Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Busy few days….


Saturday was car collection day again, courtesy of Enterprise at Lichfield. A bit of shopping, then relax before a demanding day on Sunday.

We were in Sheffield at 08:45 on Sunday and on the way back by 11:45. In the interim I’d competed in the Great Yorkshire Run, a city-centre 10k.  I say compete… Though not bad I suppose. 800th overall and 15th in my age group.
And I didn’t get overtaken by any running bananas or Mr Men! That’s a result in itself!

After my previous post mentioning overstayers at Fradley I felt a bit hypocritical when we did the same on Sunday night. Though in my defence it was mid-afternoon by the time we got back, then I had to shower, eat, take Meg for a walk, eat again and by this time it was starting to get dark. I couldn’t face the 3 or 4 locks that would drop us down to Alrewas.

We moved down to Alrewas on Monday, Meg and I taking the car there first then walking back to bring the boat down.
We went up to the wharf for water and tank emptying, up Junction Lock, winded and came back down again, then through Keepers, Hunts and Common Locks before mooring up above Bagnall Lock on the edge of the village.

Leaving Fradley

Windy at Common Lock

We all piled into the car in the afternoon and drove across to see my folks over in Sileby near Loughborough. I was able to pick up my new camera while we were there, so the pictures might improve a bit. Not necessarily the quality, but the composition should be better now I can see what I’m pointing the thing at! The LCD backlight died on my old one coming across The Ribble Link.

Yesterday we went up to Yorkshire, lunch with Mags’ grand-daughter Nichola and her husband Arthur, then to the clinic for Mags’ annual review with the Doc. All’s well, she’s not to go back till next April for another check-up.
Unfortunately we left Bentham at a quarter past four, reaching the M6 as the traffic started to build up. The weather was a bit grim, too, rain and drizzle being sprayed up from all the vehicles. It must have caught someone out; both north and southbound carriageways were closed following an accident near Warrington.
We diverted off to skirt the east side of Manchester and drop down through the Peak District, but there were a lot of others with the same idea, making progress slow.
We finally made it back to the boat at 20:15, 4 hours to cover 150 miles.

We’ve had a day off today, whether we move or not tomorrow has yet to be decided. See what the weather does.

Locks 5, miles 2  

6 comments:

Unknown said...

I reckon 15th in your age group was an excellent result; but you really don't need the long drives as well. Don't forget the dog friendly hotels, B & Bs etc.. xx

Andy Bayley said...

Hi, I am the "gentleman" from NB Brindley you referred to. Just got back form our own cruise yesterday and now moored at Pillings Lock Marina. It was good to meet up with you and I hope you carry on blogging as for us softies now at home for the winter it helps keep in touch with canal life.
Andy Bayley.
ps long time since someone called me a gentleman!

Geoff and Mags said...

Hi Andy
I always give the benefit of doubt to any new acquaintances.... at least until I know them better!
We're heading your way at the end of the month, might even spend a little while in Pillings if the weather (and the river) looks dodgy. Visiting family locally.

Geoff and Mags said...

Hi Jill and Graham
Yes, fairly pleased with that result. Will do as you recommend for next year's Great North Run, the more "local" ones I can cope with.
Hope everything goes well at the weekend
Cheers, Geoff.

Andy Bayley said...

Geoff, can recommend the marina we moved here from Brinklow this summer. Whilst not having full length pontoons is a bit of a pain the place is good. People friendly good facilites and reasonable priced. Lots of room for maneouvring the boat and if you need to get access for polishing the sides just pop out on the canal where their are two wonding holes within 200 meters. All in all am very pleased. Let me know if you do get tot he marina and maybe we could meet fo a beer in the club house
Andy

Geoff and Mags said...

Thanks Andy, agree with your views, with stayed there, short term, on a couple of occassions. Should be in the area early November, so we may catch up then.
Cheers, Geoff