It seems a long time since we posted a blog. “Why?” We hear you ask – or maybe not! Most of you will be aware that we have had a hot, dry summer. The result of this has been that much of the canal network has been at a standstill, with multiple lock flights closed, severely limiting movement around the network. This has meant that, since Electrika, we have not been on many adventures.
Our last trip before returning home and leaving our 38°C sweatbox was with the lovely Pat and Brian, who came to visit us at Brinklow for a few days in “Tina” their beloved camper van along with Ena and Beau. We had a wonderful few days with day trips both ways along the North Oxford Canal, super dog walks including a cool swim for the dogs and paddle for us in the local ford. We enjoyed lazy summer suppers outside and of course plenty of gin! We loved having them to stay.
Since their visit, very sadly, the wonderfully charismatic and at times a bit batty Ena has died. We will all miss her. Rest in Peace, Ena.
Having boating withdrawal we returned to Jenny Wren for a few days with Henry when headed back to the Ashby Canal for a more relaxed journey. We were warned that the water levels were low but decided to risk it and venture out to see if we could navigate the waters.
Yes, the water levels were low, but we were easily able to travel up the Ashby only going slightly aground when passing another boat (there were not many.)
We had a super trip enjoying stop offs for ice creams whenever possible! There were several highlights, the first of which was visiting the Battle of Bosworth Field. Aside from the fact that they now think the battle took place a few miles away from this site, we enjoyed the wonderful walk around the fields and the peaceful woodland walk. We saw lots of birds including nuthatches and long-tailed tits. Henry enjoyed revisiting this area early the following morning with their new camera hoping to get some good shots.
We made it all the way up to the head of navigation and enjoyed a beautiful night there in peace and tranquility. It really was a stunning location, we wished we could have stayed longer.
On our way back we stopped at the lovely farm shop we discovered on our previous visit and arrived just as the heavens opened with a torrential rain storm. Unfortunately this lead to staying in the shop longer and, inevitably, buying more, including the makings of a cream tea.
On our way back we finally managed to get a mooring to be able to go to the very popular Greyhound Pub at Hawksbury Junction where we treated ourselves to a late lunch.
It was a super trip and great to be back onboard Jenny Wren even for a short time.
We are now back onboard for our Autumn Cruise which we hope to get going on in the next few days. In the meantime there are jobs to be done and a generator to service before we can head out. More to follow once we get underway.
Battle of Bosworth Trip.
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