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
Leave a Reply