In September we set off to Nottingham where Jack, Lesley and I embarked on our canalboat cruise. The beginning was not auspicious as the Trent was flooded and we had to be redirected to another base near Tamworth. However after the first of many pub dinners, we underwent our intensive training on the Friday and set off in what proved to be dismal rain. Lesley and I cowered in the cabin, while Jack valiantly steered the boat, dripping with rain despite his large black umbrella.
However Saturday and the subsequent days were fine and sunny (well most of the time)giving the lie to England's reputation as a wet miserable place. It was a very relaxing trip as the boat travelled at a slower rate than a casual walk. Lesley and I, however, flexed our muscles ably at every lock. With Captain Jack at the tiller, we rolled bravely forth. On about the fourth day, he agreed to relinquish control to me and Lesley occasionally, monitoring our progress carefully nevertheless. We could see into people's backyards, make small talk with other passing boaters and only occasionally lost control and rammed someone or something.
The best place we stopped at (apart from the pubs en route) was Shrugsborough which was the home of the Earl of Lichfield, a National Trust manor, a working farm and a beautiful garden. We spent about 5 hours there and then off again on our boat. At he end of the week, we found our land legs again, recuperating at Lesley's (and visiting a few more pubs) before our next adventure .
2 comments:
Sounds like an adventure (not to mention pub)-filled week! Hope the rest of your trip goes as well. Love Clare xxx
I enjoyed your blog entry. I find that one says more when writing that over the phone so I'm all for blogs! I'll have to update mine one of these days...xx
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