Blogging friend and quiche.

Hi Folks.

Yesterday we had a very welcome visitor. Lesley off of NB Caxton (CLICK) came and paid us a visit, with her dogs Floyd and Fletcher. Lesley and Joe are also moored in Stourport Basin and have taken a mooring for 6 months, whilst they have another boat built. (CLICK). It was so nice to chat to Lesley face to face, because we have only ever seen Caxton in passing. I do enjoy putting names to faces and as Lesley is a fellow blogger, it was wonderful to chat about all things boatie and yes it did include loo's. Whilst we whiled away an hour we watch people coming and going from the sanitary station. The most noticeable coming and going was the hotel boats Oak and Ash. They were being turned around after watering up one boat. The steerer soaked everyone within reach with his prop wash and then went on to bellow instructions at his crew member and other boaters who he seemed to think were in his way. It was a joy to meet Lesley and the doggies and we wish them well with their new adventure. I am sincerely hoping we get to see them out and about on their new boat Yarwood.

It has been a day of cooking and huffing and puffing.

Today began well with a cup of tea in bed, whilst watching the morning news on BBC1. After some overnight rain, the sun was shining. I could have been forgiven for thinking I was at the seaside, because Seagulls were calling over head whilst I got up and dressed.

Paddy's walk took us down by the river, where we met Clive and Helen Henderson on their NB Nanshe coming down the locks on to the river. It had been sometime since I had seen them, so it was lovely to catch up with them whilst they worked the locks. Whilst I chatted Paddy wandered and cocked his leg against anything which smelt nice. I wished Clive and Helen a good day and let them get on their way down the River Severn.

Back on the boat Keith was cooking Mushrooms on Toast for breakfast, which was a nice way to start the day. I checked the BW electric meter to see how much we had used and it read 8 meters left, so we had only used 1 unit so far, this was good news because I wanted to get more washing and drying done. I stripped the bed down and put the sheet, duvet and pillowcases in the machine and left it to do the business whilst I walked into the town to buy a can of fly spray. Now you would think that it would be easy to buy a tin of fly spray, but I walked all over the town and finally found a tin of spray in the Co-Op. With my feet beginning to ache I plodded back to the boat and on the way back, I found a wicker basket floating in the water, so I fished it out and laid it on the boats roof to dry. I have a feeling Marmite may take a liking to the basket. After making Keith and I a coffee, I made a start on a Broccoli, Cheese and Onion Quiche. Firstly I made the pastry base which I baked blind, whilst that cooled I blanched the Broccoli and left that to cool as well. Once cooled the Broccoli was placed in the pastry case.

I then whisked up 4 eggs and some garlic puree, I added grated cheese to the whisked eggs. In a pan I softened some onion and once it was cool enough it was added to the whisked egg mixture.I then poured the mixture over the Broccoli and levelled it in the pastry case. After a final sprinkling of grated cheese on the top, it was placed in the oven, checking it every 10 minutes.
After baking it on a low heat for 25 minutes, it was then time to take it out of the oven and allow it to cool. This will be enjoyed for dinner tonight with some new potatoes and peas.

Whilst I was doing this cooking a familiar face turned up at the Sanitary Station. Brian on his Tug Kyle pulled in at the station to fill up with water. Keith and I went and had a natter to him and found out he was staying for the night, so we are going to catch up with him later for a pint in the pub.

How do you feel about filling in forms??

I personally hate the things, but there are times in all our lives when we have to fill forms in one thing or another. Today was the day when we had to fill some forms in and wouldn't you just know it, I made mistakes on mine, so had to do them all over again. Thankfully we had printed the forms off of the internet, so Keith just had to print some more off. This was where the huffing and puffing part of my day came in. Filling in forms which are never in plan English always make me huff and puff, which makes a change because normally that is Keith's thing, when things are not going right. Forms finally completed, I got them in the post before I had the chance to find any other mistakes on them.

I think I have now washed and dried everything on the boat and we still have a lot of units left on the meter. So I will be getting the hoover out later. The back cabin needs a bit of a clear out and because Paddy is moulting, his dog hair is rolling up and down the saloon floor like tumble weed in the desert.

At this moment in time, Keith is playing with a new radio he has just bought from the chandlery. I am thinking about what to do next on my jobs to do list before we leave tomorrow. I reckon I am now off to fill the water tank, because after all the washing I have done, the tank must be pretty darn low.

Right time to turn the computer.

Chat soon xx

Views from the Basin

Hi Folks.

This morning we were awake early, so whilst drinking a cuppa, we discussed the days job list, we wanted to do 2 things, first check the prop and second get the anchor out ready for going down on to the river.

Keith was glad he checked the prop as there was a bicycle inner tube wrapped around it with the usual assorted bits of plastic bags, string, etc. which was trapped by the inner tube. It is now all nice and clear before setting off down the river.

I climbed into the hold and dug out the anchor, chain and warp from under all the bags of kindling. having lifted it onto the front locker Keith attached the warp to the T-stud, and then attached the chain to the warp, and finally the chain to the anchor. We are trying something different this time. When we were on the River Thames 3 years ago, we had all the warp and chain on the deck, but this time we have stowed it in the front locker, with just the end of the warp coming out to the T-stud, and the chain to the anchor. Also previously we had the anchor standing vertically against the cratch board, this time we have it laid on top of the front locker hatch. I am hoping we will not have to use it, but better to be safe than sorry. I also need to dig out our life jackets, which are stored in the hold in a box.

After a much needed Coffee, Keith went and bought a card for the electric meter, so we could hook up. I then put our first was on.

Another walk around town to see the shops we missed yesterday, especially the aquatic shop, some lovely fish in there. We can both picture what Marmite would be doing if we had an aquarium with fish in it, she would be polishing the glass with her paws, day and night!

After lunch I went out with my camera to get a few shot from around the basin, to give you an idea what it is like here. If you have never been to Stourport-on-Severn by boat you really should come, it is lovely here.

Treasure Island Funfair.Down on the River.The Severn Side Cottages, one of the cottages used to be lived in by the lock keeper. Behind the cottages the Donkey's were kept, they would pull carts and carry small loads. Donkey's are no longer in evidence.
The Tontine which is now being turned into apartments, but when it was built in 1173 it was called The Stourport Inn, then The Areley Inn, it laster became the Tontine Hotel. It was known as one of the most impressive Georgian buildings in Stourport. It is still very impressive.

A view down to the double lock.

Dry dock.
British Waterways Offices in the round the bend iron warehouse, which dates from 1771. It is one of the earliest purpose built warehouses in the country.
The Clock Tower on the Warehouse is rather nice. The clock does chime all through the night, so if your a light sleeper then the upper basin is not a place to moor. It has not kept me awake.
Above the lock is the tearoom I spoke about yesterday.
The lock drops you down into the basin, which is where we are moored, you can see us in the distance.
Looking from the lock you can see the restored Lichfield Street Office and restored Grade II listed houses.
There we are moored up in the basin on a moorings for an historic working boat, but not sure of its name. So as you can see a nice place to be. I have just done my second load of washing, now to get it all dry, before I strip the bed and wash the sheets. The electric card cost us £4.80 for 10 units, I have no idea how long it will last, but I am going to make the most of it.

Chat soon xx

Tip of the day.

Always check to see if you have anything around your prop before setting off on a river, Keith did this morning, and found a bicycle inner tube around it!

I May Not.

"I may not be the most beautiful, or the sexiest, nor do I have the perfect body. I might not be someone's 1st choice, but I am a great choice. I don't pretend to be someone I'm not, because I'm good at being me. I might not be proud of some of the things I've done in the past, but I'm proud of who I am today. Take me as I am ...or watch me as I walk away!

Kidderminster to Stourport-on-Severn.

Hi Folks.

A new week and a new challenge. We left Kidderminster along with Carol and Adrian on their NB Rypeck to head for Stourport-on-Severn. Carol and Adrian were moored behind us for a couple of days and we soon discovered that Adrian is the Harbour master at the Droitwich event, so were able to find out more details about the weekend and the mooring situation. They left about half an hour before us, so we did not see them again until we arrived in Strouport.

We said goodbye to Kidderminster and St Mary and All Saints church which was striking 9am as we entered the lock. The sun was shining and there was some real June warmth in the sun.

Exiting the lock chamber we passed under the main road into and out of Kidderminster, where the walls are covered with these amazing pieces of artwork organised by Rewyre (CLICK). It brightens the space and helps to encourage young people to look after their town.

We cruised passed what used to be an old carpet mill in the 1800's but is now Debenhams. Slingfield Mill is a Victorian worsted mill. The mill, with its boiler house and attached

chimney stack, are Grade II listed buildings and are all that remains of the early carpet making

industry in this area. Debenhams took over the mill, whilst Frankie and Benny's are in the boiler house. Thankfully it has all been tastefully done. During the 1940's the Slingfield complex has various uses during the war, including the use of the warehouse for storage of tobacco and the inclusion of air raid shelters into the main mill building, so over the years it has seen plenty of action and yet it is still standing.

We cruised past what used to be Pratt's Wharf, where you can just about see the disused lock that would have taken you down on to the River Stour. The bridge actually goes over the lock chamber, which has been filled in with rubble and rubbish which mother nature has covered with greenery. A work party did clear it some years ago, but time and mother nature have covered it up again. Years gone by narrowboats would of carried cargo between the old Stourport Railway Station and the Wilden Ironworks sited downstream on the river.

Just after Pratt's Wharf I spotted this Heron just about to devour its breakfast.

The stretch between Kidderminster and Strourport-on-Severn is very pretty in places, especially where you see the red sand stone. The photograph below was taken at Caldwell Lock.

What is a real shame is that the locks are all locked so you have to open the paddles with a key. You would think that out in the countryside the locks would be safe from idiots, but clearly not. There are some delightful views along this stretch of the canal. We did have a few boats coming towards us today, so we were hopeful of a mooring somewhere. Whilst we cruised I ducked down into the galley to make us coffee.

When we arrived at Stourport, we moored on the towpath above the lock and walked down into the basin to see if there would be a place for us in the basin itself. We walked into the BW office and were greeted by Graham, who we last saw 2 years ago, but he remembered us and the boat. He was so pleased to see us and immediately offered us a mooring in the basin. So whilst I worked the lock, Keith moved the boat down through the lock and into the mooring. We now have a lovely view of the basin and the Boat Club House with its clock tower.

Having eaten lunch we closed the boat up and headed off to walk up the river, which takes you past the Treasure Island Amusement park, with its funfair rides. (CLICK). There did not seem to be many children on the rides, but I guess it is still early in their season. having walked a long the river bank, we made our way back into the town.(CLICK). We finished up at the tearoom by the lock, which has changed hands recently. It used to be Goodnight Sweetheart Tea Rooms, with lots of memorabilia on the walls and shevles. Sadly all the memorabilia has gone and it is now just an ordinary tearoom named Blossoms, for me it has lost its charm. But I guess it is progress. The lady that now runs it said that the memorabilia was removed because it took to much dusting. The dust was what gave it charm and character but heyho that's life. I think like us many coming back to Stourport and visiting the tearoom will ask where is everything, so she may need to put a sign up saying "PLEASE DO NOT ASK".

On the lock side this darling duck lay soaking up the sunshine, with its natty hairdo.

Back at the boat, it was time to open all the windows and doors to let the heat out and the fresh air in.

This evening we will make use of the BW showers and tomorrow we may hook up to the electric, if we can get a card. The BW office does not sell them and the chandlery was closed, so we will need to run the generator instead.

Retail therapy.

Hi Folks.

My Sunday morning began with the chiming of the church bells at 7am, they are such a wonderful way to be woken up after a fantastic nights kip. Before getting up properly I made us both a cup of tea, which was as always enjoyed in bed, before we got up to start the days list of things to do.

First on my list was to walk Paddy, whilst I did that Keith began a cooked breakfast of Poached Eggs and Mushrooms on Toast mmmmmmm.

With it being Sunday none of the ships were open until 10am, so I made us a coffee,whilst we caught up on facebook and e-mails. I also put the generator on to charge the batteries.

10.15am coffee drunk, batteries charged and e-mails answered etc, we locked up the boat and headed over to the Carphone Warehouse to buy Keith a cheap phone, because his phone was dying a death and we only wanted something cheap. For £4.95 we got him a Samsung Phone, which we had to put a £10 top-up on, but this was worth it to get a cheap phone. From the Carphone Warehouse we went to Halfords, where we were hoping to find some water containers which we could use as waste containers for the toilet cassettes, should we get stuck with no elsan to empty the cassette. Unfortunately they did not have what we were looking for (CLICK). But we were not about to be down hearted, we then walked to Range and had a nose in there, but they did not have any either. It seems we were not to be lucky today. Oh well never mind we will keep looking. The only things we bought were Keith's phone, some carbon paper and duct tape, not exactly the biggest shopping bag ;0)

Back onboard I made us some lunch, we then took our small trolley and boxes into Sainsbury's and did a food shop which will last us for a week or more if we are lucky. Whilst I put the shopping away, Keith went to buy a lead for his phone so he could connect it to his computer. I then had to go back to Sainsbury's for a Lettuce, Cucumber and some Peppers. With my shoe rubber worn down, it was time to sit down and put my feet up for a while, so I sat watching Morse on ITV1. How I loved that program, it was very sad when John Thaw died. It is now time to feed mog and dog and to start some dinner, crank up the generator again to charge the batteries for the night and Keith will then take Paddy for his evening walk at 6pm. After that who knows what the evening will bring. All's I do know is that I have enjoyed my time in Kidderminster. Tomorrow morning we will be off to Stourport.

Chat soon xx

Severn Valley Railway.

As we were having our coffee at the Engine Shed at Highly this GWR Manor class Erlestoke Manor, No.7812, came chuffing up into Highley station from Kidderminster.

Severn Valley Railway Part 2.

Hi Friends.

As promised yesterday here are some more photo's of our day out on the Severn valley railway. In all I took 131 photos, but here is another glimpse at the day we enjoyed.

As we walked into the station,we were greeted by by a scene from the war years. Next weekend 25th-26th June they are holding a 1940's weekend.

Bridgnorth was packed with local people there for the market, holiday makers and of course all of those people who were visiting from the train like us. The town is split into two sections, the hight town and the low town. We only got to see the high town on this visit. I would recommend that if your going to pay Bridgnorth a visit you allow a whole day. (CLICK).

We took a quick walk around the castle gardens as the weather closed in and it began to rain. I want to definitely come back again and spend a day walking around the town.

There are some impressive buildings in Bridgnorth.

Big and little boys toys.

The Engine House, is a grown man and little boys heaven with lots of engines to look at and drowl over. (CLICK)

This is the closest I will ever get to driving a train. I could not resist having a go whilst at the Engine House Museum and Visitor Centre.

We got a sneeky peek of the West Midlands Safari Park. (CLICK)

Into the tunnel we go.

This is the steam train that got us back to the station at Kidderminster.Time to say goodbye to the Severn Valley Railway after an excellent day.