Huarrraah! We are at long last back on our travels after a four week hiatus and, not before time, as both Paul and I were starting to get settled into the easier way of life in a marina.
We left Packet Boat Marina around 11am today and bid farewell to our neighbours Lynn and Steve and Daryl. We both really enjoyed our time at the marina and have given it a five star google review. Diana and her team were really accommodating and the facilities were faultless.
Whilst at the Marina, we pulled in a quick visit to Derby to have Lily for the weekend, we also looked after my brother’s two children (Lily & Matthew) for 5 days and I also managed another trip into London to see Katie formally admitted as a Solicitor at the Law Society ceremony. That was a very proud moment.
Paul’s wrist is now pretty much fixed so hopefully no further issues there!
So where are we off to now? Well we have had to change our plans again! Unfortunately the recent heavy wet weather means that the Rivers Thames, Kennet & Avon along with the Oxford canal all have flood restrictions in place. We got chatting with a chap called Geoff who lives on the Thames and he advised us against going on our chosen route to Bristol until after May next year. He advised that the rivers spend more time on red (do not proceed) than they do amber or green from October to May and it’s just not worth getting stuck. Apparently hardcore boaters who live on the river get water filtration systems put in their boat so they can drink from the river/canal and they also get compost toilets put in as access to facilities can often be very difficult.
This is his mooring on the Thames near Hampton Court! You can see the towpath is totally submerged!
Also a nice picture of Paul at Hampton Court Palace,
So, instead, we are heading back up the Grand Union canal to Daventry, where we will veer off to the West Midlands and Warwickshire to explore there. We hope to be around the Midlands for Christmas and New Year, before heading off to Shropshire and Wales to visit the famous Pontcysyllte Aquaduct.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontcysyllte_Aqueduct
We will then head back down South again in Spring so that we can sample the delights of the Thames!
Our first days travelling today has gone well and it feels great to be back on the cut.
We are in good spirits but fully appreciate that we have some tough months ahead. We have already started to use the stove in the evenings to make Daisy nice and toastie!
Love to all,
Jo & Paul xxx
25 responses to “Leaving London!”
Safe travels Robbos 👋🏼 x
Cheers Baz 👍🏻
So glad to hear that you guys are back on your travels again.
Congratulations to Katie, bless her 🥰🥰
Stay safe both of you
Watch out for holes Paul 😉😉
Lots of love xx
Thanks Sue. Mr R will be keeping a keen eye out!
It’s good that you are on the move again. Good that you are getting updates from others too to give you chance to adjust. Enjoy your next adventure
Thanks Lou. Looking forward to the next chapter!
Safe travels again and keep warm😃
Cheers Julie!
Good to be back with the journal.
Hope the weather ahead will be favourable to you.
Good to be back with Daisy again.
Hope the weather ahead will be
favourable to you.
Thanks Mum. Weather is pretty lousy at the moment but it will not stop us!
You might just make the away game at Bristol City 4th January and or Cardiff 25th Jan.
In contrast the elite football team will be at Wolves and Bournemouth on those dates.
Have fun
Who are they then Mr Simms! Up the Rams 😀
Safe travels.
If you ever come past Harborough on the Grand Union, give me a shout. We live in Harborough now and the husband sometimes works on the boats at the marina.
Hi Lorna! Great to hear from you! We will be turning off on to the Coventry before Harborough but it would be a shortish drive for you if you are able to come?
Sorry only just seen this. Yes I could do that.
Fab!
Yes we also missed your ‘blogs’. Thank you for this latest update. Much love mum and Archie XX
A pleasure!
Good on you Jo and congratulations to your daughter and indeed you should be proud of her!
Thank you Ann. Super proud 😊
Enjoy your travels Guys – look forward to seeing you in shropshire 🙂
xxx
Yes! Unless you fancy a drive out before then when we are a bit closer!
I’m pleased you guys are back on the move on your adventure – I’ve missed your updates. Can’t wait to hear what happens next x
Thanks Liz!