We are taking the boat back to Willowridge at Hillmorton for the blacking following the abortive attempt last month. Whilst we were waiting for them to have a free slot AJ Canopies have filled the new cratch cover. It looks really smart, we are very pleased with it.
Well today we were supposed to be in the dry dock at Willowridge, but we’re not! We set off early from Long Itchington sharing all the locks with Barbara and Malcolm on NB Pilgrim. We arrived at Hillmorton this afternoon only to be told that the hydraulics had broken and the dry dock isn’t working.
For the last few days we have been at the Cutweb rally. A very enjoyable weekend spent with friends, nattering, eating, drinking, playing games, quizzes etc.
2 Miles 8 Locks It only took a couple of hours to reach the Blue Lias where the rally is to be held. We shared the 8 locks with a very competent crew on a Kate Boats hire boat. It was only their second narrowboat trip, but they were already thinking about buying a share
14 miles 8 locks A day of mixed weather fortunes, some sunshine, but also some rain. We had our usual early breakfast, but just before we set off at 7:30 another boat came down the flight, so we had to turn every one except the last one. Here there was a volunteer on duty who
15 miles 12 locks We are on the way to the Cutweb annual rally. We spent most of yesterday tidying up the boat, which largely consisted of removing hundreds (I’m not exaggerating) of spiders and their webs! When were here last for the Fairport do we prepared and primed some of the rust patches on
For the last few days we have been at Fairport’s Cropredy Convention. We stay on the boat and walk in each day. It’s been really great this year as it’s the 50th anniversary of the founding of the band. Lots of former members came back and they played together in various combinations.
10 miles 7 locks In order to beat the forecast rain we set off just after seven again. Two other boats moored near us had the same idea. So there was a convoy of three heading for King’s Sutton lock. We were number two. Soon after the first lock the leading boat caught up with
We are moored above Nells bridge lock, opposite the small campsite/smallholding/farm shop called “The Pig Place”. The forecast for today was for rain this afternoon, so we set off at around our usual time (7:05), but actually the rain didn’t materialise. There were quite a few boats around, but no delays until we got to
26 miles 13 locks A long day today, 10 hours. We started at 7:15 and didn’t stop until 17:25. We even had lunch on the move. It’s been hotter today than the last few days, particularly this afternoon. We were delayed for quite a while at Abingdon. We wanted a pumpout, but the boats in