So that's it for this year! No more festivals and the gift shop is now part way to being packed away until Easter 2016.
But we bought a new boat this year and we are really pleased with her! Now the panels are blanked off, we can get her and the butty signwritten and then they will then look really smart.
Beautiful weather at the Huddlesford Heritage Gathering as everyone set up on Sunday morning.
Last weekend was our last festival (please click on the above link for fantastic photos of the event) and we feel a little sad, but now Richard has to get back to work to pay for the realities in life; licences, insurance, sign-writing ~ no, I have conceded that we will get a professional in for the job, and of course getting the boats out of the water for blacking....again!
3 beautiful bowtop gypsy caravans
Men messing around in motorised bathtubs.....
It was a lovely show and we have asked if we can attend the next one in a couple of year's time.
Busy Alrewas
Monday morning was diabolical as the rain fell, but we knew we needed to get to Willington for Tuesday for the Trader day at Midland Chandlers. We delivered some coal to a customer and then began to plod down the locks at Fradley Junction, arriving in Alrewas as the sun came out!
The river was quiet and calm
The little bit of river between Alrewas and Wychnor stood between us and the next lock, but at this time of year, it was behaving itself!
Narrow bridge time ~ with the new elum on the butty, I didn't have to touch the tiller once as we negotiated this tricky narrow bit!
Another narrow bridge hole
Nearing the end of our long day, we were about ready for our pizzas (bought when we nipped to the Co op in Alrewas and a good shower to warm us up.
Moored up above Tatenhill Lock for the night on pins
The ranges were still going, so in went the pizzas, bliss...
A new day and our first lock .. done
Up early, we wanted to get to Shobnall Marina, in Burton on Trent, as it opened to buy some paint for a commission I needed to do.
Shobnall Marina on the left
Mission accomplished, we carried on to Willington.
I get the boys back on the boat as Richard passes over the aqueduct after Stretton. This nearly didn't go to plan as the curb stone was slippy and we all went a bit sideways getting aboard!
A fairly sleepy morning in Willington as we pass the pub
The plan was to get the shopping list done and then moor up in Willington on the '14 days' and pack the gift shop away etc.
Successfully around the entry to the marina, with the approach to the road bridge in front of us and our mooring
New 135amp batteries, just 3(!), 16 bottles of Elsan Blue we have this for sale in the winter, with coal and firelighters), some more LEDs for the new boat and various bits.... ooh hurting a bit, and Richard decided not to buy the main item after all that..the water pump, as the gasket sealant has held a treat!
Moored in the marina outside Midland Chandlers
Was that a good idea? We will have the car soon, so we can cross that bridge a bit quicker if we need to!
Back around and onto the canal, we had an impromtu visit from Richard's parents as we are back in 'the Shire' and then the bit we had been waiting for...last night we had a Chinese from THE best Chinese takeaway 'Sun Hall'. Our life is complete!
Gave you a toot as we passed today heading back to Kings Bromley but I guess you were in the Butty. when we came by 2 days ago you were breasted and taking water, I thought you had a ticket for overstaying on the water point. :-)
ReplyDelete