Jan and Mike arrived just after 10. We moved over to the water point and had tea/coffee while the tank filled. Then a slow tootle up to moor up between Fretherne bridge and Sandfield bridge. We opened our very generous birthday presents from J&M and enjoyed a glass of Prosecco before walking to the pub

12 miles 9 bridges : We usually moor on the Sharpness side of Splatt bridge, but today we are on the Gloucester side. Heddi’s sister Caroline and husband Stuart arrived just before 11 o’clock. We took them for a ride down to Sharpness, where we had lunch sat outside in the sunshine. Then we returned

Only a short trip down to Splatt bridge, pack up then off home for a few days. Now back after a day loading and uploading the washing machine, a funeral and Heddi’s birthday! We are back here on the G&S for a week of entertaining more guests. Tomorrow we have Heddi’s sister Caroline and husband

We all walked back to The Splatt, via various footpaths, to get Paul’s car. Paul, Izzie & Roxie came back by car, Heddi, Nikki and I walked back along the towpath. Lunch of bacon rolls was much appreciated then we waved our guests goodbye. Shortly after Rob called to say he was on his way

Such a contrast in the weather. We awoke to grey skies and rain. After breakfast we debated whether to wait to see if the rain cleared or not, but decided to just get wet and go for it. By the time we arrived at Saul the rain had stopped. As it was a Bank holiday

Nikki, Paul and their girls arrived after lunch and we winded and headed down towards Sharpness. We found a mooring just before the bend round into the marina moorings. Just as with Liz and her girls, much fun was had throwing stones down into the squelchy mud by the old lock. Back to the boat

Just a couple of miles today. After breakfast we moved over to the other side to top up the water, which took ages due to the slow tap. Then we made our way slowly up to Splatt bridge so that we are ready for Nikki, Paul and their girls tomorrow. Just to strech our legs

We had agreed to meet Liz and her girls at Patch and then go down to the Wildlife & Wetlands Trust. So we set off at about 8:30, but the bridge keeper told us that there is a ‘school embargo’ on opening Fretherne bridge until 9 o’clock. This meant a very slow chug for half

We haven’t moved today as we have friends Jim & Mo visiting this evening. So today was spent chilling out and going for walks. The walks took us along parts of the Stroudwater canal that are soon to be restored.