick Open Gardens and the arm is taking part, so I am going to be busy weeding all the beds.

Happy boating.

Look at my face.

How beautiful am I?

This is Bramble a friends lovely doggie.

Braunston Bound.

Yesterday we left Crick at 7.30 am and headed through Crick tunnel heading for Watford Locks and the Sanitary Station. When we arrived there was a boat taking on water. When they had finished, they headed down the locks and we took their place.

Coming up the locks was Aber. We had a quick natter with them, before they went on their way. All watered up, rubbish dumped and cassettes empty, Steve the lockie let us down the locks as Nuneaton and Brighton arrived.

We had a quick run down the locks and went out our way to Braunston.

Braunston Tunnel we met a couple of boats coming from the other direction, the first of those boats was actually using his bow thruster to steer through the tunnel and alongside us. I have no idea why they thought it would help, as there is only room for two boats passing. But hey ho, it takes all sorts.

12 noon we moored up above the Braunston Locks.

Nuneaton and Brighton arrived and pulled alongside us for a cuppa and a good chat. It was lovely to see Barry again and to meet Colin. Maggie our friend off Forever Young arrived on foot to give the pair a hand down the locks.

I got the chance to take the pair down the flight. I have steered a pair breasted up, so I was so excited to be given the chance. I actually found it really easy and I am proud of myself.

Having moored the pair up in their mooring for the boat festival, Keith and I went back to our boat for dinner. We then met everyone at the Admiral Nelson for a few beers. A great evening was hand by all.

Foxton Locks Festival and onwards.

Hi folks.

Sorry I have not posted for a few days, but I have been very busy. Keith and I spent two days helping to set up for the Foxton Locks Festival, and then over the weekend Keith was being assistant Harbour Master and I was Festival photographer.

It was amazing how quickly it all took shape.

We were moored by bridge 60, which was ideal for us.

Saturday the weather was a bit soggy on and off, but blimey Sunday made up for it, with huge crowds of people. The car park was full so another had to be found.

The Craft Marque was crammed full of stalls, with lovely things.

The Vikings and Saxons had set up camp.

There was fun and games for all throughout the weekend.

Adult, children and even the dogs got the chance to show off.

It was an amazing weekend and we know it was their best ever for attendance, so well done to everyone involved.

Now we are on our way to Braunston for the Historic Boat Rally. We are not involved as we are not Historic, but we are going to have a nose around.

Yesterday having left Foxton we moored at Welford Junction with our dear friends Michael and Geraldine on the Cheese Boat.

Today we have tied up at Crick.

Moored at Foxton.

Yesterday’s mooring at Bridge 51 was so quiet. Both Marmite and Paddy enjoyed time out on the towpath. Marmite spent most of her day snoozing in the grass alongside the boat.

I went off with my camera and you can see what photographs I took on my Canal side flora and fauna blog.

Later in the day when we had shut the boat up to the chill closing in for the evening. Marmite decided she still wanted some warmth and she was going to get it from Paddy. So she spent a good five minutes kneading him to get comfy. Paddy just snoozed and let he get on with it. She went to all that work only to step off and come and sit on me.

After a lovely nights sleep, I was up and making a cuppa at 6 am. The joys of the mature years is you wake up earlier and earlier, either that or it is to do with the Menopause. Anyway enjoyed our first cuppa of the day before we were up and getting on with the daily boat chores.

We set off from our mooring and headed towards Foxton. The cows in the field were laying down. Do they know something we do not?

We are now moored south of bridge 60 and will be here now until after the Foxton Festival.