11 Hours, 300 miles and 3 locks . . .

Well, that’s what it took us to get home after our latest two week holiday afloat.

Set the alarm for 01:40 Sunday morning, locked the boat, unlocked the car (that’s two of the locks) set off at 02:12 from overwater marina near Audlem in Cheshire, arrived Poole at 05:55 for the 08:30 ferry to Jersey that arrived about 12:45 and unlocked the door (that’s number three) about 13:15 .

The poor ‘Boys on Tour’ were stuck in the back of the car for the best part of the trip apart from a pee and breakfast break at Poole Harbour.

We’re not massive travellers and in our two weeks we clocked up a ‘massive’ 33.5  miles and 14 locks. That’s an average of 2 miles a day and one lock, now that’s what I call a life.

One of the boys fell into the canal for the first time and frantically paddled around until he found out it was actually shallow enough to stand up. I could have dragged him out by the neck, but being the soft pet person I am, he was safely returned to terra firma with the aid of me lying on the tow path and giving him boost up from behind. Won’t be the last time no doubt and in fact a few days later he nearly went in again although only one legs worth this time.

Moored up on the aquaduct/embankment (not sure of the correct terminology yet) by the northern most lock near Audlem for the last few days and made the best of the good weather. Got myself so burnt though that I couldn’t sleep on my back for three nights. Popped into the Shroppie Fly, for medicinal purposes of course, to help with the sun burn, did it help – no, but afterwards did I care – no.

There’s also a guy at one of the locks that sells fruit, veg and some meat. Brought some Pork and Black Pudding sausages from him and I’ve got to say they were the pups nuts (always find saying the pups nuts is politer than the dogs bollocks – DOH! too late, said it now). I’m looking forward to our next trip probably as much for getting out on the water as for picking up some more sausages. Definite recommendation should you be in the area.

Now this is only my forth blog and I’m realising that this lark needs a bit of planning and foresight. Anyone else would have been clicking away and would have included photos of our boys swimming lesson, my pink bits, cooking my sausages and of course the pups nuts, if they were still intact of course, but whilst the Mrs likes a life full of men, she makes sure they’re not likely to stray if you get my drift.

Sorry for the lack of photo’s, but hopefully my ramblings made up for it. Not due back to our boat now until the latter end of July or early August and are counting down the weeks.

Hoping the weather is good for you in the meantime.

Bye for now.