Sunday 5th November – Day 112
It’s up early for me as I wake up at 5am and it’s one of those rare times where I felt refreshed and decide… well why not, so I got up and cracked on with writing. I managed about 1k so was pretty happy with that as I’m also editing as I go along. It lovely to watch the day dawn as the moon is still bright in the sky and the wispy red clouds of dawn make way for a beautiful day to cruise.
First job, is to take the Elsan to the services on the trusty electric bike as we intend to stop at Stafford for a few days and the next boat services point is Great Haywood once again! ((Don’t forget to tell everyone how you forgot to put the lid on the blue liquid you use for the toilet so it leaked into the carrier bag)) Yes, yes, you don’t have to tell everyone every mistake I make! I wonder if it will be like this every year as we approach winter, that we end up loitering in one area for a while before setting off for a new canal and a new stretch when the weather changes.
We then pop to the boat moored behind us as Chris got talking to the couple and she is writing a canal book so we got chatting and exchanged emails so I can hopefully help her ((She does really she will never be a success if she listens to you…)) Hey… ((well to be fair you did advertise your fantasy series and sold one book so you know… next stop…)) we end up chatting for an hour and then at 10am it’s off we go.
First up of four locks today on the Staffordshire and Worcester canal is Longford Lock after only a few minutes and then in short order Park Gate Lock and Shutt Hill Lock. In between doing locks I have the washing machine on the go to make the most of generating electric whilst cruising. I pop in to finish off the washing and then make us a coffee and some toast as by this point we have been cruising for an hour and a half and since I was up early I want food.
Food and coffee consumed I stay outside to enjoy the beautiful blue skies and views. It’s a little chilly but we will take this kind of cruising weather any day of the week.
Before too long we arrive at Deptmore lock – this is the deep one if you remember from the way up. Stunning views from this high up. Once out we cruise past the fields which flooded on the way up. I’m going to try and show some before and afters on the vlog when I get around to editing it. ((That will be out in like 2026 so don’t hold your breath!)) Actually, it should be vlog number 47 which will be live on Sunday 10th December! (Ohhh, get you being all organised. Remember whose telling you this people, don’t hold your breath!))
We arrive at our mooring spot near Radford Bridge and then it’s a quick visit to Aldi for essentials and then I treat myself to a power nap since I was up so early. Then the afternoon is filled with making a Sunday dinner, editing my novels, writing this blog and just possibly a film.
Right, that’s it for this week. Don’t forget the vlog is alive and last week I put a vlog up about the cost of the narrowboat and then one each night so plenty to binge watch on a rainy day.
Miles: 5 Locks: 4
Until next week… xx
Wordcount: 1,202 total: 6,751 ((Down on the wordcount again Peachy! Tut Tut!))
YouTube link… https://youtu.be/RpFzn0FUGUA?si=MyNmdg1acvQA8WGB
C.L. Peache 