This is just a quick update, and an apology that so many of you sent comments I completely missed. It was interesting the spam bots were completely silent too, as usually I spend a fair amount of time killing off their inane mutterings. Obviously I’m not attractive enough to lure them in. But enough of that.
We had a very nice time in Dorset and in London, catching up with friends and family and enjoying the weather, which is delightful if you aren’t on a boat or similarly dependent on abundant water. resources. We stayed in the house for a second unplanned week before returning to the boat on Saturday.
On Monday we drove south again, back to bricks and mortar. Low water on the canals is now getting critical. Towards Northampton nearly all the locks are on restricted opening to conserve water resources, there are restrictions in Birmingham, and the route we had taken only a couple of weeks ago through Knowle was closed. We had planned to take the South Stratford down to the River Avon, the reasoning being rivers are less likely to suffer from water shortages (and it’s a beautiful river). Then that closed, because some thoughtless vandals had completely drained the canal; the last thing anyone needs. Another heatwave is coming this weekend. We decided we are better off in the house rather than sitting on the admittedly lovely Saltisford Arm in the heat. Since we got back to Dorset we had a notification from the CRT that the Oxford Canal is closing until we get significant rain, so that’s another route cut off. We don’t know how long we are going to be here, so I think I might paint the lounge – after 7 years it needs it.
When the water returns you might consider relocating to the Wey Navigation for a few years. Offside online National Trust Mooring at Pyrford, with all facilities nearby, is about £3.6k pa and an excellent Pub/restaurant on the lock. Navigation is beautiful and close to Thames. Worth a few years exploring Southern
Waters. Miles – Ex NB Chaulden
We’ve never visited the Wey Miles, it’s on next year’s plan. It would be lovely to be moored so close to home, thank you for the suggestion.
We do hope you manage to get back aboard soon, although Dorset looks pretty blissful too x
Dorset is wonderful, I have to visit regularly to ground on home soil. Last night I was watching the bats flitting about in our back garden, always a delight. And we are getting bonus tomatoes from the greenhouse. Our neighbours use it while we are away. X
Currently in Banbury, heading back before the Claydon flight closes!
I’m sorry your adventures have been cut short this summer. Next year it’ll probably rain from April to October!
You poor landlocked slobs, now you know how the other half feels!!! Hoping you share paint choices! Soon you’ll return to the bounding main, of that I am certain. Love and loads of laughs! XXXOOO
😂 just what I like, a bucketload of sympathy 😂
Paint choice will be Farrow & Ball Elephants Breath, which is exactly what’s there now. I could live in that colour and have to restrain myself from using it all over the house!