Mammoth Journey!

So yesterday we travelled an epic 17 miles and 10 locks from Stone all the way through to Fradley Junction.

It took us ten hours in total and we only stopped once so that Paul could tighten the bolts on the propellor shaft. We didn’t even stop for lunch – we ate a few sarnies on the go!

The reason for our mammoth journey? We got a call from the hospital asking Paul to come in and see the consultant TODAY! It was certainly a test of our teamwork and stamina but we both absolutely rocked it and moored up exhausted but elated just after 7pm. We were fearful that we wouldn’t get on the moorings but there was one spot just waiting for us. Fate was our friend.

Paul just about had time for a quick shower then Annie kindly came to pick him up so that he could stay over at Dot’s in readiness for the appointment. I supported Paul by relaxing with a glass of wine at The Swan, where I got chatting to some very interesting folk. It was also my first night alone on the boat. I couldn’t get the door to lock which was a bit worrying but a fellow boater reassured me that everyone on these moorings are very nice. I survived and won’t worry next time I am home alone.

The consultant had good news in that Paul will be ok, he just requires a little bit of surgery which is taking place on Monday. It’s nothing serious, but he has been in a lot of pain. The CRT (Canal & River Trust) have been fab and are allowing us to remain on our mooring past the 2 day limit.

Whilst we were travelling yesterday, we passed some fabulous properties, pictures of which you can see below. The weather was amazing and the cut (boater’s term for canal) was very busy. An amusing moment was watching one boat crash into the reeds, until sometime later when we were forced into the side by oncoming traffic and a tight bend where Daisy sustained some fresh scratches. Bless her!

We also came across a solo octogenarian female boater who lives on an old boat with a 90 year old engine! She was fascinating, if not a bit eccentric, and I loved the way she foraged fresh mint that was growing on the lock walls. She told me she is getting a bit old for working the boat but that she will never leave. Instead she will get a ‘crew’ when she needs to move on.

Love to all and I will provide a further update once Paul has recovered and we are once more on our travels. We expect this to be mid week.

Jo & Paul xx