tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51230498406095359262024-03-06T03:57:09.592+00:00nb AshdownThe joys of life aboard on the inland waterways of the UK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canal World Discussion Forum members: Kiwidad and KiwiMum
Kiwidadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00573059997513307883noreply@blogger.comBlogger129125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123049840609535926.post-39665232641988631772014-10-26T15:54:00.000+00:002014-10-26T15:54:29.388+00:00A Belated Blog and Upcoming NuptialsSeptember 20th - 21st 2014<br />
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A fair number of weeks back now Andrew and I ventured back into the New Forest, accompanied by my brother, Jody and his wife Gina. We had a marvellous weekend with a fair bit of sightseeing, fun and laughter. With a good selection of food thrown in :)<br />
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So I will let the photo’s speak for themselves:<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NewForest_00001" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NBm40IB3t7Y/VE0OpCxIeEI/AAAAAAAAEMY/rcFeFUTXb48/NewForest_00001%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="427" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="NewForest_00001" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forest Fungi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NewForest_00002" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5U518eymYxY/VE0OqTw9aJI/AAAAAAAAEMg/LT9KFFB39-8/NewForest_00002%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="427" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="NewForest_00002" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Forest Fungi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NewForest_00003" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-p_sttk6rvSI/VE0OrIrhrfI/AAAAAAAAEMo/4KWgZ7tpGnQ/NewForest_00003%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="606" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="NewForest_00003" width="406" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and some more</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NewForest_00005" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Wh-Cq26uYa5zyUrtuviW_LSlIR4j5SInGHG0NGM-ox25dGYNtegkJ4ENMEL8zPGWtzysdNpVRJ5jCcT36W2Q8-zZ-iBoNtObgv64Qe8Ty8Wi2y6KaRra30jo-mZGuErZp691yntWs6Ri/?imgmax=800" height="427" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="NewForest_00005" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">got to love that forest fungi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NewForest_00007" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6iUrQhqqZck/VE0Os-0xg5I/AAAAAAAAEM4/5JpQlhNgqMA/NewForest_00007%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="606" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="NewForest_00007" width="406" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shocking focus but patiently waiting for me to finish photographing THAT FOREST FUNGI!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NewForest_00009" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7uZlaGDWK7c/VE0OtwbQ45I/AAAAAAAAENA/F09xBFOWwsU/NewForest_00009%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="606" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="NewForest_00009" width="406" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and a whole fungi city</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NewForest_00010" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yRazfOVuu7c/VE0Ou0r2gQI/AAAAAAAAENI/qlCiAAG8oZ4/NewForest_00010%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="427" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="NewForest_00010" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and from the other side</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NewForest_00011" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-M1wAbrQBTtQ/VE0Ov-nntwI/AAAAAAAAENQ/LMRT-hK5pUk/NewForest_00011%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="427" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="NewForest_00011" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">those little midgets all over, couldn't photoshop them out!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NewForest_00013" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-m5rYd0iehWg/VE0OwWSCwhI/AAAAAAAAENY/QxnviDcQsvc/NewForest_00013%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="606" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="NewForest_00013" width="406" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">so a view from the top instead</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NewForest_00014" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-po8WugsHoAo/VE0OxGIUBBI/AAAAAAAAENg/bqIEQGVX_cE/NewForest_00014%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="606" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="NewForest_00014" width="406" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">take a guess</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NewForest_00015" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BO188zLtUsA/VE0OyJEB6lI/AAAAAAAAENo/yxYvXFcYGpY/NewForest_00015%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="427" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="NewForest_00015" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">really old tree roots</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NewForest_00018" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Db-pqSvAc3U/VE0OzS3y0ZI/AAAAAAAAENw/luIer6EU3nc/NewForest_00018%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="427" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="NewForest_00018" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">food source for something</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NewForest_00021" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5ZckaXDKa8I/VE0O0I5jB6I/AAAAAAAAEN4/am97HgG2dhY/NewForest_00021%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="606" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="NewForest_00021" width="406" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a lovely bright yellow one :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NewForest_00023" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--BussS9dU3w/VE0O1DCSA_I/AAAAAAAAEOA/Jmp2On67FdY/NewForest_00023%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="427" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="NewForest_00023" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fungi at the High Corner Inn !! not for lunch by the looks of it</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NewForest_00024" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_5o-ooSQqH4/VE0O13oLWnI/AAAAAAAAEOI/8OvM5E0DR6A/NewForest_00024%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="427" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="NewForest_00024" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A walk on the moors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NewForest_00025" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Irmmb2wkAoo/VE0O29BrCdI/AAAAAAAAEOQ/PX6Xu9dvIKY/NewForest_00025%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="427" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="NewForest_00025" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deciding on a path</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NewForest_00028" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PX8PqjmRp28/VE0O3u6gv5I/AAAAAAAAEOY/IMi3ElBjP3c/NewForest_00028%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="427" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="NewForest_00028" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And just what i was hoping we would spot. Lucky for us Andrew spooked them from underneath the crab apple tree.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NewForest_00022" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0lBw_4XHL4U/VE0O4uaI8EI/AAAAAAAAEOg/pufRzm8qIdQ/NewForest_00022%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="555" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="NewForest_00022" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NewForest_00022a" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xGWvSUKDlt0/VE0O5TxmAwI/AAAAAAAAEOo/eea-vAyRT-M/NewForest_00022a%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="634" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="NewForest_00022a" width="606" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and skipping over the ridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NewForest_00063" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fikWg1nQKK0/VE0O6N9kyAI/AAAAAAAAEOw/PLejEMjrkuA/NewForest_00063%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="427" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="NewForest_00063" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the 'summit'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NewForest_00064" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-47Z9hji_VTM/VE0O7eYGvxI/AAAAAAAAEO4/5-oso-KhOdI/NewForest_00064%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="427" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="NewForest_00064" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and another stag !!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NewForest_00065" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PW85mLDU_jU/VE0O8pihsuI/AAAAAAAAEPA/PzIvOo0DyIk/NewForest_00065%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="427" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="NewForest_00065" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NewForest_00066" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Njr57Ew3_no/VE0O9Xhk-tI/AAAAAAAAEPI/Gq0OodGx9Uo/NewForest_00066%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="427" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="NewForest_00066" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gina's home-crafted Martini -using olives from some antipasto! Apparently still tasted good. I wonder if the garlic gave it an extra boost</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_8711" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ITnL1KupIXg/VE0O_kiWEeI/AAAAAAAAEPY/veZQqpyXwTM/IMG_8711%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="640" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_8711" width="427" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forest track</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_8715" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7VjhHpFF07LzcqNPNOZIWTcAmZa-83rSMA6feqqZzDv3kMgiQRwzT0hyphenhyphendu8znwsfMCjWgG4LfRZkD1RVc8bOWSll8B9FkOhqzpyI-NNdXgdz2yTbZsTmWtrqxqk5OidfHL1Kr4hPwAZT/?imgmax=800" height="361" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_8715" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a bevy of beauties</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NewForest_00069" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gF7G5OjCPYE/VE0PBdI7DtI/AAAAAAAAEPo/e7hOanD_3Yk/NewForest_00069%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="427" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="NewForest_00069" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and another large fungi</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"> </td><td style="text-align: center;">As I did last time we went to the New Forest, Gina wished to see the beach. So we made our way to Mudeford Quay. Naturally Gina wanted to wet her feet :)</td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_8728" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hgBaR7peDQs/VE0PCfT_NiI/AAAAAAAAEPw/a6Y74VeRAQc/IMG_8728%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="640" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_8728" width="427" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<img alt="IMG_8735" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3py5nmD1K1k/VE0PDUAottI/AAAAAAAAEP4/IioTTmHZAyU/IMG_8735%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="640" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_8735" width="470" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="IMG_8743" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-R8lo5eAvf5Q/VE0PEN1GT-I/AAAAAAAAEQA/jHU9pbCnM4w/IMG_8743%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="640" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_8743" width="467" /><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_8754" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WvA5ZFXa0HU/VE0PFO7_HgI/AAAAAAAAEQI/_YbE_TY1GCY/IMG_8754%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="640" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_8754" width="426" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sailing, dogs and birds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NewForest_00121" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-E89SGkhaS1U/VE0PGDOrDPI/AAAAAAAAEQQ/UP_4BHxpYNw/NewForest_00121%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="427" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="NewForest_00121" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On The Rocks !!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NewForest_00123" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qR8ancONeBM/VE0PGyzudEI/AAAAAAAAEQY/-9dU3woTWqs/NewForest_00123%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="606" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="NewForest_00123" width="406" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thoughtfull</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<img alt="NewForest_00127" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MhB9HQRMO9o/VE0PHlrKECI/AAAAAAAAEQg/Fwvu-yfX87Y/NewForest_00127%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="606" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="NewForest_00127" width="406" /> <br />
<br /> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NewForest_00141" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ff6Ct5qG12c/VE0PJE8MOwI/AAAAAAAAEQw/Lv0b-FE6Qf4/NewForest_00141%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="606" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="NewForest_00141" width="406" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">something of interest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NewForest_00146" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sJHWkAn8e78/VE0PKA4aJZI/AAAAAAAAEQ4/huEazBfQzwg/NewForest_00146%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="606" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="NewForest_00146" width="406" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NewForest_00149" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-o1YnXaVFHZc/VE0PLXwUrnI/AAAAAAAAERA/0mulEq0nDdI/NewForest_00149%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="427" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="NewForest_00149" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a bucketfull of crabs allowed to return to the sea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_8794" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eXDpBYF_7nI/VE0PMOI2HTI/AAAAAAAAERI/RXFn3oIG9CM/IMG_8794%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="483" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_8794" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Headed Gull in winter plumage </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NewForest_00162" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8PJxOTdqQbok19HZSRqsyITrlcX2PsQa89oY1tg9tr5pDs1aziHV1d5tSysRSIcFo-y6ACF3qSf2egvqUbbisqrNFQ8mNXAF0HQeZYLONhlnKj3QTij6M7xziKlK4EqWOPkJZrmvZAKVT/?imgmax=800" height="606" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="NewForest_00162" width="406" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lobster pots</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_8806" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TXZm4AMA6K4/VE0PN0NeL2I/AAAAAAAAERY/HC_yjbtpMSY/IMG_8806%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="640" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_8806" width="504" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Backed Gull in winter plumage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
And to today – We are slowly packing all the necessities for our trip back to New Zealand after 2 years away. Our daughter Robyn is getting hitched and we need to be there to so that I can weep and Andrew can give her away and all the family will be there to see it :)<br />
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Really looking forward to seeing our girls and being able to give them a proper hug instead of a virtual one. Not looking forward to the actual flight but it has to be done!<br />
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So that is where we all are for now Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135074974269958198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123049840609535926.post-59213337015287369792014-08-19T21:51:00.003+01:002014-08-19T21:51:54.622+01:00A Big Thank-YouWe have been quite busy these past two weekends :) and after 2 evenings spent sifting and editing my photos I am finally ready to pop them in a post.<br />
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We would like to say a big thank you to the organisers of the Birthday Banter at the Samuel Barlow pub on the Coventry Canal.<br />
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Unfortunately we were not able to attend in our boat, but we drove down and stayed in a local Travelodge. Two very late but fun nights, including birthday cakes for the birthday boaters. One of them being Andrew.<br />
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I did a short walk of the Tamworth town centre on Saturday after a late brunch in the nearby pub, while Andrew and company kept my seat free. Not a lot to see really, in the town centre that is. A lot like most other small towns. I did take a walk around the castle and the park surrounding it, along with the two rivers. That part of it was all quite pretty. I had not taken my camera with me for this weekend, not expecting to have time to take a bit of a wander, so the old handy phone came out for the very few pictures that I took.<br />
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<img alt="2014-08-09_00001" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ztR8r7fc7D0/U_O1ZpnqLbI/AAAAAAAAEE4/nLP06CP_6SA/2014-08-09_00001%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="606" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="2014-08-09_00001" width="456" /><br />
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<img alt="2014-08-09_00002" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81OlksBRI2yN5ROgEtoryviEOv-7m9MDFPvWs3DOyEA17o3-AxS5arXUpS45zLiRW5Cp3fmC8Ng9uuqXQk87qz1R3vXjXMzZeh167iudQWygTSsZn6LOY_iqtxSjQ3HXgn4MTM4-WbYNr/?imgmax=800" height="481" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="2014-08-09_00002" width="640" /><br />
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<img alt="2014-08-09_00003" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6lorChludGg/U_O1bkBpwkI/AAAAAAAAEFI/24iu-qnhUFk/2014-08-09_00003%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="481" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="2014-08-09_00003" width="640" /><br />
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Sunday morning the weather was dreadful, with the expected bad weather. We woke up early, packed and decided to head for home.<br />
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It was really good to catch up with people who we had not seen in over a year. Non-stop talk and laughter, really good medicine. The lack of sleep though did not aid the Monday morning rise for work though :(<br />
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So after a week at work to recover, on Friday evening we set off for Bristol. Barbara and John, who we had met on our travels last year and with whom we cruised for a few weeks along the Huddersfield, Aire and Calder; and Leeds and Liverpool canals, had invited us down to stay with them and have a catch up.<br />
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We had another fabulous weekend, with Barbara and John taking us on a grand tour of the west Cotswolds, including Newark Park and Tetbury on Saturday and the Severn Bridges and Bristol Docks on Sunday morning. <br />
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Around Newark Park</div>
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<img alt="2014-08-16_00003" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XsrSaypM1As/U_O1cEC_byI/AAAAAAAAEFQ/F88aiPnVsNg/2014-08-16_00003%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="606" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="2014-08-16_00003" width="406" /> </div>
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<img alt="2014-08-16_00005" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mWldS7tZ-Y0/U_O1dRsHjCI/AAAAAAAAEFU/qps7g3kWKnU/2014-08-16_00005%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="606" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="2014-08-16_00005" width="406" /> </div>
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<img alt="2014-08-16_00006" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Q6z97queWwg/U_O1ePcj4zI/AAAAAAAAEFg/hgqdiY3emQ0/2014-08-16_00006%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="606" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="2014-08-16_00006" width="406" /> </div>
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<img alt="2014-08-16_00008" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UFxlA63TCRA/U_O1eqPik5I/AAAAAAAAEFo/E-0ZGZXiBKc/2014-08-16_00008%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="606" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="2014-08-16_00008" width="406" /> </div>
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<img alt="2014-08-16_00009" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hL9Zi8hv0pU/U_O1fzalo9I/AAAAAAAAEFw/KJVhVkoPhWc/2014-08-16_00009%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="606" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="2014-08-16_00009" width="406" /> </div>
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<img alt="2014-08-16_00013" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwp5r3XXz72o9xB01DxJO5C7jKRVwJIX0rmQ_6RWszphMfbpGxyDz9eBjMF6-VGXo7LdWt2R_caGvsSIYVS68a_reHD7bd5w3Gs4w-BSOrLxB54WySCdzb1VZyQakhKuoGT4S3pN82WqL/?imgmax=800" height="606" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="2014-08-16_00013" width="483" /> </div>
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<img alt="2014-08-16_00014" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pLuX_Cq7P_E/U_O1hy3wl6I/AAAAAAAAEGA/Ixnz9tv2AWE/2014-08-16_00014%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="422" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="2014-08-16_00014" width="640" /> </div>
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<img alt="2014-08-16_00018" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2BJ8CAPsVvg/U_O1i8o1m9I/AAAAAAAAEGI/DpGZpIBDs9E/2014-08-16_00018%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="618" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="2014-08-16_00018" width="640" /> </div>
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<img alt="2014-08-16_00021" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mfPq91pymCk/U_O1kNVX1iI/AAAAAAAAEGQ/HgKEkoF138A/2014-08-16_00021%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="562" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="2014-08-16_00021" width="640" /> </div>
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<img alt="2014-08-16_00023" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pfLYRqxQP2I/U_O1lVRJkNI/AAAAAAAAEGY/XDEzKQQi8yE/2014-08-16_00023%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="606" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="2014-08-16_00023" width="537" /> </div>
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<img alt="2014-08-16_00028" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nvZgN3bvesM/U_O1mG7kH1I/AAAAAAAAEGg/fftpJJ0zAmM/2014-08-16_00028%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="606" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="2014-08-16_00028" width="406" /> </div>
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<img alt="2014-08-16_00029" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VefX3hkGvps/U_O1nc3zLHI/AAAAAAAAEGo/gxAX5L_rKW8/2014-08-16_00029%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="606" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="2014-08-16_00029" width="406" /> </div>
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<img alt="2014-08-16_00031" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HyUxcIbSbbY/U_O1n96Bo_I/AAAAAAAAEGw/-DYEdTAfuiI/2014-08-16_00031%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="606" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="2014-08-16_00031" width="406" /> </div>
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<img alt="2014-08-16_00032" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wmlMxEoTBvQ/U_O1o_o_jYI/AAAAAAAAEG4/ECt-WgYOmvE/2014-08-16_00032%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="606" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="2014-08-16_00032" width="406" /> </div>
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<img alt="2014-08-16_00035" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CHFaid3qxTY/U_O1qGvHxJI/AAAAAAAAEHA/-IXmSa3dooE/2014-08-16_00035%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="606" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="2014-08-16_00035" width="406" /> </div>
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<img alt="2014-08-16_00037" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-P4W0OMa6_84/U_O1rMeogsI/AAAAAAAAEHI/nzbdc2AS9jc/2014-08-16_00037%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="606" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="2014-08-16_00037" width="406" /> </div>
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<img alt="2014-08-16_00039" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uzxJn0ZNPwo/U_O1sH_mlQI/AAAAAAAAEHQ/244Ed7P-3DI/2014-08-16_00039%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="427" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="2014-08-16_00039" width="640" /> </div>
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<img alt="2014-08-16_00041" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cfWB2nOlkWA/U_O1tDQ1l1I/AAAAAAAAEHY/y6edo9mtinI/2014-08-16_00041%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="427" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="2014-08-16_00041" width="640" /> </div>
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<img alt="2014-08-16_00048" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RZghgJDz0i8/U_O1udcF3NI/AAAAAAAAEHg/HFnxztQ7DP8/2014-08-16_00048%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="606" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="2014-08-16_00048" width="515" /> </div>
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<img alt="2014-08-16_00053" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LHbnUf2CAEM/U_O1vfBNMAI/AAAAAAAAEHo/1izg5e-thNI/2014-08-16_00053%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="606" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="2014-08-16_00053" width="660" /> </div>
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<img alt="2014-08-16_00057" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OOezsoxeA00/U_O1waV1ODI/AAAAAAAAEHw/00HzRazJ1A8/2014-08-16_00057%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="606" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="2014-08-16_00057" width="406" /> </div>
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<img alt="2014-08-16_00062" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4aKMaiggD_M/U_O1xbLBO5I/AAAAAAAAEH4/TPZMuC0w7so/2014-08-16_00062%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="468" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="2014-08-16_00062" width="640" /> </div>
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Another weekend of fun and laughter. This time though I took my camera with me and I just hope that Barbara and John were not too upset at my constant lagging behind :) Andrew and I had a ball, so thanks again Barbara and John. Not sure if we will be able to reciprocate quite as well, especially on the entertainment side :P<br />
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Around Tetbury</div>
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<img alt="2014-08-16_00063" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Kh4Bm30DJjo/U_O1yJ9fiGI/AAAAAAAAEIA/q8uJbPkQsdg/2014-08-16_00063%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="606" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="2014-08-16_00063" width="406" /> </div>
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<img alt="2014-08-16_00065" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_cKLqJFi-dA/U_O1yywSeVI/AAAAAAAAEII/pxn1G2MbByE/2014-08-16_00065%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="427" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="2014-08-16_00065" width="640" /> </div>
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We had a lovely lunch in Tetbury after a short wander and after lunch visited The Cheese Shop. It was so small inside, Andrew (with the money) stayed outside. There were some rather good looking cheeses, but with the money having hidden itself I was not able to purchase any :( Never mind, Barbara and John had a delicious supply which we managed to put rather a big dent in :) , then it was on to the bakery. Again the money seemed to make itself scarce, but with a 2 for 1 (as they were about to close) John and Barbara, treated us yet again, yummy :D </div>
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Tetbury, is a bit different to most other villages that we have visited (as is to be expected for Prince Charles’ local village), every second shop was an antiques shop rather than a charity one :) I have never seen so many antique shops in one spot !! Window shopping was the order of the day though, a bit too expensive for our wallets :(</div>
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Around Easter Compton and Bristol Docks</div>
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One of the shops which caught my eye in Bristol was an art gallery. Maybe not so much the shop itself but two of the art works in the window. I just loved these, hint, hint to Slim ;) <br />
See the artists page here, <a href="http://irenemarsh.co.uk/" target="_blank">Irene Marsh</a>, just beautiful. <br />
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This weekend coming is our last long weekend before Christmas :( but we will be chilling (hopefully not literally) on the boat. We are both looking forward to that too. Not sure if we will cruise very far, but just being on the boat will be great.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135074974269958198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123049840609535926.post-12920964275113316102014-07-11T22:08:00.004+01:002014-07-11T22:08:51.838+01:00A Fair Few Days AboardFri 4th July – Mon 7th July<br />
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Andrew and I organised ourselves a day off on Monday, giving ourselves an extra day for the weekend.<br />
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Naturally we headed north to the boat on Friday evening. As we approached Birmingham it started raining, only lightly at first. Once on board and settled in for the night though, it chucked it down. Although the plan had been to cruise to Fradley Junction on Saturday morning, we started having second thoughts.<br />
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Saturday morning was still a bit drizzly when Andrew got up but by the time I rolled out of bed it was starting to clear. The final decision was made and once we had filled the water and diesel and emptied the other tank, we departed the marina. We arrived at Haywood Lock, 3rd in the queue to go down.<br />
While waiting I saw a mass of caterpillars on the nettles. Hundreds of the little beauties.<br />
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<img alt="UKTravels_00004" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UDFrwXqdwkU/U8BLD9CcTZI/AAAAAAAAEAQ/nLgSWVQAn8c/UKTravels_000043.jpg?imgmax=800" height="624" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00004" width="424" /><br />
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Turns out they are all pre-cursors to the Peacock butterfly. I would love to be there again to see them all pupate and then emerge. We will see, now I know where they are hiding.<br />
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<img alt="UKTravels_00023" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1aajHSZywGw/U8BLFQYzGiI/AAAAAAAAEAg/C8CWonZb1sM/UKTravels_000233.jpg?imgmax=800" height="624" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00023" width="424" /><br />
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Next through Colwich Lock and a long lock free cruise to Wood End Lock and Fradley Junction. What a wonderful day it turned out to be. We pulled in to the last available space at the visitor moorings above Shadehouse Lock. Within a short time we were out in the deck chairs enjoying some liquid refreshments and sunshine.<br />
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Later as the sun was setting we went for a wonder down to the Mucky Duck but decided against stopping in. Instead we drifted back to our own space and supplies.<br />
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<img alt="UKTravels_00039" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IHI1HKtOa7A/U8BLGAd2SCI/AAAAAAAAEAo/1zDuhDRCWFo/UKTravels_000393.jpg?imgmax=800" height="432" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00039" width="640" /><br />
Sunset at Fradley Junction<br />
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<img alt="UKTravels_00040" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xCZHlViWkK4/U8BLG0ImjGI/AAAAAAAAEAw/jDx5Y9dLWQc/UKTravels_000403.jpg?imgmax=800" height="432" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00040" width="640" /><br />
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Saturday morning I was up almost as early as Andrew. As we needed to wind to return the way whence we came, I thought that it might be a good idea for us to get an early start. Seeing as I was already awake and up, we headed towards Shadehouse Lock at 8:30am. By that time we were already in a queue to go down the two locks and once winded still in another queue to go back up. Once past those and Wood End Lock around the corner, it was another lock free cruise to our proposed stopping point between Rugeley and Wolseley Bridge.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting at Wood End Lock</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chaffich at Wood End Lock</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female Chaffich</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="UKTravels_00059" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vglcbumNuSs/U8BLKpVegLI/AAAAAAAAEBQ/cHY-qQKKXFE/UKTravels_000593.jpg?imgmax=800" height="432" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00059" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going Up !</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="UKTravels_00062" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-q3VWP9P2_WM/U8BLLYnLgWI/AAAAAAAAEBY/zYMyaaumiLk/UKTravels_000623.jpg?imgmax=800" height="624" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00062" width="424" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relaxing Cruise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="UKTravels_00064" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Q2bZopzgue0/U8BLMXt79bI/AAAAAAAAEBg/7uQQC81O928/UKTravels_000643.jpg?imgmax=800" height="624" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00064" width="424" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bliss :)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="UKTravels_00066" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TaxEWhZHtFg/U8BLNPDFDyI/AAAAAAAAEBo/xQxpmebdlcM/UKTravels_000663.jpg?imgmax=800" height="624" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00066" width="424" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old building in Rugeley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<img alt="UKTravels_00068" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--guTtZYvZuQ/U8BLOA2JtQI/AAAAAAAAEBw/Mz9pgUp3dqs/UKTravels_000683.jpg?imgmax=800" height="624" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00068" width="424" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="UKTravels_00073" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BVnR8Lf_y88/U8BLO4PdMoI/AAAAAAAAEB4/GJlGUFqBhUo/UKTravels_000733.jpg?imgmax=800" height="624" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00073" width="424" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="UKTravels_00085" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jZ105keVR5w/U8BLPxlQilI/AAAAAAAAECA/pNV30UVWz7Q/UKTravels_000853.jpg?imgmax=800" height="624" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00085" width="424" /><br />
<br />
We made it in plenty of time to get the tv setup so that I could watch the Wimbledon Men’s Finals. Quite a match but by the time it got to the 5th set I decided that I was missing out on the beautiful sunshine outside which Andrew was enjoying on his own. So on went the radio and I joined him outside until the clouds drove us back in.<br />
<br />
Another lovely evening and I had a bit of a play with my camera again.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="UKTravels_00099" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4r5E8cLHnvU/U8BLQ_77QdI/AAAAAAAAECI/NoMGnSBlv2c/UKTravels_000993.jpg?imgmax=800" height="432" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00099" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watercolour?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="UKTravels_00100" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--pwRRk8-ek4/U8BLRyFWVMI/AAAAAAAAECQ/qpZxkfm-NUE/UKTravels_001003.jpg?imgmax=800" height="432" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00100" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="UKTravels_00114" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YM0HagPQ39s/U8BLSVat3WI/AAAAAAAAECY/D-id3MyICCE/UKTravels_001143.jpg?imgmax=800" height="624" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00114" width="424" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Through the window</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="UKTravels_00117" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iK5GzKtclA8/U8BLTUKWc5I/AAAAAAAAECg/x4Ur8AKTSBU/UKTravels_001173.jpg?imgmax=800" height="624" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00117" width="424" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another sunset</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<img alt="UKTravels_00120" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vVA2ZGMtk3Y/U8BLUFUQuoI/AAAAAAAAECo/Ny4xArQtVfM/UKTravels_001203.jpg?imgmax=800" height="557" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00120" width="824" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="UKTravels_00121" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jn24OfQHVXw/U8BLUyW5agI/AAAAAAAAECw/i9w8UQx5SwM/UKTravels_001213.jpg?imgmax=800" height="624" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00121" width="424" /><br />
<br />
Although the weekend was quite busy boat wise, Monday morning was more so. Obviously all those lucky boaties who do not need to be anywhere and mooring up for the weekend to let all the weekend boaties go about their business. I didn’t have the heart to tell them that it was quieter on the water over the previous two days <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RXsePHtUZjE/U8BLVetZarI/AAAAAAAAEC0/-1WBklr-UqQ/wlEmoticon-smile2.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /><br />
<br />
The weather was starting to look ominous. We were going to stop below Haywood Lock but as there was quite a queue of boats coming down, we popped up and made our way to Tixall Wide for a few hours. Once again out came the deck chairs until the rain came over. At this point we made the short trip back to the marina and were moored up before the rain really started.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="UKTravels_00123" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ehrLfHtkTXo/U8BLWUcoFDI/AAAAAAAAEDA/eyispWJzJxg/UKTravels_001233.jpg?imgmax=800" height="487" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00123" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male Reed Bunting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A final clean and pack and we were in the car and on the road, after a short stop at the Canalside Shop to stock up from the butchers, by 4pm.<br />
<br />
On the drive home we passed through a fantastic thunderstorm with lightning and very heavy rain.<br />
<br />
Home again by 7pm and dinner on the go. <br />
<br />
All was well in the land of the Howard’s Abroad. Until the next trip that is.<br />
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<img alt="Rolling on the floor laughing" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-rollingonthefloorlaughing" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lZsKDU7Ij70/U8BLWxbMw_I/AAAAAAAAEDE/p_XE1Stt6N4/wlEmoticon-rollingonthefloorlaughing.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /> <img alt="Turtle" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-turtle" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IkmnjsFOVfU/U8BLXev2dVI/AAAAAAAAEDQ/cT1SXGLPDj0/wlEmoticon-turtle2.png?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none;" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135074974269958198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123049840609535926.post-74087119582275188022014-06-22T15:56:00.001+01:002014-06-22T15:56:34.717+01:00To the Coast and Back – in a Day<b>Sat 21st June</b> <br />
<br />
The decision was, go north to the boat or south to see something new. As we are staying in the UK for the foreseeable future so that we can see more of the UK and eventually travel a bit further afield, we decided on south <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7yHgHXUU2ow/U6bmiVEQ1dI/AAAAAAAAD7A/6kiFFxBLDDY/wlEmoticon-smile2.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /><br />
<br />
We were off early (9 am which is early for me on a weekend !) We plugged in the back roads to the GPS, heading for Mudeford, Christchurch along the Test Valley. Andrew was hoping to be able to stop and actually get a decent look at the River Test as it is his dream to be able to fish it, only thing is he needs to win the lottery to be able to afford it! Some what different to what he was used to in New Zealand, where all you needed was a fishing licence and access to the rivers and lakes. Here, in the UK, fishing rights are private or syndicated and very expensive if you just want to be able to fish for the day. <br />
<br />
To get back to the trip. The one place we were able to pull off the road, we walked for about 20 minutes but always parallel to the river and too far to get but a glimpse of the river. Maybe another day. <br />
<br />
We then zipped through the New Forest and made our way to Mudeford and Avon Beach <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7yHgHXUU2ow/U6bmiVEQ1dI/AAAAAAAAD7A/6kiFFxBLDDY/wlEmoticon-smile2.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /> . I just had a hankering for the sea, not having seen it for a while. Once there though, along with hundreds of others and children, reminded me of why I do not go to the beach that often. Every car park was pay and display and not cheap ! plus pretty full too by the time we got there at 11am. We found a spot at Mudeford Quay and popped in to the cafe for a drink and something to eat. It was a really beautiful day, with a cooling sea breeze but it was already starting to show it was going to be a really hot day!<br />
<br />
After a wander around the quay and a peek at the coast line of the Isle of Wight we decided to move on up the coast a bit where it was not as busy.<br />
<br />
Next stop Highcliffe Castle and down to the beach. I just wanted to put my feet in the sea. Is was not cold like I was expecting but actually it was lovely, especially on such a hot day.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="UKTravels_00001" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ypJVi5v2udE/U6bmjTwhJ9I/AAAAAAAAD7I/n5tpascRdcs/UKTravels_000013.jpg?imgmax=800" height="432" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00001" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feet in the Sea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We had been hoping to find a B&B or somewhere to stay the night but it seemed everywhere was full as all we saw were ‘No Vacancy’ signs outside the B&B’s we passed.<br />
So once my feet were dry we carried on up the coast towards Lymington, where there were some old salt pans which had been turned into nature reserves. I was hoping for some photographic birds who did not mind having a camera stuck in their face.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="UKTravels_00004" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rzEF4KFXbmM/U6bmkOOK1bI/AAAAAAAAD7Q/wPCKLyU3iyY/UKTravels_000043.jpg?imgmax=800" height="432" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00004" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Highcliffe Beach looking east</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="UKTravels_00006" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JmKUQ4PVHg0/U6bmk0tuLfI/AAAAAAAAD7Y/s-4FAUOOr1Y/UKTravels_000063.jpg?imgmax=800" height="432" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00006" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Highcliffe Beach looking west towards Avon Beach</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="UKTravels_00008" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BGGU8PtKxJY/U6bmlwin5SI/AAAAAAAAD7g/Eplh1UQqZiM/UKTravels_000083.jpg?imgmax=800" height="432" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00008" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Avon Beach beachhouses</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="UKTravels_00010" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7CmHYGlW0q0/U6bmmmaVa8I/AAAAAAAAD7o/yKonSeq8crM/UKTravels_000107.jpg?imgmax=800" height="425" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00010" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking across the Solent to the Isle of Wight</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="UKTravels_00012" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3wrikAm9X5s/U6bmnFM9V4I/AAAAAAAAD7w/V9DUoZv2bC4/UKTravels_000123.jpg?imgmax=800" height="624" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00012" width="424" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowers in Highcliffe Castle grounds</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="UKTravels_00014" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rboXwF1n6kc/U6bmoHKrzMI/AAAAAAAAD74/2l80-kAk_Ng/UKTravels_000143.jpg?imgmax=800" height="432" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00014" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Highcliffe Castle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="UKTravels_00019" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-O50ZisLOZ4Y/U6bmoseGJuI/AAAAAAAAD8A/cS_9wz6LWEU/UKTravels_000193.jpg?imgmax=800" height="624" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00019" width="424" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowers again!</td></tr>
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<br />
We stopped off along the way to seek out Hurst Castle, but once we saw that it was rather a long walk along the pebbly sea wall, we gave that one a miss too. We are not that much into walking really <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7yHgHXUU2ow/U6bmiVEQ1dI/AAAAAAAAD7A/6kiFFxBLDDY/wlEmoticon-smile2.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /><br />
But we got a great view across the salt marshes.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="UKTravels_00025" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CbsnFJRao8k/U6bmpven5fI/AAAAAAAAD8I/4B03JsBi3GA/UKTravels_000253.jpg?imgmax=800" height="432" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00025" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salt marsh at low tide</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="UKTravels_00026" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-b2Q9SqTAcTA/U6bmqLcU3yI/AAAAAAAAD8Q/IWC93GC1ci0/UKTravels_000263.jpg?imgmax=800" height="368" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00026" width="550" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Egret on the salt marsh - a bit far away for a decent picture</td></tr>
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<br />
Lymington was having a D-Day festival and once we found a space to park, we started walking in the direction of the nature reserve. It took a while to realise that we were parked on the ‘wrong’ side of town. The sun was beating down by now as there was not as much of the sea breeze in town. We found a pub to recoup and deliberate the options over a drink. Andrew stuck to cider, as he was driving and a small bowl of chips. They were great chips <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7yHgHXUU2ow/U6bmiVEQ1dI/AAAAAAAAD7A/6kiFFxBLDDY/wlEmoticon-smile2.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /> just could have done with a slightly bigger bowl .<br />
As we were only about half way to the nature reserve, AND still had to walk back if we continued. We have left that for another day and agreed that we would head back in to the New Forest and see if we could find a place for the night.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="UKTravels_00029" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-N5Vv0dAyo0E/U6bmq7JHijI/AAAAAAAAD8Y/K_uq8qyly2Y/UKTravels_000293.jpg?imgmax=800" height="624" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00029" width="424" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lymington Quay Street</td></tr>
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We have no idea what it was about last night, other than the summer solstice but EVERWHERE was full. We still had a great day though, driving around and seeing places and we have found a place that we will definitely go back to. A lovely Inn, in the New Forest with nothing else around it but forest.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="UKTravels_00039" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-15H3YOfrOeI/U6bmrjeaX0I/AAAAAAAAD8g/9bGrcMTd0CY/UKTravels_000393.jpg?imgmax=800" height="432" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00039" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donkey foal in the New Forest National Park</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="UKTravels_00040" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UdWAY9nf4Nc/U6bmsgvHgPI/AAAAAAAAD8o/hoA10kzKrxc/UKTravels_000403.jpg?imgmax=800" height="432" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00040" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small herd of New Forest horses</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="UKTravels_00042" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aWUL3NT0Qps/U6bmtqkO5JI/AAAAAAAAD8w/-fHrhQunWeI/UKTravels_000423.jpg?imgmax=800" height="485" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00042" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mum and foal</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="UKTravels_00049" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TVOAD6D2ZFQ/U6bmuvvybJI/AAAAAAAAD84/nZdXeH7hPJQ/UKTravels_000493.jpg?imgmax=800" height="432" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00049" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When I hopped out the car to take a photo of this small pony foal he came trotting over to me :)</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="UKTravels_00052" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2tfGzhVuVdI/U6bmvmCUOAI/AAAAAAAAD9A/kQK_PDX6Jb4/UKTravels_000523.jpg?imgmax=800" height="612" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00052" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He was so cute. I wanted to take him home.</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="UKTravels_00057" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fdJue67FGsQ/U6bmwefV2rI/AAAAAAAAD9I/tYQhpl58qkA/UKTravels_000573.jpg?imgmax=800" height="432" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00057" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some other ponies. The foal was having a good roll.</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="UKTravels_00058" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nGb9vnikiZs/U6bmxZdd44I/AAAAAAAAD9Q/Kz5Ul3717l4/UKTravels_000583.jpg?imgmax=800" height="432" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00058" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="UKTravels_00060" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3L64vg0RviM/U6bmyX2DrII/AAAAAAAAD9Y/7GoGNbLzvxE/UKTravels_000603.jpg?imgmax=800" height="323" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00060" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and taking off</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="UKTravels_00062" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xCRd7wrnlVQ/U6bmzA-3R7I/AAAAAAAAD9g/ZhxP5ZlJ9-g/UKTravels_000623.jpg?imgmax=800" height="495" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00062" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even Andrew was enjoying it :)</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="UKTravels_00070" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0Kh7QqJXDjo/U6bm0I84jRI/AAAAAAAAD9o/-0sm5-rK7GU/UKTravels_000703.jpg?imgmax=800" height="624" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="UKTravels_00070" width="424" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not many places where there were NO cars!</td></tr>
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So all in all it turned out to be a reconnaissance trip to the New Forest but we had fun, walked for miles ( or so it seemed ) and have agreed that although the coast is lovely we would rather go to the very remote spots with not too many people. A bit of a problem when we only have the weekends to travel, the same as everyone else who works <img alt="Sad smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-sadsmile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dO3sg0tTb4A/U6bm0u5rFAI/AAAAAAAAD9s/N_ii1rGkrD0/wlEmoticon-sadsmile2.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /> <br />
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Another trip on the cards, is a weekend on the Isle of Wight. Catching the ferry from Lymington to Yarmouth.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135074974269958198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123049840609535926.post-37682740197427069882014-05-07T21:50:00.002+01:002014-05-07T21:50:18.304+01:00A Long Weekend in Great Haywood and Tixell Wide2nd - 5th May<br />
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The boat is now finally moored at Great Haywood Marina, with thanks to Matty for taking the boat from Copredy to Great Haywood for us. Somewhat faster than we could, or would, have :)<br />
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We left for Great Haywood on friday evening after work. A quick 2 1/2hr drive via the A34, M40 and M6 Toll, so not too onerous, arriving at the boat just after 9pm. We unpacked while the kettle boiled. Over a cup of tea and an ale, Andrew got the fire going. Or at least tried to. In the end, with smoke filling the interior we decided that we would survive the night under the winter duvet and Andrew would clear the chimney in the morning :)<br />
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After the necessary visit to the marina office on Saturday morning, we topped up the water tank and headed out. Yippee :)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvl6EP3hYgXEp9nkhQnsOFhEwHnkzyulpUeoNecaiGRAOO3UN6U6kL-3Y7bgkRsr9jEym7Gnb3yfd0Ue5nOM7R_6ovKxuxqoFKu3ifjGGp46iVAiX4Fs0wKxpyT_SWFmBTi8jScU9OuZ0c/s1600/nbAshdown_00020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvl6EP3hYgXEp9nkhQnsOFhEwHnkzyulpUeoNecaiGRAOO3UN6U6kL-3Y7bgkRsr9jEym7Gnb3yfd0Ue5nOM7R_6ovKxuxqoFKu3ifjGGp46iVAiX4Fs0wKxpyT_SWFmBTi8jScU9OuZ0c/s1600/nbAshdown_00020.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">nb Ashdown's parking spot :)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXr0z4qB7b9q1o0TvNKptQIgZjhifCHRcu0fclA1KqbTlnn_wzYXtiEiFIyg8DWZ5zt53UfqA3VguE1HD01_eFrDSIPeZ8oQ8VzXc-P7LxKDxRSknhtKHhzUDPyqnlofRgLYREb8nYEqA/s1600/nbAshdown_00019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXr0z4qB7b9q1o0TvNKptQIgZjhifCHRcu0fclA1KqbTlnn_wzYXtiEiFIyg8DWZ5zt53UfqA3VguE1HD01_eFrDSIPeZ8oQ8VzXc-P7LxKDxRSknhtKHhzUDPyqnlofRgLYREb8nYEqA/s1600/nbAshdown_00019.jpg" height="430" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading Out</td></tr>
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We turned left out the marina, heading past all the on-line moored boats and slowly made our way towards our favorite spot. Hanging a right at the bridge we tootled along reaching our destination to find that it was pretty full. And we thought that we had started out reasonably early just after 9am.! Turns out that a large number of the moored boats had all started out at the same place we had! As no touching up is allowed in the marina, everyone was using Tixall Wide as a pull up DIY spot :O Naturally we joined in :)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEtfenQZfSw4bDKLj2BUu83pPuIno4St0SUchvQlDUjIc1ypaE3a-ZefBWaDoU1JtAYFwU_jjNvIKZfdfnYMJaoMZ4MXBvdmYgmW8swlIc5Cuh0mnlPbEK69QpuJnpL9354kIbBcl0LGW/s1600/1235094_10204022870480471_9085866927261463313_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEtfenQZfSw4bDKLj2BUu83pPuIno4St0SUchvQlDUjIc1ypaE3a-ZefBWaDoU1JtAYFwU_jjNvIKZfdfnYMJaoMZ4MXBvdmYgmW8swlIc5Cuh0mnlPbEK69QpuJnpL9354kIbBcl0LGW/s1600/1235094_10204022870480471_9085866927261463313_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew at work</td></tr>
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Andrew started on sanding down the rusty bits in preparation for some rust proof and the rest. He then did a wash down the side and I cleaned the outside of the windows and polished the side. All up the boat has now had a bit of a clean on the outside and the start of a serious clean on the inside. I am just waiting for the warmer weather so that when I wipe down all the shelves and bits on the inside they do not get covered in fine ash again !<br />
Lucky for Andrew, Matty had done the engine service and resealed and painted the stove for him. Now I just need to give Matty a list of the jobs that I would like done :)<br />
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All in all we had a lovey couple of days relaxing and pottering (in that order) in the gorgeous weather. Although it was a busy towpath weekend with so many boats moored there and people walking about. We are still looking forward to the next long weekend in a few weeks :)<br />
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There was a bit of a nature watch going on to, which is only natural (haha did you see that :) ) when I have a camera about<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVO2q3cCb71NLWzS5L02u5lHtMdiQFl_09AC1ffrp8ddIS8syofgSD3MDA-FF940YHjdns6gb5pRzFCJ4Wag5mF88Sg1mTDBFBU8JfTIMBRevGkbUBw8jB5hfODnn_3clGCP-eR826E9jq/s1600/nbAshdown_00017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVO2q3cCb71NLWzS5L02u5lHtMdiQFl_09AC1ffrp8ddIS8syofgSD3MDA-FF940YHjdns6gb5pRzFCJ4Wag5mF88Sg1mTDBFBU8JfTIMBRevGkbUBw8jB5hfODnn_3clGCP-eR826E9jq/s1600/nbAshdown_00017.jpg" height="410" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canadian Geese</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5YB1enFIVAB84hTt_58DI_kz42-q4D6L7yVGBChX38Hjqp8h4vM9Qi_zkNGsbd7Ypdz2qWtmHaD9stGCvNf7lF6In7Spx-rOxOyhE7mcYARGKxjHO60eGRqWw5j2LRYdAN3VdZVKcAMC/s1600/nbAshdown_00018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5YB1enFIVAB84hTt_58DI_kz42-q4D6L7yVGBChX38Hjqp8h4vM9Qi_zkNGsbd7Ypdz2qWtmHaD9stGCvNf7lF6In7Spx-rOxOyhE7mcYARGKxjHO60eGRqWw5j2LRYdAN3VdZVKcAMC/s1600/nbAshdown_00018.jpg" height="432" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This poor Canadian Goose was a loner and constantly being chased away by the swans</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEoaKLAzer3032ZY_pj7M2gTFb44IyXBfpE0n1fKKTiaEvk4dCABiDkgm0z85KQEBJShtEl17djxzc-bW9pIGcJmnt50Nt-fEyUO1lxwCXyZ8JOXpd0EA-7VVDEhBZAgaqrTBmYB_Q-PQq/s1600/nbAshdown_00021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEoaKLAzer3032ZY_pj7M2gTFb44IyXBfpE0n1fKKTiaEvk4dCABiDkgm0z85KQEBJShtEl17djxzc-bW9pIGcJmnt50Nt-fEyUO1lxwCXyZ8JOXpd0EA-7VVDEhBZAgaqrTBmYB_Q-PQq/s1600/nbAshdown_00021.jpg" height="640" width="430" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Late evening Balloon ride </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6EaXNiula8TcsnKbbXhm18pCMzBHCA8wc4KxiKhDiFs33nsaC8tXdH7ZrjChQJekf2gp6LpeLHjGrEvuf6X9dtS52C5aXbtx4CMLvRH1AUr-Enh7_AOgH1P5OGVF5l9McQQh4vr3YDXBk/s1600/nbAshdown_00027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6EaXNiula8TcsnKbbXhm18pCMzBHCA8wc4KxiKhDiFs33nsaC8tXdH7ZrjChQJekf2gp6LpeLHjGrEvuf6X9dtS52C5aXbtx4CMLvRH1AUr-Enh7_AOgH1P5OGVF5l9McQQh4vr3YDXBk/s1600/nbAshdown_00027.jpg" height="476" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our noisy neighbour</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjda-cq8CwSZHiPfGpor0ODrK6VGpHKl9OJ30QXKY9cZBNjwrJ3D3VwE2cKEg4BrlZ6EB32vsHfIMa4Ix6W-SsamCDktWHjrh_55szQunDtt_58ntAGoPg_huJRjLKgHcqhvoIZfUpY5xn5/s1600/nbAshdown_00022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjda-cq8CwSZHiPfGpor0ODrK6VGpHKl9OJ30QXKY9cZBNjwrJ3D3VwE2cKEg4BrlZ6EB32vsHfIMa4Ix6W-SsamCDktWHjrh_55szQunDtt_58ntAGoPg_huJRjLKgHcqhvoIZfUpY5xn5/s1600/nbAshdown_00022.jpg" height="430" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golden Sunset</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPj_RtCtyi9RmSUzI1HGBX-n_eAJe2l0jWIy50wEXryGJesbpdzoJJ-UVeAwrkU7TqEDRKla5J6XRcmrrqJLeyTVxoiBGnlhO4CWhgbNemoU8uZQt2l0C_k7qgS_7MCsmwgq8Ci7o3SlxW/s1600/nbAshdown_00023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPj_RtCtyi9RmSUzI1HGBX-n_eAJe2l0jWIy50wEXryGJesbpdzoJJ-UVeAwrkU7TqEDRKla5J6XRcmrrqJLeyTVxoiBGnlhO4CWhgbNemoU8uZQt2l0C_k7qgS_7MCsmwgq8Ci7o3SlxW/s1600/nbAshdown_00023.jpg" height="640" width="430" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtkvBhDnLZ8oaXPZW3MgIIZI3JJMeo26vICC-fXhlRTQbsn516oTZQL4URCPnPTfN4QX0eZ8TclQsDUzVeD3rMEE1UCHpjKVGeCDEVoz7Dez-ZcDfzshJnAimTRmlFwkxihbQjM1zIIPI5/s1600/nbAshdown_00024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtkvBhDnLZ8oaXPZW3MgIIZI3JJMeo26vICC-fXhlRTQbsn516oTZQL4URCPnPTfN4QX0eZ8TclQsDUzVeD3rMEE1UCHpjKVGeCDEVoz7Dez-ZcDfzshJnAimTRmlFwkxihbQjM1zIIPI5/s1600/nbAshdown_00024.jpg" height="640" width="430" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIJ5HTJvSdyncfhzSDpZvX0CKyNaYD0isKsR23Ym4Opm3Dg5t0HHjP-Tu6UaH7VPY_zxuFJZyqxxIxRvWakF0XY7F2jLir8ECg6Tv-d0HQJdkYU_WGKRgWH8SqlPR1Quwwhu5zKa4R4V6/s1600/nbAshdown_00025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIJ5HTJvSdyncfhzSDpZvX0CKyNaYD0isKsR23Ym4Opm3Dg5t0HHjP-Tu6UaH7VPY_zxuFJZyqxxIxRvWakF0XY7F2jLir8ECg6Tv-d0HQJdkYU_WGKRgWH8SqlPR1Quwwhu5zKa4R4V6/s1600/nbAshdown_00025.jpg" height="548" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The loner at the hatch </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBNRSP_P97_yt9FcCwdkY1sqdN81sC5rAlhDnlpHnXFCjCQSXM2ruuO-mTpSfZCwKns1ajPYz4EALGpTJ6W1nMkve_wLdXXp4eA9p1QjJ8Nw8Ei48iDiv-rsNt9U6cDRFU5-u2Noh1qAA/s1600/nbAshdown_00026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBNRSP_P97_yt9FcCwdkY1sqdN81sC5rAlhDnlpHnXFCjCQSXM2ruuO-mTpSfZCwKns1ajPYz4EALGpTJ6W1nMkve_wLdXXp4eA9p1QjJ8Nw8Ei48iDiv-rsNt9U6cDRFU5-u2Noh1qAA/s1600/nbAshdown_00026.jpg" height="592" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and the swan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Monday morning Andrew did a quick swivel in the wide and moored up facing back the way we came. We did a wash down and window clean before heading back to the marina.<br />
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What we spied as we were about to swivel:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHn3WcPqv-pvsYGAIEdjhSmn7TS8SwplkK7VNbKJ5BXNLltUzcYlvrTIcfmqrFXcAZ1zSNRsUHy2xex58c6T8FWbveqIFS83T2oVlJQgpEM13haLkAUbbju5VIPVABwXSvEkA61Cb7lm3u/s1600/nbAshdown_00028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHn3WcPqv-pvsYGAIEdjhSmn7TS8SwplkK7VNbKJ5BXNLltUzcYlvrTIcfmqrFXcAZ1zSNRsUHy2xex58c6T8FWbveqIFS83T2oVlJQgpEM13haLkAUbbju5VIPVABwXSvEkA61Cb7lm3u/s1600/nbAshdown_00028.jpg" height="306" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">nb Whitefield</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Turns out to be a highly spec'ed boat which has changed hands, as the people we saw on it looked nothing like the original owners depicted on the boat builders website. <br />
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After a final tidy up, vacuum and pack in the marina, we said goodbye to nb Ashdown for a few weeks and headed off to Stone. We have to say that everything looks so different from the car and soooo much closer too :)<br />
<br />
In Stone we wondered down to the Floating Market above lock 30, where we were visiting our friends on nb islonian. We spent a good few hours catching up, drinking tea and coffee. Sheila and I worked out that 8 months had past since we parted ways at Hurleston Locks at the bottom of the Llangollen Canal. A fair few miles, winter and work has all got in the way since then. <br />
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We took our leave eventually and headed back to Andover. Andrew decided to take the Alternate Route, without toll and we ended up coming back via the M6, M5 and then off just after Gloucester, past Cirencester and Swindon towards Salisbury. Turning off along the way towards Andover. We did enjoy the drive, taking us through some new scenery. What was not so great was the stop off at MacDonald's on the way into Andover! Now we remember why we have studiously avoided entering there for the past 2 years :D After parking up and ordering a take-away inside, we waited for at least 15minutes for our burgers (we had ordered the latest special burger). We would have been better of going through drive through but Andrew was getting cramp in his leg. He is not used to driving such long distances anymore. We will have to give him more practice me thinks O:D But back to the burgers, I got to the point of saying that if the burgers were not presented soon I wanted my money back. I think that I should have insisted on my money back, we would have been better off. Cardboard, tasteless burgers are really not something to recommend. But it was something to fill the stomach which by then was pretty peckish. But not something that we will do again. Next time we eat at the pub in Great Haywood BEFORE we leave and then a snack when we get home. A much better proposition I think. <br />
<br />
So there we have it another few delightful days on board and SOOOO looking forward to the next time :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135074974269958198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123049840609535926.post-24589104381957471692014-04-27T13:23:00.001+01:002014-04-27T13:23:17.505+01:00Just A Little Bit……of a cruise<b>Sun 6th April</b><br />
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Last weekend we took the opportunity for a short cruise, whee hee. The weather was not the best but as we can no longer choose the weather we cruise in and we were aboard, the waterway was finally clear and navigable to Tyle Mill, we needed to refill the water and pump out the loo (which has been waiting since Christmas no less !!!!). We gaily untied, revved the engine and made our way a whole mile upstream. Oh, what we have been missing ! We both enjoyed being back on board and moving, even with the wind and light rain in our faces.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="10150814_10202429931723385_6020617695002438927_n" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VgG91gSTiK8/U1wdIrRBsdI/AAAAAAAADlk/wjcE21-KPYg/10150814_10202429931723385_602061769.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="10150814_10202429931723385_6020617695002438927_n" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back to Theale from Tyle Mill services</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="10172744_10202429931083369_8226761127816491455_n" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tCmo1e0qCvE/U1wdJt84VYI/AAAAAAAADls/CUjWZ1Mgw9w/10172744_10202429931083369_822676112.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="10172744_10202429931083369_8226761127816491455_n" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ashdown on the servces</td></tr>
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<br />
And one of our chestnuts decided that it was time to sprout<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="20140406_153348" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-deR4UlrveZM/U1z1i_1h9VI/AAAAAAAADzU/lJ53AgbVS0Y/20140406_1533483.jpg?imgmax=800" height="583" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20140406_153348" width="363" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">nut hiding under a whole lot of leaves</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="20140406_153348_1" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZzrpNzf-hjw/U1z1jrFmVfI/AAAAAAAADzc/zRWCywgQhzA/20140406_153348_13.jpg?imgmax=800" height="640" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20140406_153348_1" width="241" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and growing tall</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135074974269958198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123049840609535926.post-64536395946079928942014-04-27T13:17:00.003+01:002014-04-27T13:17:46.739+01:00A Weekend with Emlyn – at Bibury<b>Sat 8th March</b><br />
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We also got to see my other brother Emlyn who was over here for a weekend before going back to South Africa after his winter holiday. We spent some time in Bibury and had rather a nice lunch there.<br />
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<img alt="IMG_78143_thumb_thumb" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdYUa46l5YvfE9R-icHxBPlVKkucWbSigamIgVAypzR_FOjv8TO4M38rPoDu7Ng38DVb-FIXd-Of0Y2pftUcf0w3z1jrbdrATK1E6p4W3acXS3w5zf7GAGHUD5PLuEwLu7lGVaff8095H/?imgmax=800" height="401" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_78143_thumb_thumb" width="640" /><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_78262_thumb_thumb" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fTjGF7cMZUE/U1zy4NSSQBI/AAAAAAAADyA/Vyy0vTP4u-g/IMG_78262_thumb_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="640" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_78262_thumb_thumb" width="450" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jody, Gina, Emlyn and Andrew</td></tr>
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<img alt="IMG_7829" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xwkt9M7dzQM/U1zy6bl6o5I/AAAAAAAADyI/765OIU5vBuk/IMG_7829%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="640" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_7829" width="434" /><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_78342_thumb_thumb" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qRUJdVU7Oz8/U1zy78DDlsI/AAAAAAAADyY/mepjPl79tYM/IMG_78342_thumb_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="640" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_78342_thumb_thumb" width="411" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew, Gina (hiding behind Andrew), Jody and Emlyn</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_78363_thumb_thumb" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oVj2HQxv1nM/U1zy9xHQw-I/AAAAAAAADyo/dOin8O9cNCc/IMG_78363_thumb_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="388" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_78363_thumb_thumb" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowdrops</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<img alt="IMG_78383_thumb_thumb" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gDIQEVjAbys/U1zy_oIvuCI/AAAAAAAADy4/bKrDfWfUylU/IMG_78383_thumb_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="640" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_78383_thumb_thumb" width="434" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="IMG_78493_thumb_thumb" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-97s_CLJVSRg/U1zzBm68vSI/AAAAAAAADzI/79yROEXJCdQ/IMG_78493_thumb_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="640" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_78493_thumb_thumb" width="434" /><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135074974269958198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123049840609535926.post-5357803574259496882014-04-27T12:59:00.003+01:002014-04-27T12:59:46.935+01:00Weekend in London<b>Sat 29th & Sun 30th March</b><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5123049840609535926" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
We also spent a weekend in London, initially to catch up with an old workmate from our Auckland days. We ended up going to see Mamma Mia in the West End and although Andrew might have been a bit apprehensive about the musical, we all ended up thoroughly enjoying it. Andrew was even humming along with some songs. Who thought that there was an Abba song to describe so many different parts of our lives! We said goodbye to Katrina after dinner and made our way back to our hotel. On the Sunday we had a bit of a walk around before having to check out of the hotel and making our way back home.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_52833_thumb_thumb_thumb" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Phm5oNYzTgA/U1zh7_cG4iI/AAAAAAAADs8/hDEXyUfWFew/IMG_52833_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="640" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_52833_thumb_thumb_thumb" width="486" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hungerford Suspension Bridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_52863_thumb_thumb_thumb" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bHycH899eSw/U1zh9T0Ag7I/AAAAAAAADtM/7pJYa8qur5Y/IMG_52863_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="640" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_52863_thumb_thumb_thumb" width="486" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">London Eye at night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_52953_thumb_thumb_thumb" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EpL6RQANfnI/U1zh_pzuYmI/AAAAAAAADtc/PSJfqlktEhU/IMG_52953_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="486" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_52953_thumb_thumb_thumb" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Royal Houseguards building - the hotel is in the left hand part</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_52963_thumb_thumb_thumb" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-g0FUwARPJLU/U1zqPpte3lI/AAAAAAAADuI/aemwIfV-_lI/IMG_52963_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="486" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_52963_thumb_thumb_thumb" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_52973_thumb_thumb_thumb" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fqp6aDizQ-g/U1zqSFk7hWI/AAAAAAAADuY/D2KuUeiqxmM/IMG_52973_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="640" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_52973_thumb_thumb_thumb" width="486" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_52983_thumb_thumb_thumb" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBF5Z7xU0f1FC8Bo_vfK-ZznSG6YdiXqUe1k8bEYVMwSMNGYktRff1XWEvM966tcuUGsf1RTw7OvByjlITrCHBXcbqTqlKADjLQAAmg-WwdKO4DAtlSnCHzXhnklDMnB9m2oADcAwUdCii/?imgmax=800" height="486" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_52983_thumb_thumb_thumb" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_53013_thumb_thumb_thumb" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bRgqOYNxGy8/U1zqV22tvGI/AAAAAAAADu4/ra_l-Hw21dU/IMG_53013_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="640" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_53013_thumb_thumb_thumb" width="263" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Royal Horseguardsman</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_53033_thumb_thumb_thumb" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9lD-4tLJG4M/U1zqXmK1M-I/AAAAAAAADvI/v2GZXAtdUdE/IMG_53033_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="640" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_53033_thumb_thumb_thumb" width="433" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_53073_thumb_thumb_thumb" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-88KiqjgBuO4/U1zqZboNE-I/AAAAAAAADvY/Cyy5AYWd1KA/IMG_53073_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="558" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_53073_thumb_thumb_thumb" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guards Division memorial</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_53093_thumb_thumb_thumb" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6GB0Gxdj8Ao/U1zqa-512_I/AAAAAAAADvo/XWvn7u4a0Dg/IMG_53093_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="312" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_53093_thumb_thumb_thumb" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> The back of St James Palace with the rear of 10 Downing St on the right</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_53103_thumb_thumb_thumb" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-z2o_i4RNp4Q/U1zqdEzNYLI/AAAAAAAADv4/yC7DdjM3uLQ/IMG_53103_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="486" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_53103_thumb_thumb_thumb" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Admiralty Arch on The Mall - looking towards Trafalgar Square</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_53123_thumb_thumb_thumb" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rYXORLP3tKY/U1zqfAt2qfI/AAAAAAAADwI/XbTJzmvyywc/IMG_53123_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="463" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_53123_thumb_thumb_thumb" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mall - looking towards Buckingham Palace</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_53173_thumb_thumb_thumb" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BSseDUIBOhc/U1zqhCfP1UI/AAAAAAAADwY/zuZEtyUPB_Y/IMG_53173_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="350" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_53173_thumb_thumb_thumb" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seen on a building on Whitehall just down from Trafalgar Square</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_53183_thumb_thumb_thumb" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-w-j5Zm5LMPA/U1zqi2MccII/AAAAAAAADwo/zV3UCmrx_9g/IMG_53183_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="584" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_53183_thumb_thumb_thumb" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Royal Horseguards Hotel</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_5318_23_thumb_thumb_thumb" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iFemlQOU-TeOYVUNZXHUbR_96iaJQ2E448D7cF51TDWe_6tJp0b_Tlgs3jYmPyooggNYecidJ4e81knTen3vkTFuUott8Uwr9XwrlX-S0iGz7KcGm-x024grfi_MjLJJ0UVYy_opYNAa/?imgmax=800" height="584" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_5318_23_thumb_thumb_thumb" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and our room :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRz7WejWyOZhrp2MR5yfOHl1oJPdQprvDM1zTcupMLENSG6S94ODCMBj2vQR9BWfy-I7V13-EwnQ0sNP_13Uf1M7s5Rdl6cNQPo3QwdEL4XxigFKIlss7Pq0OXBP4TgPDjcEq6-gTHhJsP/s1600/IMG_5332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRz7WejWyOZhrp2MR5yfOHl1oJPdQprvDM1zTcupMLENSG6S94ODCMBj2vQR9BWfy-I7V13-EwnQ0sNP_13Uf1M7s5Rdl6cNQPo3QwdEL4XxigFKIlss7Pq0OXBP4TgPDjcEq6-gTHhJsP/s1600/IMG_5332.JPG" height="640" width="484" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seen on the street corner</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135074974269958198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123049840609535926.post-20447423180307994502014-04-27T12:37:00.001+01:002014-04-27T12:37:27.369+01:00A Few Days in Bristol<b>Wed 9th April</b><br />
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I spent a few days in Bristol for work. I was lucky enough to stay at a hotel very near the Clifton Suspension Bridge. All the following photos were taken with my phone so I was not able to play with settings so easily. But still it gives you an idea. What none of these show is the extreme cold and wet. One of the evenings on my walk home I was completely drenched in a hailstorm. Luckily it was on my way home and not to work, so I was able to take a nice long hot bath to warm up before dinner :) <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="20140209_191632_13_thumb" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-S8p0yXamaTA/U1zbriq2XjI/AAAAAAAADrU/Uo0Upw7oYNw/20140209_191632_13_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="640" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20140209_191632_13_thumb" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Window reflection from my dinner table</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="20140209_192055_13_thumb" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-u0duECGxF_c/U1zbs2n4pkI/AAAAAAAADrk/XZ2x2mJLysM/20140209_192055_13_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20140209_192055_13_thumb" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and another one with the Clifton Suspension Bridge outside</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="20140210_173255_LLS2_thumb" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZCgrvepWHp9uYFoSLvavrP3K1CWSxSLVdDlercr5gwg1qTpodsjtfYFqXdv6TqjvXzZdJpIYMNM8AY7-AoMC13zTKJG46uUhjZNZrWSvo8aKGym3Ag1Ud_6VNF5UHViB6QL04kNPxNNA/?imgmax=800" height="480" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20140210_173255_LLS2_thumb" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clifton Suspension Bridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="20140210_173311_LLS_12_thumb" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1l8Af59sX-c/U1zbw2E1TFI/AAAAAAAADsE/U9C7nZMxYQQ/20140210_173311_LLS_12_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20140210_173311_LLS_12_thumb" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clifton Suspension Bridge again</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="20140210_173627_13_thumb" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GdZfQpmVN04/U1zbybXPtUI/AAAAAAAADsU/35B_362zcU8/20140210_173627_13_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20140210_173627_13_thumb" width="640" /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="20140210_173639_13_thumb" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-K9pbhNEshy4/U1zhx4Xo-BI/AAAAAAAADss/z3UGUZDzYXQ/20140210_173639_13_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20140210_173639_13_thumb" width="640" /></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135074974269958198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123049840609535926.post-75443278828353398022014-04-27T12:30:00.000+01:002014-04-27T13:00:14.693+01:00At Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The next few blogs are all catch-ups from the previous few months. So quite happy for you to ignore if you are not interested :)<br />
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<b>Sometime in February</b><br />
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The furniture all finally arrived.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_5407" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1KeCifTK57cpeJoHBsklyYNbgO6G1GO0spQolkJit6l5zSVqYcb8whe8rlTHp_61UBO7MCLrNyF8uhv_y8HWQn2b7uKU2N-CWbgwoHlvFc20twuGxfAlNrom1D7Z8MuVxqxSXzJCfDYR/?imgmax=800" height="480" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_5407" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lounge Suite</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_5404" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSshP6GQR2m1VXLtb3XFKRrwDTGjVjpUjFsJfO2aflvLdb1zu5G45dDYXE60M5-Fi8Mo9saOeCk9r0HY41KKI5VjxdG-akUfYEDg1y-I7lVh_vX1qvw4gb5L1iby562wJH6UzZjhY-xwha/?imgmax=800" height="543" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_5404" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dining Room - as yet unused ???</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_5401" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLlsA0cPJEItYFWnBTpTNgeiBEujAaFjrqn1chQ3O8AaQVHQhdYroMzQAcGJjmhqzne9ICbrv2LHwJHZbXHBKCOfoQntQEWhhhraDkoK3Pu1LXVr6tIk8TR7nJOhQ7luR1PiIPEpOVp4l/?imgmax=800" height="604" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_5401" width="632" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely bed and cabinets</td></tr>
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And some other photos from home. Well sort of the cemetery is across the road !<br />
Not great quality as they were taken with my phone on the way home from work.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135074974269958198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123049840609535926.post-16691648407627087632014-04-20T19:59:00.001+01:002014-04-20T19:59:31.266+01:00Easter Weekend - Day #3<p>Some early morning risers had Andrew up early himself. 3 boats before 7:30am when he appeared with my morning wakeup cuppa. Once again we were off just after 8 am ourselves. Copredy on our radar. Each day has been cooler than the day before. Today was decidedly chilly and a touch wetter. Luckily for us the rain waited until we had reached our destination at 5pm. Since then even the ducks were sheltering.</p>
<p>There have been a number of boats on the move today, lots more than the past two. We even saw Timothy West and Prunella Scales aboard their own boat heading in the opposite direction. Andrew naturally yelled out that he really enjoyed watching their canal journey program that aired a few weeks ago on More4.</p>
<p>We had more entertainment when I tried to close the bottom gate at Somerton Deep. It was replaced in the winter maintenance program, I had difficulty closing it before, now it was impossible. I could only manage a few inches and Andrew had to climb up the ladder to help out. I have filed a note to self for future reference, next time I drive and Andrew locks. My problem is I do not like being in the bottom of such a deep lock :-(</p>
<p>Banbury was so quiet, it was quite eerie. Only 3 boats on the 48 hr moorings in town, yet Coprexdy was absolutely packed, with not a single spare mooring :-( not sure what was going on here. Maybe no onereally wantz to be i banbury unless the shopping mall is open ?</p>
<p>Well the boat is now booked in to Copredy for the week and we just need to find a way to get in to Banbury to catch the train back to Reading and pick up the car. So another day of travelling tomorrow, but not quite as much fun :-(</p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135074974269958198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123049840609535926.post-74857624474769972882014-04-20T10:39:00.001+01:002014-04-27T13:26:30.142+01:00Easter Weekend - Day #2 (Updated with pictures)Another early start today. We left Abingdon at around 8am. It was a beautiful peaceful morning. Just a couple of other boats on the move. We are making good time, reaching Lower Heyford this evening. Stopping at around 6:30pm. Just over 10 hrs today. The face is feeling a bit wind-burnt but still I have enjoyed the day. I have not forgotten how to do a lock, although it has been a while, we still know what we are doing. Luckily :-)<br />
We have slowed up a bit now on the canal. First hold up was at the end of Dukes Cut. 2 boats trying to get up the lock were not able to get in as there was something under the water surface preventing the gate from fully opening. They were slightly wider than the normal 6' 10" but as 2 hire boats got down and out we decided to try our luck. We made it and were just by the lift bridge when C&RT arrived, so hopefully the others got through too.<br />
Passing through Thrupp, we said a very quick 'Hi' and 'Bye' to Maffi, who was doing his usual wonderful job of opening the lift bridge for all the water travellers. I wish we could have stopped to chat but spare time was not something we have much of now. Maybe we will go and visit by car one weekend :-D<br />
After 5 months I must be getting soft ! I have only done 8 locks today (and Andrew 1) and I am feeling every muscle and my feet are sore :-( Although we did not do such long days when we were living aboard. We were never in a hurry to get anywhere!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJp3MquRNyJFT-wJNVufczItJVDgYs4ax-7q9oToVrr4P7mQ-DD2cJDJrLbvzhmhsBiO65Hgssd4KI5mnzOgL1NnBqANete9h0JF5Gi-0tDuTzj8IQ1EYNViHSqiiI4doETcv-o3uCD7o/s1600/nbAshdown_00001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJp3MquRNyJFT-wJNVufczItJVDgYs4ax-7q9oToVrr4P7mQ-DD2cJDJrLbvzhmhsBiO65Hgssd4KI5mnzOgL1NnBqANete9h0JF5Gi-0tDuTzj8IQ1EYNViHSqiiI4doETcv-o3uCD7o/s1600/nbAshdown_00001.jpg" height="483" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking backward out the hatch at our mooring in Abingdon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLH_6wDSKCBjCqC68eG9iz9eaiCM1HuovcgIWbmYz0HSWJa6v9DyZQiRcMEQDulfFLAE2GG0lmBhyphenhypheniZlI9_Isj10Ll5kMsv0w8ziXikW0sfmqDjxpQ693BAIJYyXmZvSes-DzBDQW2AXy/s1600/nbAshdown_00002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLH_6wDSKCBjCqC68eG9iz9eaiCM1HuovcgIWbmYz0HSWJa6v9DyZQiRcMEQDulfFLAE2GG0lmBhyphenhypheniZlI9_Isj10Ll5kMsv0w8ziXikW0sfmqDjxpQ693BAIJYyXmZvSes-DzBDQW2AXy/s1600/nbAshdown_00002.jpg" height="483" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Historical rowing skiff - one of 4 that past us by</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPcN7aJEAT1Sulruu1hBbIw4PDkI187CUaPdlAkPjcgx-xvbAmI37G5Aajyhbp_aKJP9-6qX8mqpYU52K5IHFBozbQ44fQuN_-95ptZfx8iCtOKgja9Q_vlHuXdlzk4foEsvAuul8cad0/s1600/IMG_5387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPcN7aJEAT1Sulruu1hBbIw4PDkI187CUaPdlAkPjcgx-xvbAmI37G5Aajyhbp_aKJP9-6qX8mqpYU52K5IHFBozbQ44fQuN_-95ptZfx8iCtOKgja9Q_vlHuXdlzk4foEsvAuul8cad0/s1600/IMG_5387.JPG" height="449" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Followed by this launch :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKEVw-IOfsEL_41LBmApVXk1VLk2kCYT9s6bJ_fMHJjTVdZerfs8Tunkx8-r7wI4cPZ60kyjibT9589JRnLTc67pbqRDjZi_7ZrY07I0r1RyOz7Jh7vHD_4py_yZ1jM5TVTnvg1v1K4tBZ/s1600/nbAshdown_00004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKEVw-IOfsEL_41LBmApVXk1VLk2kCYT9s6bJ_fMHJjTVdZerfs8Tunkx8-r7wI4cPZ60kyjibT9589JRnLTc67pbqRDjZi_7ZrY07I0r1RyOz7Jh7vHD_4py_yZ1jM5TVTnvg1v1K4tBZ/s1600/nbAshdown_00004.jpg" height="483" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abingdon Lock - early morning self service </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkjhgJlcqR6w4s7EkiCNI803r1GGsajxEO_NkqLAGOTRNvLUD2calxDJMXx6eL8-hB_BK8J7GveTabkZ9svBtTCAgNscEEfy3hz1_uaV2hw4fi7Lca3ttJSEhIJkF7rxwCnar8RLc-V1H/s1600/nbAshdown_00005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkjhgJlcqR6w4s7EkiCNI803r1GGsajxEO_NkqLAGOTRNvLUD2calxDJMXx6eL8-hB_BK8J7GveTabkZ9svBtTCAgNscEEfy3hz1_uaV2hw4fi7Lca3ttJSEhIJkF7rxwCnar8RLc-V1H/s1600/nbAshdown_00005.jpg" height="483" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew well wrapped up - not nice and sunny like the day before</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxpwqOBp7MYiEMMhGiLIOs7gD9ONzLsCoUd3QZ8UwJR_Xal4OGHYW8rywRyc9wGroSZ5fKI07fTfrSgTHSXq9FDswp_LBmpypGK97gvtqKcv9sk0UNmlYkljdQvCa0NMg0aT5gW_cuNYP/s1600/nbAshdown_00006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxpwqOBp7MYiEMMhGiLIOs7gD9ONzLsCoUd3QZ8UwJR_Xal4OGHYW8rywRyc9wGroSZ5fKI07fTfrSgTHSXq9FDswp_LBmpypGK97gvtqKcv9sk0UNmlYkljdQvCa0NMg0aT5gW_cuNYP/s1600/nbAshdown_00006.jpg" height="483" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bXKiksOwz4KNiqQtq9RRg2FNP77-k8S21rv6HtVoPBmz0eYQ7sHAukZoCwCCwNiIn4Wv-dgkrk-CO7ZjdK8Ib2kzQSiWhGEXrmPyTNzz17PPhEL7BoyziSDJDptUW7JCvDAolcu2tLH5/s1600/nbAshdown_00007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bXKiksOwz4KNiqQtq9RRg2FNP77-k8S21rv6HtVoPBmz0eYQ7sHAukZoCwCCwNiIn4Wv-dgkrk-CO7ZjdK8Ib2kzQSiWhGEXrmPyTNzz17PPhEL7BoyziSDJDptUW7JCvDAolcu2tLH5/s1600/nbAshdown_00007.jpg" height="483" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walkway over the weir at Isis Lock</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhhcchKNFDx3xUvZjKgbYT5GjQVQCwg9_-R0PLcldiEraAcSpClL4oLuO_VbYcSLKcoHVt65pAyRCW6musfQqIL8WCyhWpMvrAFQJpzyMCzkRJuemUXCfVETb1OilkjeviquV669ApLs_/s1600/nbAshdown_00010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhhcchKNFDx3xUvZjKgbYT5GjQVQCwg9_-R0PLcldiEraAcSpClL4oLuO_VbYcSLKcoHVt65pAyRCW6musfQqIL8WCyhWpMvrAFQJpzyMCzkRJuemUXCfVETb1OilkjeviquV669ApLs_/s1600/nbAshdown_00010.jpg" height="483" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isis Lock</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOePetRWpw-e_ygTR9X3eKWKVQN2hA9KctpHPikXh17v3RcmT7LkRgozlXfjZc2siYx8zMoRRUbJNp2IS_PImlns-q2BAs_YhkoxrhhTw7fjrdKdZunHAX1_QWR04LRAblGFYTyXY7WeHj/s1600/nbAshdown_00012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOePetRWpw-e_ygTR9X3eKWKVQN2hA9KctpHPikXh17v3RcmT7LkRgozlXfjZc2siYx8zMoRRUbJNp2IS_PImlns-q2BAs_YhkoxrhhTw7fjrdKdZunHAX1_QWR04LRAblGFYTyXY7WeHj/s1600/nbAshdown_00012.jpg" height="483" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oxford</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlfQYRthk1Bi9peQZe7oGm7gf4F8uB0DYV8GLWsfGvM-hz91bnvXJOHXIfwlY1xrirKPT5Ix-sct0V_SZDPCn1JG4WAsZDL1ZccWNjv_v_qs5dO_C56uCdjpc75eQg6ke6F-jMaoUXWVE/s1600/nbAshdown_00013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlfQYRthk1Bi9peQZe7oGm7gf4F8uB0DYV8GLWsfGvM-hz91bnvXJOHXIfwlY1xrirKPT5Ix-sct0V_SZDPCn1JG4WAsZDL1ZccWNjv_v_qs5dO_C56uCdjpc75eQg6ke6F-jMaoUXWVE/s1600/nbAshdown_00013.jpg" height="483" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abingdon Rd Bridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQV7UjCXLTBM6GO9mHaeOrC0OJiwxHN0NESOt5Kk_kIzb69hxJMp3B5-mezGzdDxO8DmYmEqNsnwucPz2Qtj7xmF3LqjFHM4hUIrw76bdlCGgMZn3O_Sn2kAdA6J5NAvXAYXeuwTiTmCtP/s1600/nbAshdown_00015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQV7UjCXLTBM6GO9mHaeOrC0OJiwxHN0NESOt5Kk_kIzb69hxJMp3B5-mezGzdDxO8DmYmEqNsnwucPz2Qtj7xmF3LqjFHM4hUIrw76bdlCGgMZn3O_Sn2kAdA6J5NAvXAYXeuwTiTmCtP/s1600/nbAshdown_00015.jpg" height="483" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Old Railway Bridge, Oxford</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135074974269958198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123049840609535926.post-89311477727714867212014-04-17T13:50:00.001+01:002014-04-27T13:27:27.581+01:00Easter Break - Day #1 (Updated with pictures :))<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
It is a sad story, our blogs have been reduced to these now :-( and I will actually count the days.<br />
I
feel a bit like a boater on a mission. Well we are . Gone are the days
when we might wake up and say, 'Couldn't be bothered to move today, let
us stay where we are. Or we will see how things go and move later'. Now
it is all about moving as far as we can each day. It sort of reminds me
of hiring. Not that those were bad days if we had not done that we
would not be here today :-D<br />
So 9hrs and 5mins on the first day,
and 30.4 miles. It is on the river mind you. Not bad. But we slept
really well. Must be the sudden rush of sun and fresh air. We left
Reading just on 8am and eventually stopped at Abingdon. Andrew would
quite happily have carried on but he was on dinner duties and you cannot
steer the boat and make dinner at the same time.<br />
Any photos will be added later as I did not bring the laptop, so I cannot upload them now.<br />
I don't think we will be doing quite the same distances once we are on the canal! <br />
It
does seem quite odd though. We have had a day of really doing nothing
at all. Sitting (or standing for Andrew) drinking tea (coffee for
Andrew) while Andrew (and occasionally me) steers the boat up river and
through the odd lock now and then. What a wonderful life. Might need to
try this on a more permanent basis sometime in the future (again) ha,
ha.<br />
We will be off soon, gone are those 10am starts :-(, for now at least. So cheers for now.<br />
<br />
<br />
You may notice that I have found some other things to play with in my photo editor :) <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2xbNMRh_DI9p3tKQYWydczCMPEny19OF1M8F3mMuCsYzqYRb51LViCoaR7c9SIbCt9LgRliN9Ps7D3geUNpqtvUKiFW37899MSuP2cG1vpilAJEyd1WjRTe5ihb82sVScUdOxaodDwix/s1600/nbAshdown_00001.jpg" height="483" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black;">Leaving Thames and Kennet Marina</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRM7kSPAQE6xUBlvyoQREAHhfshJFnfJXcGxRmcEvWhRtu3qK64b5f1xiKxRpG7Bt-_kJ-vAGR7B0GbecpzzqwLsUfQoyZFApZVZGNfrsj9fwvc85nC39etB0CAYCavj9LLND_I0TDmfaw/s1600/IMG_5343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRM7kSPAQE6xUBlvyoQREAHhfshJFnfJXcGxRmcEvWhRtu3qK64b5f1xiKxRpG7Bt-_kJ-vAGR7B0GbecpzzqwLsUfQoyZFApZVZGNfrsj9fwvc85nC39etB0CAYCavj9LLND_I0TDmfaw/s1600/IMG_5343.JPG" height="336" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black;">Looking Back</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEO-SxBdt0nFpd0z7c6hLiM62DGGTlAf2eb8FP3A7aVWbaF1jYnTplnsWcW99K3NzOSnQ38_ol4djdUnQzpz3gvRN8tcjdOA61ol59LtlDDYB5Odn5ERGmaRat7LxyAT78kiUHAHyR_Jk/s1600/nbAshdown_00004.jpg" height="483" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another marina inhabitant</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1b88EhWYbQLUMesFOgSnV6KRBx_EdtHHdr4lfA-IFsndxsx4Ih8d52gZJLFZ_ocCAM7zcxPpQYBQqlLN-HpaUaEPwU0PnGvp43l2KOfm9V-1wxlUL3Xi9MRPjEeIr7qYZl78Ayf3TUB3r/s1600/nbAshdown_00008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1b88EhWYbQLUMesFOgSnV6KRBx_EdtHHdr4lfA-IFsndxsx4Ih8d52gZJLFZ_ocCAM7zcxPpQYBQqlLN-HpaUaEPwU0PnGvp43l2KOfm9V-1wxlUL3Xi9MRPjEeIr7qYZl78Ayf3TUB3r/s1600/nbAshdown_00008.jpg" height="640" width="484" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thatch in need of repair</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFr4kWx2LXbm_fDQ9rBqIeOU9nfwzIMy37CEdlKufdMwd7G_D83QufVDB6wyyG8M5QnWGWsyavMgC3WRJTzJjHMdNgckWXRyMT5QUscIKF-8dr6zd2Aq3yU11HEzoUMHavgc7m6VYlCWp/s1600/IMG_5353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFr4kWx2LXbm_fDQ9rBqIeOU9nfwzIMy37CEdlKufdMwd7G_D83QufVDB6wyyG8M5QnWGWsyavMgC3WRJTzJjHMdNgckWXRyMT5QUscIKF-8dr6zd2Aq3yU11HEzoUMHavgc7m6VYlCWp/s1600/IMG_5353.JPG" height="640" width="611" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On closer inspection - what happens when the chicks hatch? How will they get back to the nest ? </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlieJiQRf5sQEfNA2N847odbvXEymd071pHeo19vOo9IuGF-Io4b_y2gjQxV0LyIe0Lz1YshMJpaWkTWERM8uhat7aRb4d2D4EWGs8wV1MjSA_yHQCW98uZ1E77Rfn4wIMbBwakMkTUlc/s1600/IMG_5355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlieJiQRf5sQEfNA2N847odbvXEymd071pHeo19vOo9IuGF-Io4b_y2gjQxV0LyIe0Lz1YshMJpaWkTWERM8uhat7aRb4d2D4EWGs8wV1MjSA_yHQCW98uZ1E77Rfn4wIMbBwakMkTUlc/s1600/IMG_5355.JPG" height="329" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Egyptian Goose and chicks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdYyKANoVVQfhvjw8RubmbLhV-5MzhNmOKaXWTVi6jJ-oH_IqAKtZzioRvNptBMhG0PRYdabSPyfPS8UXFvFbWhc8D1TvqTS0Zu-rz4jCDvmJuV63aEE5xTptTxmXNz_eelKCWghkyUM0/s1600/IMG_5357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdYyKANoVVQfhvjw8RubmbLhV-5MzhNmOKaXWTVi6jJ-oH_IqAKtZzioRvNptBMhG0PRYdabSPyfPS8UXFvFbWhc8D1TvqTS0Zu-rz4jCDvmJuV63aEE5xTptTxmXNz_eelKCWghkyUM0/s1600/IMG_5357.JPG" height="531" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canadian Goose</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Jf5vCurEuJ9ifAqDSzMScRJ1MuJiKo3fT5BytA2tqVKhq6YK76vdw-rS9OwUMxUn4zqIMqjJK_lZ3WcG7Cs_RnP_tC1btrrBnhIhE1Z_dcP_UDbQDFyVFI3vVlHfCof5tteuquyRMef1/s1600/nbAshdown_00007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Jf5vCurEuJ9ifAqDSzMScRJ1MuJiKo3fT5BytA2tqVKhq6YK76vdw-rS9OwUMxUn4zqIMqjJK_lZ3WcG7Cs_RnP_tC1btrrBnhIhE1Z_dcP_UDbQDFyVFI3vVlHfCof5tteuquyRMef1/s1600/nbAshdown_00007.jpg" height="483" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greylag Geese and chicks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiIyIDPIb-ulwadApYCU5vNZZj91TLH4rP7-pFOQuWbZbTDSRx1USnl1o0fCd3laGGMrnssPMAy2LkN7jhyphenhyphenCWTogNJ6h_AODONCYUgqOzOs1SykiKEizI0GkwXHCC46HChQ9JTe649Ri97/s1600/nbAshdown_00018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiIyIDPIb-ulwadApYCU5vNZZj91TLH4rP7-pFOQuWbZbTDSRx1USnl1o0fCd3laGGMrnssPMAy2LkN7jhyphenhyphenCWTogNJ6h_AODONCYUgqOzOs1SykiKEizI0GkwXHCC46HChQ9JTe649Ri97/s1600/nbAshdown_00018.jpg" height="483" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passing Pangbourne</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIuWUkHeNS67guJ3prFzV4CdwfYuALp3ibXjvTgqF5QsWZh9ROdhxM6SwmwoR-uWZE_HOeH6pU6dShexhj6vcaK3KQOpOqrwrD7Q6dXOsWikwZkupxgjR8MT04JTBlnoKWtHtxxzprypC/s1600/nbAshdown_00020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIuWUkHeNS67guJ3prFzV4CdwfYuALp3ibXjvTgqF5QsWZh9ROdhxM6SwmwoR-uWZE_HOeH6pU6dShexhj6vcaK3KQOpOqrwrD7Q6dXOsWikwZkupxgjR8MT04JTBlnoKWtHtxxzprypC/s1600/nbAshdown_00020.jpg" height="483" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shillingford Bridge ?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0rBal26JLNnhCqW1pN4TiJjB71gkaHp0NdMZa12VJyDVDYjHKcgdWVcQW88SM6v2M6S0j-tIilx-ZOYhJ-l1htxEgWM6zq5eOeiRao4Vs8rTW6LGIUruT9nfBfhokiSFWzF7e-bogNBN/s1600/nbAshdown_00022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0rBal26JLNnhCqW1pN4TiJjB71gkaHp0NdMZa12VJyDVDYjHKcgdWVcQW88SM6v2M6S0j-tIilx-ZOYhJ-l1htxEgWM6zq5eOeiRao4Vs8rTW6LGIUruT9nfBfhokiSFWzF7e-bogNBN/s1600/nbAshdown_00022.jpg" height="483" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Others out enjoying the day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdEEWtkIjDjNXpEi4rjZUwXqKDEBNGoH0LjDYyPk-e9NAVbljKkaLun7tbDV8JmnjEZEiIZLzYYKtrmKQavJCp1LvLMHbyoZwiLItQG3CRyDYMZoY9GDu3Z1-aCZcXpFxo6lm-Eib5-X_/s1600/nbAshdown_00030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdEEWtkIjDjNXpEi4rjZUwXqKDEBNGoH0LjDYyPk-e9NAVbljKkaLun7tbDV8JmnjEZEiIZLzYYKtrmKQavJCp1LvLMHbyoZwiLItQG3CRyDYMZoY9GDu3Z1-aCZcXpFxo6lm-Eib5-X_/s1600/nbAshdown_00030.jpg" height="483" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring colour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZ36jpdjEU3lNpkqK0MMALRGw2qwXZvs0v2YpOhTGRg8np1DnilBm-MbOAyXTSFzO4Kwpa94ZmiLechFSJybfjI6A3ld5F_EdafY5GA11vvMUAI6S2eF39MJTWAeVOwQx6_naYFU7iSVl/s1600/nbAshdown_00033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZ36jpdjEU3lNpkqK0MMALRGw2qwXZvs0v2YpOhTGRg8np1DnilBm-MbOAyXTSFzO4Kwpa94ZmiLechFSJybfjI6A3ld5F_EdafY5GA11vvMUAI6S2eF39MJTWAeVOwQx6_naYFU7iSVl/s1600/nbAshdown_00033.jpg" height="483" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring colour 2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7g5B4JNN7Ug0kgG0EwYaslglhMJWKhvTLnMomd1a9NXDA-24s7wuqRVG4lmRuovLgAHi-SWwF-4C-dMtkgVStMimYJjYMr9ujzMPdkyOr2cMglARwVOGENYXouPVHfFyq4zgAmatNddY1/s1600/nbAshdown_00037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7g5B4JNN7Ug0kgG0EwYaslglhMJWKhvTLnMomd1a9NXDA-24s7wuqRVG4lmRuovLgAHi-SWwF-4C-dMtkgVStMimYJjYMr9ujzMPdkyOr2cMglARwVOGENYXouPVHfFyq4zgAmatNddY1/s1600/nbAshdown_00037.jpg" height="483" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More chicks :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Well I gather that it is time for another update for us world wanderers (well at least some of it).<br />
We are not wandering anymore unfortunately. As I am sure that I have mentioned before, we are now both gainfully employed, but as yet still to receive that welcome deposit into the bank account. Until then we are still in scrooge mode.<br />
<br />
So these are our current living conditions:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wqk2mKqSuuru17jHHEw6OknTSPHjft-2-VUTHBbtpzoVFbTRa7-CFlgbiGSfd7SpfE3b3plettGvRQHzBIKzX0PCkmW2XyIQaSj-HRc2SdZtimLTt_FmImspoQb4fmennB9c4JcBNy6a/s1600/20140218_174027_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wqk2mKqSuuru17jHHEw6OknTSPHjft-2-VUTHBbtpzoVFbTRa7-CFlgbiGSfd7SpfE3b3plettGvRQHzBIKzX0PCkmW2XyIQaSj-HRc2SdZtimLTt_FmImspoQb4fmennB9c4JcBNy6a/s1600/20140218_174027_1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camping out at home</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJTF1tM_20XW0Lwe60AJ6v_xhxHGK8aZISd5EYF_MqWB8NNUvvJpQ29XTI206OyKZtrdivf6CM8HbgfotLkr0yeUWRl-elZfd17HAq_ygQXYI9CKMQnRXuhucB4HSPJHixSEAmw606E1c/s1600/20140218_174044_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJTF1tM_20XW0Lwe60AJ6v_xhxHGK8aZISd5EYF_MqWB8NNUvvJpQ29XTI206OyKZtrdivf6CM8HbgfotLkr0yeUWRl-elZfd17HAq_ygQXYI9CKMQnRXuhucB4HSPJHixSEAmw606E1c/s1600/20140218_174044_1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TV though was first on the list :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VvNTh-xJs8LVVr5bpor9lSaKeac_nYgNWUt3LLYKs8UOcwsQUbDf_40DppoeFfDWxhwPDAs4PmyO_shrz8Rnwcdz02R2waT4VG8cQbsCh4_2GsyvTFPc_ymDJAIUE-MqtnNA_jIPAiAu/s1600/20140218_174102_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VvNTh-xJs8LVVr5bpor9lSaKeac_nYgNWUt3LLYKs8UOcwsQUbDf_40DppoeFfDWxhwPDAs4PmyO_shrz8Rnwcdz02R2waT4VG8cQbsCh4_2GsyvTFPc_ymDJAIUE-MqtnNA_jIPAiAu/s1600/20140218_174102_1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Under there is an airbed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
waiting on the arrival of new furniture. Still another 2-3 weeks to go and then it will feel a bit more homely and we can then have friends around to visit. That is assuming that anyone would like to visit us and not saying that people cannot visit right now, they would just have to sit and sleep on the floor?? The flat is in Andover, just a few minutes walk from my work. Andrew has just a 25 minute drive to Winchester, although once his office move to Basingstoke finally goes ahead, it might be a bit longer but hopefully not too much. The flat is warm, comfortable and roomy!! Will be even more comfortable once the settee arrives. Surprisingly the airbed, which we are currently using, is proving to be very comfortable. I hope that the new bed will live up to expectations, I would hate to have to relegate it to the spare bedroom :(<br />
<br />
Once we have more spare cash, our plans are to do lots of weekend sightseeing, as best we can, plus some friendly visits of our own :) It has been a while since we were up north and although we will not be able to make a pie night at the Soar Inn, I am sure that we can manage a Saturday night or possibly even a Sunday brunch.<br />
<br />
Our other 'home from home' aka The Boat aka nb Ashdown, is still riding out the rise and fall of the Kennet and Avon at Theale. With the delays in lock maintenance caused by the wet weather, we have not been able to move her into a marina yet. We have 2 weekends available until the delayed Aldermaston close but unless this rain stops, it does not look like a happening thing. She is though, perfectly safe where she is and there are other boaters keeping an eye on her for us. What is is to have great friendly neighbours :)<br />
<br />
We are both however undergoing serious withdrawal symptoms. It is very hard sitting in an office looking out the window, knowing that you would rather be somewhere else. Also boredom is setting in, at least on the boat there were various activities which could be undertaken to relieve that boredom but in an office the range of activities is severely restricted, especially when you know that ALL of your internet browsing is monitored! I guess as I get more up to speed with the new applications, my quiet time will be limited but at least then the days will fly :)<br />
<br />
The camera for now has been relegated to the cupboard but I shall have to retrieve it soon and get back into the swing of it all. There will be less of the nature pics but I would hope that they will still be interesting, to some at least :)<br />
<br />
We spent a lot of time over Christmas at my brothers house, which was a good thing, as we could not move the boat because of the high water. Our water tank was getting rather low and the black water rather full! Not having to worry about all that was rather nice and the extra company was most enjoyable (thanks Jody and Gina for putting up with us) Every time we go back to visit now feels like yet another home coming :) <br />
So there we are, living in Andover, working for our living and making a bit on the side for the fun things in life.<br />
<br />
Next project is to find a safe home for nb Ashdown that is reasonably close, so that we can spend weekends still playing on the water.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135074974269958198noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123049840609535926.post-31399682544163406572013-12-12T16:25:00.003+00:002013-12-12T16:25:28.920+00:00Turning Tides and Fast Lanes<b>Thu 12th Dec</b><br />
<br />
I can finally report that Andrew is now gainfully employed and started his job yesterday. Somewhat of a change in routines now, with Andrew up before the sparrows and back long after they have all gone to bed. As for me after months of applications, the occasional phone interview and a couple of second interviews, I now also have a job offer. Initially it was a bit awkward as the job was in Bristol (and interview in Andover) and Andrew had accepted his job in Winchester the day before. So with a very costly and time consuming commute for Bristol I had decided to decline the offer. The company however was keen and has instead reverted back to the initial job position in Andover but on a 1 year fixed term contract. I am happy with that as Andover is only about 20 minutes from Winchester and we will see what the year brings. So life back in the fast lanes. <br />
<br />
We are still in Theale, having purchased a general towpath mooring licence for 3 months. We have a lovely little spot here by the lake. Once a week we tootle up to Tyle Mill to refill the water tank and occasionally to empty the other. Diesel was a bit difficult until we bought a little car on the weekend. Now we can go and fetch it in the car rather than taking the boat, which was a bit of a problem with the diesel being the other side of the closed locks at Tyle Mill. Now other issues come to mind with working and being away all day. We will have to make a decision on staying aboard or moving to land during the week. As most know, live aboard marinas on the Kennet and Avon are few and far between, never mind finding a free spot !! As such the decision might be made for us. I would much rather be in a marina while working, although Andrew does not mind one way or other. Starting to have to think about a commute and early mornings and late nights is making me shiver (and no it is not because it is cold inside <img alt="Laughing" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/emoticons7/21.gif" />) but needs must. <br />
<br />
Only having had the car for a few days before Andrew started work, it was quite different choosing where to go shopping rather than having to settle to where we could go either on foot or by public transport. Life is certainly shifting once more as we start out on yet another path. We are both looking forward to retirement now though, having experienced a magnificent year of fun and adventure. We have not got the boating bit out of our blood and will look forward to spending many more years out on the cut.<br />
<br />
With our continuous cruising over for now, the blogs will be fewer and farther apart but I will continue the blog to keep family and friends up with the news and what we are up to.<br />
Our plan is to spend time exploring some parts which were not able to get to by boat, but naturally this will be limited to weekend excursions <img alt="Sigh" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/emoticons7/46.gif" />. Nevertheless we will do what we can.<br />
<br />
Thanks to all who have helped us along our way this past year and to great new friends we have found on our travels. We will meet again sometime, we just hope it will not be too long <img alt="Winking" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/emoticons7/3.gif" /><br />
<br />
So I will leave you now with some pictures of our current mooring spot which has been very pleasant over the past month.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7598" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sEgL6qxw6Pk/Uqngiz-FJtI/AAAAAAAADag/rhrzJ6s-IQw/IMG_7598%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="283" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_7598" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southern Crested Grebe - in winter dressing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7676_1" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vgjcIxDKOCo/Uqngj4ihvYI/AAAAAAAADao/i7MAamBXw1U/IMG_7676_1%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="293" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_7676_1" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Grebe - we have only seen him/her a few times</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7678" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VhUZdQJLToA/Uqngkmm1URI/AAAAAAAADaw/gBLmPfjvLL4/IMG_7678%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="349" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_7678" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7693_1" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2zyVRJmhcxE/UqnglTP8HlI/AAAAAAAADa4/k492sfnW3tM/IMG_7693_1%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="272" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_7693_1" width="400" /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7711" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sdMqNIOPx2o/UqngmSHgojI/AAAAAAAADbA/CH5j8acLgkg/IMG_7711%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="262" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_7711" width="400" /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7719" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RM55WrFkUhY/UqngnpCvuMI/AAAAAAAADbI/Loeh-V1azFY/IMG_7719%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="298" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_7719" width="400" /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7738" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibSBg_2X42IUTbPyPSr3z65WMFC5iZ_Cg4gGuxe47Mu0IUYi8TdKZbvN7MgxsB-A-WDgDsR6vnQIMc3qIYQoTCpuej78h0xSFb0llMA-2aZgflAS1Axs5DipEBd7VhrWInRKdXlMU-YBA/?imgmax=800" height="246" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_7738" width="400" /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="20131204_161420" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-g1sUTO6mm-E/Uqngq1elP8I/AAAAAAAADbg/QGPtE_QoMn0/20131204_161420%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="300" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="20131204_161420" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="20131204_161515" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZUs85jPZST0/UqngrzwrmYI/AAAAAAAADbo/efD7Fzn1Q9U/20131204_161515%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="400" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="20131204_161515" width="300" /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="20131204_161528" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwoaPQmtNbK9cvmwaF491wx5kKpmwJPOfVmUqC4nN66JZbclGX0FnRRbVMKzjckssmMEXOAUEqSsnl3jPsw9VB-KoLOyx1rb7pIEvzEtdD_g_thvG8HZJ0ZonF1gABdnI22IJ2bBsMrxgK/?imgmax=800" height="300" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="20131204_161528" width="400" /></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135074974269958198noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123049840609535926.post-77682344873914819212013-11-17T19:50:00.001+00:002013-11-17T19:50:33.148+00:00Froud's Bridge Marina...and Back Again !!<p>On thursday we made our way west. Fuel was needed for the tank and the fire, gas for the cooking and a pump out was required. So we started off at 10am on a fairly sunny but windy day. Only 5 miles to travel but as many locks and swing bridges to get through.</p> <p>Going up these locks is time consuming. They are wide locks and the paddle wash is fierce. So it was slow and steady but I still managed to throw the boat from one side to the other on occasions. Poor Paddington Bear took a swan dive to the floor a few times. Eventually I left him sitting comfortably on the chair instead <img alt="Big Grin" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/emoticons7/4.gif"></p> <p>The wind was picking up and turning decidedly chilly but we eventually made it to Aldermaston Wharf. Only it was 4 boats deep along the whole section between the locks, with no space for pulling in for a pump out and diesel. Although there were some folk around sorting out the hire boats they did not seem particularly interested in our money. So we pootled on to Froud's Bridge Marina. By this time Andrew was really feeling the cold, I was the one doing all the strenuous exercise and keeping moderately warm in the process. Froud's Marina relieved us of quite a few leaves from the money tree, which is looking well on it's way into winter but we are now stocked up with coal for another month or two (depending on the weather) <img alt="Sigh" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/emoticons7/46.gif">. Andrew decided that a night hooked up in the marina was called for, as he was not keen on travelling any distance back again. From my point of view this was great. I got 4 loads of washing done, leaving the boat looking like the inside of a chinese laundry <img alt="Laughing" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/emoticons7/21.gif">. In the morning we refilled the water before leaving, without even having to move, bliss.</p> <p>We had hoped that on the route up to Aldermaston, we could find more spots to moor over winter. We were amazed at how shallow the edges were, leaving very few decent spots for mooring. Not only was it shallow but also very shaded. All along the towpath were tall trees shading the boat from the sun. We need as much sun as we can get to keep down the running hours on the engine to charge the batteries. Not only that, access to groceries would require a trip by bus or train to get to a supermarket. So decision made, we would return to Theale and should the rain persist and the river rise we will take the boat up to Tyle Mill or just above Sulhamstead Lock. Both seem to be reasonably ok. Two of the other boats moored near us were in this same area last winter and said that they were fine. The water level rose and the flow increased but other than that no real issues. Well we shall see but I am hoping for a nice dry winter this year <img alt="Praying" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/emoticons7/63.gif">.</p> <p>So sorry Allan, for now we are staying east and with the sun. I rather like our little spot here by the lake. I will take a picture on the next misty, sunny morning and you can see why.</p> <p>Until then folk, take care and keep warm <img alt="Wave" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/emoticons7/103.gif"></p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135074974269958198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123049840609535926.post-1041970548892628702013-11-13T19:01:00.001+00:002013-11-13T19:01:05.312+00:00It Must Be Time Again...For An Update<p>Once more I have been very lax in keeping family and friends up to date with what we are up to. (Hand smack taken)</p> <p>We made it safely through the great storm that never was for some. We on the other hand were battered around a bit but only for a few hours. We had selected our spot well and were protected from the worst of the winds. Leaving our spot a couple of days later we saw just how bad it had been in some spots with trees down all over.</p> <p>We have made our way on to the Kennet and Avon and have basically ground to a halt not far out of Reading. Theale has both a bus and train service into Reading and a co-op for food supplies, convenient for us. Water and pump out is just a lock and swing bridge away. A bloody tough swing bridge though, Andrew had to tie the boat up and help me with both opening and closing the bridge. That one lock and bridge are not on this years maintenance stoppages so we are happy about that. We have a couple of spots in which to moor and only a few other boats sharing those spots, so plenty for all. No problems with continuous moorers around this end of the canal it would seem.</p> <p>Tomorrow we shall venture a little bit further as we have need of more bags of coal. So to Aldermaston Wharf it is.</p> <p>Our other news is that the job offers are just not flowing in, actually considering the number of jobs I have been applying for they have been dramatically non-existent. It really is quiet depressing. This is one of the reasons for remaining as close to Reading as possible without being smack bang in the middle of town. Mid town was not so great for the sun, when it shines. So being a bit further out we get the batteries well charged when the sun is out, which I must admit has only been for a few days here and there but at least it helps keep down the diesel consumption.</p> <p>In hind-sight we wished that we had stayed further up north where we have more boating friends, as it is getting quiet lonely here. We are running out of conversation between us, especially as we are not on the move every other day.</p> <p>So looking forward to tomorrow and some new views for a day before we move back down to Theale. Andrew has struck up a bit of a morning friendship with the lady from the house by the Theale swing bridge, but this all takes place before I even get up as she is an early morning walker and I would rather be tucked up in bed.</p> <p>Andrew has been 'forcing' me to go out for a daily walk, just to stretch out the muscles and stop the onset of cabin fever :D </p> <p>Other than that i am keeping myself busy, reading, playing games on my tablet, knitting, watching tv, applying for jobs every morning (except saturday and sunday) and enlarging the number of people on my family tree. The tree is coming along nicely with the discovery of the marriage certificate of my dutch great grandfather. It has only taken me 10 odd years to get there, but that is what happens when you only rely on internet sites for information. Next on the list is the Swiss / Italian side, which is even more difficult to come by. </p> <p>So that is enough of the boring stuff, Andrew is fine and most of the time so am I. one day the phone will ring and that dreaded job will be offered. I have to say I am not looking forward to being back in an office, but it is too late to teach and old 'dog' new tricks, so there will be no re-training for me. One day someone will see that I am the person that they really need and want to work for them. Then life will take a different turn again.</p> <p>Well I have been advised that dinner is ready, so I am off to partake of some sustenance.</p> <p>Cheerio everyone, until next time :D</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135074974269958198noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123049840609535926.post-60039862557693314132013-10-27T21:59:00.000+00:002013-10-27T22:08:15.885+00:00Anticipation and it's downfallSo it has been a while since I last let you all in on what we are doing, actually it has been close on 2 weeks. So yet another catch up is on the cards.<br />
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I last left you at the top off the Oxford Canal viewing all from the summit pound.<br />
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We have naturally moved on as winter maintenance of a number of locks between us and our possible destination starts on the 4th November. We need to be on the right side of a lock or two to ensure that we can be in the 'desired' place when this occurs. For some of these locks, the stoppage is for a full 5 months, for others 2 months to just 2 weeks. Anyway, suffice it to say, if we are on the wrong side on the 4th November we will not be able to get to possible interviews and the like without some serious travelling issues.<br />
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So as you might have gathered, the greatly anticipated job offer was not to be. A real bugger really, as it had us on tenterhooks for 4 weeks! I was disappointed and annoyed, after multiple phone calls, some late at night, tests and a final interview in Reading last week, involving more travel costs. It also means that I have to start this process all over again and that we are still not able to make any definite plans for winter. Trying to sort out stoppages and how we are going to manage, makes for more worry on my part. I think that maybe Andrew hides it better than I do. But not to worry to much family, we still have a number of weeks to go before we start going hungry :D<br />
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So while all this job finding stuff has been going on behind the scenes, we have still been making our way south. The weather has been on and off, with some lovely autumn days of sun and colour and other days of cold and wet winds. We have tackled long days and lots of locks. Suffered some selfish boaters along the way and some very pleasant. I guess it is a lot like driving, you get some real buggers on the roads too. :D<br />
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I have taken some photo's but spent most of my time either locking or just enjoying the fresh air. As Andrew commented one day, 'we have had a fair share of fresh air over this past year'.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7206" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-z5vhMsNSrdY/Um2IqvGGjHI/AAAAAAAADZE/4zaNxlxgZys/IMG_7206%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="267" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_7206" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Bright Spot</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7208" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LrSUCHGPxb0/Um2IrfLmiLI/AAAAAAAADZM/r1pb-LiaGzQ/IMG_7208%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="400" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_7208" width="267" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7212" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--VyhUg4Edho/Um2Iscvve9I/AAAAAAAADZU/NUKQ497uAJc/IMG_7212%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="267" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_7212" width="400" /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7245" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_QIeFH2jfOg/Um2ItHJmUfI/AAAAAAAADZc/6zpWe8hjw1o/IMG_7245%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="400" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_7245" width="324" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kite, but not the paper kind :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7282" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr29VxSFqUpUve8_6tH3gDIorj_noLrbkdF8ZVfTNcO0-0j6D2VM2U_e7kN97JHoIGCC6qQQY90bMME6-gMh-hBHZ27GJorFWwbPUen9_v1lyIRhiHS233BYomGiNARZ2t7ktazyl4TGDl/?imgmax=800" height="283" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_7282" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and another</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7308" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mJwRZstI0H0/Um2IuaYQEvI/AAAAAAAADZs/lkFMFxNKGVk/IMG_7308%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="267" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_7308" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clifton Hampden Bridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7319" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fFnyl7wRZoZXPXBTubFAP1eoD-N7ON46HW7jHGCv6kFyhNxICvb70FSnnbgnr4qTKrW_jHIEssokG4t7HBSp9tZbgBl8TFoeUax2vN9sswrqesOHoNLIwqeBngzJ1WyaPNVpxl-KpggT/?imgmax=800" height="263" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_7319" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and another Kite</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7401" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GB3mEZEvIIs/Um2IvxZWhJI/AAAAAAAADZ8/Y13skv9cQU4/IMG_7401%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="400" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_7401" width="293" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ooohh, a Heron</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7411" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4IvVyA3Ci7w/Um2IxoQ3sxI/AAAAAAAADaE/v_jvIOLbHOo/IMG_7411%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="267" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_7411" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shillingford Court</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7440" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-thdzq4RbK5Y/Um2IyRPK9rI/AAAAAAAADaM/jwSjgXrSRGw/IMG_7440%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="400" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_7440" width="267" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More winter colour</td></tr>
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We are now holed up just below Goring Lock. A severe weather warning has been issued for tonight and tomorrow morning, with wind gusts up to 80 mph for the south and south west coasts and here inland the weather man says about 40 to 60 mph. We are reasonably protected here surrounded by hills and high trees, but trees far enough away that if they do break, they won't reach us. There is also the rain to contend with but Andrew assures me that we will be fine and that even if the river should rise we will be fine, the ropes will be secure enough but not to tight :)<br />
Once the weather settles we will move on to Reading and the Kennet and Avon Canal, where we will join the hundreds of other Continuous Moorers, or so the stories say. We will see and report :)<br />
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In the meantime, wish us luck on finding jobs so that we may continue to support ourselves :DAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135074974269958198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123049840609535926.post-31298550766887253132013-10-12T20:52:00.001+01:002013-10-12T20:52:38.439+01:00Pushing on SouthWe touched down at Braunston for a couple of days as there was a Skype interview to attend :) We had a reasonable internet connection just by bridge 89. nb Islonian was also in the immediate vicinity of Braunston, so we made a plan to meet up later in the evening on Wednesday. But the weather turned on us and from a stunning early morning it turned into a very chilly and damp night. Andrew and I weren't quite sure where the pub was, the interior of the boat was lovely and warm and the outside very cold. Laziness had set in so we postponed the visit to the next day. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7113" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-okv3Pf4J_6E/UlmlNsnSx-I/AAAAAAAADXg/KiVQT4qcsSI/IMG_7113%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="193" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_7113" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early morning on the North Oxford - heading into Braunston</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7104" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UGMPkbnJ-ag/UlmlO768xbI/AAAAAAAADXo/o0MgtacUJjg/IMG_7104%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="213" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_7104" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More around Braunston</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7107" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--wpXM5zONxs/UlmlP3lw_kI/AAAAAAAADXs/0PRpCnf_Bds/IMG_7107%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="223" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_7107" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A touch of sun</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7109" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4lcBUO8vJDs/UlmlRfIH6xI/AAAAAAAADX4/wXpAeM3KKxA/IMG_7109%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="195" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_7109" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early morning on the farm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7112" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-c2z0SjCPqzc/UlmlSKbtzWI/AAAAAAAADYA/f9jAJn_AlWU/IMG_7112%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="186" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_7112" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and more</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
On Thursday morning we walked around the towpath to visit with Jim and Sheila on Islonian. After another long catchup we made our farewells. In the morning we were heading in the opposite directions. I am sure though that we will meet up again :)<br />
The interview in the evening went well, from my perspective but as yet, still no end in sight. Another interview to be arranged, this one to be a face to face! We are getting to the point of first offer is going to be the one. <br />
<br />
Friday morning saw us turning in to Braunston Marina to get a pump out, only to see that Islonian had the same idea and had beaten us to the spot. We moored alongside while they completed their tasks, having yet another chat. So goodbyes once again and Islonian left to continue their journey to their winter moorings.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7115" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCSTa5dL7KirWN_G7j8h9jCqpS8jpGT8ZwPPdI-gX04AW8x-i6twtdadLtMXcEp812ID1wjeOHo_sNTpB5frVnQIiBNuKOw38X0D-nxDZxqYtItLLH_u4QOLNBrC_Il38_LI6wCduv4L0/?imgmax=800" height="292" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_7115" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Islonian on their way down the Grand union from Braunston Marina</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Once we had done with the services, Andrew made a wonderful reverse out of the marina, executed a marvelous reverse turn and then we were on our way to Oxford.<br />
We made our way as far as Napton-on-the-Hill and moored up in the visitor moorings there. The weather had been very iffy and I was not to keen on tackling the 9 locks in the rain. The only issue was that the visitor moorings at the bottom of the Napton flight have no internet signal and NO phone either. So a quiet afternoon was had :D<br />
<br />
Today we have put the locks behind us and stopped on the summit pound of the South Oxford canal. There is a lovely view across the farms, but no pictures, as each time the sun came out it vanished again before I could get outside with my camera. We did however watch a 'hunt' in progress. I wish it had been closer so that I could get some photos, it was quite a sight. By the time I had watched them with the binoculars, I had given myself seasickness !!! <img alt="Sick" src="http://messenger.msn.com/MMM2006-04-19_17.00/Resource/emoticons/52_52.gif" /> How the hell I managed that I do not know.<br />
<br />
Anyway, the evening has given over to the rain and we are sitting here watching tv listening to the rain on the roof. We on the other hand are cosy and warm with the fire going softly in the corner. <br />
And just to finish off, some pictures that I took last week and did not add into the blogs !!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7074" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HAJij94PDm0/UlmlTliGjFI/AAAAAAAADYQ/moiewiMYhGs/IMG_7074%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="329" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_7074" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mandarin - male Seen outside Tamworth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7078" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dUudWUL0W1k/UlmlUlbzurI/AAAAAAAADYY/YPCm3FzgENk/IMG_7078%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="343" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_7078" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and the female</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7096" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ALM-m9NF6Ek/UlmlVhnOPjI/AAAAAAAADYg/XG6wAwMP1hQ/IMG_7096%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="255" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_7096" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready for winter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7100" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2COGExuQDKo/UlmlWoiG4HI/AAAAAAAADYo/2uzvljXh-Ww/IMG_7100%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="267" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_7100" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge in the Atherstone Flight</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7101" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gMcHZODwnjE/UlmlXbn5c8I/AAAAAAAADYw/oO9glSJZYzs/IMG_7101%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="273" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_7101" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew's attempt at a Monet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135074974269958198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123049840609535926.post-4705170052555850802013-10-08T21:16:00.001+01:002013-10-08T21:16:33.468+01:00A Quiet Week, Sort Of ?Since last week we have moved closer to London, by 38.71 miles :) I have taken virtually no photo's due to spending most of my time either locking or computing inside!<br />
<br />
I have managed 3 days of study to get the brain back into 'work' mode and be able to complete a second 'test' as part of a job interview. In all the test took me 2hrs 25mins to complete and the company was expecting 2 1/2 hrs, so not too bad. Now I am waiting to here whether I actually managed to complete it to the expected standard !<br />
<br />
The weather for this past week has actually been very pleasant, considering it is supposed to be autumn. We wonder if the long 2012-13 winter and late spring is possibly also resulting in a later autumn/winter. I for one will not be complaining, yet! Today we cruised further than we originally intended as the outdoor temp on our weather station was showing 21.5deg and the sun was shining.<br />
<br />
So a quick recoup.<br />
Since leaving Fazeley Junction we have journeyed to the bottom of the Atherstone Lock flight. The following morning I was a bit late getting out of bed (some mornings the bed is just too comfortable :) ) and while I was having my first cup of tea for the day in preparation for the 11 locks, at least 4 boats passed us by going towards the lock flight. So we thought we would just give them a while to get going through but of course 2 more then passed us. To hell with that we thought, when we got to the top we still needed to restock the cupboard! We did not intend to get to the top too late. So we gave the last boat past at least 10 minutes to get through the bottom lock around the corner, before we set off ourselves. Blow me down, we get around the corner and there is a bloody queue!! The previous boat had broken down again! We passed him the day before and he was having throttle issues, supposedly fixed at great cost but seemingly not very well. He had called the engineer back but needed to get up the bottom 2 locks to be near a road that the engineer could get too! So he was pulling the boat along by the center rope. Lucky for him it was just a tiddly little boat :) Unfortunately for us we were behind him, but I guess we were not really in too great of a hurry. As it was, once we were passed the broken down boat, we caught up the boat ahead in just the next few locks. So slowing down again to the speed of the boat ahead. I do try to remember sometimes that locking is not a race but Andrew and I have, over the past year, got flights down to a quick routine, especially when going up. It is hard when that rhythm is broken by catching up to a boat ahead. Anyway, without boring everyone with the details, we made it to the top of the flight, found a mooring (whew, was worried they might be full) and had just completed the mooring up jobs, when the rain came down. Rather a lot of rain too. That made the decision for us and we stayed put for the night. The shopping was done first thing the next morning before setting off on the next leg, which ended up being just a very short 1hr cruise to catch up again with Allan. There Andrew spent the afternoon chatting and trying to sort out dud batteries again, while I started on the re-engage brain stuff. On the battery side, we have started having problems again with batteries completely discharging overnight. Having been through this before,Andrew knew what the problem would be, it just needed time to figure out the naughty ones and banish them. Now we need to replace the buggers and the price of them would equate to 2 weeks of food! <br />
Saturday saw us all off again, heading to Hawkesbury Junction, the spot where the North Oxford Canal joins the Coventry Canal. We were hoping to find some space to moor up here but no luck. The only available space had a very dodgy looking boat moored just ahead of the space, ghastly music blaring out of a radio and 2 obviously well oiled gents sitting on the towpath. They did question the origin of our flag, Aussie / Kiwi and we set them straight with a bit of a laugh and a quiet behind the hand, not stopping there for the night no matter what you might think :) Up until this point I had been studying for quite a few hours. At the junction we turned the 180deg into the start of the North Oxford Canal. I had hopped off the boat to set the stop lock (a very shallow lock, usually only a foot or less, used originally to stop the flow of water from one canal company to the other!). Andrew turned gracefully under the bridge and into the lock. From here we continued...Andrew looking for a stopping point and me to carry on studying :( We eventually stopped for the night at All Oaks Wood, a lovely little spot and the all too important GOOD internet connection which I would need to be able to get the test and return it. Sunday was another study day and Monday was test morning, so very little to report there :) other than Allan caught us up again as he had stopped for groceries the day before and had to stop due to failing light before he could reach us on the Saturday. Allan left again on Monday and I also recall 'hearing' nb Islonian passing us by but my head was down and bottom up getting through my test. Once my test was done and emailed back, we decided not to move on, my brain needed some cool down time :D<br />
<br />
So we arrive at today. We left All Oaks Wood fairly early due to me rising before 8:15am ! and this was due to the very noisy tractor in the field just a few meters from the boat which started work at 7:30am! We made our way toward Rugby, for yet another stop-n-shop! As we came around the corner after exiting Newbold Tunnel, who should we spy, side by side (or more literally tail to tail) was nb Waiouru, last spotted heading out of Chester at least 4 weeks ago and nb Lucy Lowther (aka The Lovely Lisa), Allan who had left us All Oaks Wood the day before! We called out a 'Hello' to Tom and Jan and Allan. After a lengthy pit stop with Tom and Jan to catch up on all the news and discussion on batteries, we bid farewell to them as they are staying in Rugby for the winter. We will keep up with their news via their blog as I am sure they will keep up with ours in the same way. Thanks Tom and Jan, it was great having a chance to chat again :)<br />
<br />
We continued on to Rugby, just a short hop down the canal, intending to catchup with Allan again, mooring up somewhere after Rugby. At least the intention was for us to stop at the bottom of the 3 Hillmorton Locks but there was no sign of Allan. So we continued up the locks, the weather was lovely and warm and brain was back in cruise mode :) We eventually found Allan who had continued on to Barby Moorings where he was going to leave his boat for winter. There were not any decent moorings by the marina, so we made our goodbyes and carried on for another 10 or 15 minutes and have moored up here, just before bridge 79. Tomorrow we shall make our way to Braunston. It is here that we will have to make a definite and final decision as to which way we will go, left to London via the Grand Union Canal or right to Oxford and on to the Thames. Our current thoughts are Oxford and the Thames as the current job interview process is for a position based in Reading. If this does not come about, then we can continue on to London.<br />
<br />
So there you have it, our news for the week and once again, up to date :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135074974269958198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123049840609535926.post-89188666228091121652013-10-01T17:26:00.002+01:002013-10-01T17:26:37.176+01:00A Twitcher Sidetrack<b>Monday 30th September</b><br />
<br />
Today we took a side trip a mile or so up the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal to the RSPB nature reserve which is still being established around some old gravel pits by the River Tame.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_6910" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VpyOoyKGlKs/Ukrz2dxpi-I/AAAAAAAADUA/RZbBsy6X5JE/IMG_69107.jpg?imgmax=800" height="267" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Gothic Style Footbridge at Drayton Manor Park" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gothic style footbridge over the canal by Drayton Manor PArk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Unfortunately the light has not been the best today. The sun did peek out in the very late afternoon but by the time I had finished my cup of tea and got my shoes on the clouds were already making tracks over the sky. I will go back again in the morning to see if I can do any better.<br />
But here are some of the better ones from today.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_6913" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Un0Ix53b_i4/Ukrz3zaYYBI/AAAAAAAADUI/jr0x41eC-Oc/IMG_69135.jpg?imgmax=800" height="256" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Common Darter" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Darter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_6915" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yn5Dh8jZjSo/Ukrz4rpTSRI/AAAAAAAADUQ/gFB0m_FeWWA/IMG_69155.jpg?imgmax=800" height="278" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Female ruddy Darter?" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female Ruddy Darter?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Lapwing" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-csKlluXcBAw/Ukrz5ZPbpbI/AAAAAAAADUY/Wq3dfToL1u8/IMG_69116.jpg?imgmax=800" height="400" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Lapwing" width="381" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lapwing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_6919" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-shfKoAE8u6s/Ukrz6MR1HAI/AAAAAAAADUg/UuMQJ7v-WYk/IMG_69195.jpg?imgmax=800" height="320" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Duck in flight" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duck in flight</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_6946" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oITg1PwGm6o/Ukrz7CcDd8I/AAAAAAAADUo/H70ETl6sBV0/IMG_69465.jpg?imgmax=800" height="286" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Great Crested Grebe with lunch" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Crested Grebe with lunch</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I think that this Grebe caught more than he could almost cope with. It took him at least 10 minutes to get it down, even andrew would have been pleased if he caught a fish this size :)<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_6954" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LaYtBhRSbUM/Ukrz8F234gI/AAAAAAAADUw/ilmHhBF-nrg/IMG_69545.jpg?imgmax=800" height="400" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Little Egret" width="374" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Egret</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_6963" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lpqIvuRguhc/Ukrz83GHlQI/AAAAAAAADU4/AoOWsS_bCgo/IMG_69635.jpg?imgmax=800" height="296" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Shoveler Duck - Female" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shoveler Duck - Female</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_6992" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OLdBSWb7LNo/Ukrz_P6NbhI/AAAAAAAADVA/0CwwGSlwlB0/IMG_69923.jpg?imgmax=800" height="400" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Maybe a Stonechat" width="330" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe a Stonechat?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_6990" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HzgpVQ7kAhE/Ukrz_8c8xjI/AAAAAAAADVI/zzJpjQ-1XO4/IMG_69905.jpg?imgmax=800" height="400" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Common toadflax" width="267" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Toadflax</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_6995" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-n1Q_QUhJ0Mk/Ukr0ArlY7HI/AAAAAAAADVQ/ZrkrtqSu8qg/IMG_69955.jpg?imgmax=800" height="400" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Cornflower" width="227" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cornflower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_6997" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TFmcPgEjxKY/Ukr0BmIs4gI/AAAAAAAADVY/vejfzM39Mz4/IMG_69975.jpg?imgmax=800" height="400" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Evening Sky" width="267" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evening Sky</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_6998" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-22t2FbwjZ-g/Ukr0CXo2-hI/AAAAAAAADVg/oN6wqCPQW9Q/IMG_69985.jpg?imgmax=800" height="400" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Wid Sweetpea" width="252" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Sweetpea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7003" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MBB68Twl2dw/Ukr0DC6Ep8I/AAAAAAAADVo/M2EGwWORJ1g/IMG_70035.jpg?imgmax=800" height="321" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Great Crested Grebe and young" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Crested Grebe and young</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Tuesday 1st October</b><br />
<br />
I went on another nature walk this morning after sorting out another interview, this one though is via skype, so no travel costs involved just yet. So fingers crossed for this one and hope it goes better than the last one <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-s-UcfZEaZ5s/Ukr0Dhdz1YI/AAAAAAAADVs/T2pseEBoPPU/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /><br />
So todays' pictures …<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7011" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HT3T3BhhTy0/Ukr0EaJayII/AAAAAAAADV4/sbij9rLkTQE/IMG_7011%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="213" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Gadwall" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gadwall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7023" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NAPm_sZ4GDw/Ukr0Ez36enI/AAAAAAAADWA/dVBCAGtPaVE/IMG_7023%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="400" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Evening Primrose" width="267" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evening Primrose</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7025" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-99mIRlbdv1s/Ukr0F31B2vI/AAAAAAAADWI/Z0eTd3Vkq1g/IMG_7025%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="400" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_7025" width="334" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fungi??</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7027" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-A-6UBZOX4OY/Ukr0G1uyY7I/AAAAAAAADWQ/_gpmc7X7PV4/IMG_7027%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="267" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_7027" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fungi??</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7029" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfkqfce6YLHtZijKeh1jbz6ydawHXPzJJLUAtBc-sNnNK2AvCTM7UQQF_5ZxgaCywNEJQufZsb2hhthiOeC2Nbh6SYonv9mpWDZ0mAS0tncf0PI7B2KlTLXjA47E6qdJJF9DqBqFtg0Fu/?imgmax=800" height="400" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_7029" width="267" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fungi??</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7033" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EQsSSd83lC4/Ukr0IrLukZI/AAAAAAAADWg/LyWGmhVH7Y8/IMG_7033%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="400" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_7033" width="235" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fungi??</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7034" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5u0dIaLZKe0/Ukr0JrFb9_I/AAAAAAAADWo/mLdgawcsyw0/IMG_7034%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="400" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_7034" width="314" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grass seed head - those spiders get everywhere!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7035" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7nanRt9Lwtk/Ukr0KNVJoZI/AAAAAAAADWw/xKqvpKeyr8g/IMG_7035%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="354" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Comma" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comma</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7042" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-x1CxIZQxCE4/Ukr0LAq90FI/AAAAAAAADW4/SorJ6lZXFIg/IMG_7042%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="400" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_7042" width="347" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fungi??</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7048" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pIwPDeIYRyM/Ukr0L7B_t3I/AAAAAAAADXA/zqFgtPURLJw/IMG_7048%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="396" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_7048" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">House window</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7052" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XNIgO_k2mlw/Ukr0Myvs_lI/AAAAAAAADXI/e964IbpLjrI/IMG_7052%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="267" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Caterpillar of the Grey Dagger Moth " width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caterpillar of the Grey Dagger Moth </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_7063" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WEXj-nglRPg/Ukr0Nkdpv4I/AAAAAAAADXQ/7XR2U9eInFc/IMG_7063%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="267" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Burst of colour" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burst of colour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135074974269958198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123049840609535926.post-3678269730901032942013-09-29T16:44:00.003+01:002013-09-29T16:44:48.106+01:00Time Is Moving OnBut we are staying stationary for a day <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KWpmzowmwJk/UkhFoLtk6qI/AAAAAAAADSI/yHWzEMexMhM/wlEmoticon-smile2.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /><br />
<br />
We have been zipping along at speed for the past few days, <img alt="Snail" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-snail" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tiZlEPc5Ous/UkhFoghZ3zI/AAAAAAAADSQ/imIm1MEVddI/wlEmoticon-snail%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /> we left Tixall Wide a bit later than planned as we needed to wait for a phone call. Once that was done, we moved on to Great Haywood for a water top up, very necessary due to the amount of washing I had done in the previous few days ! I took the opportunity to visit the farm shop butcher which is on our favourites list. We had the pork chops for dinner last night and they were just lovely again <img alt="Angel" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-angel" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yMXSj0NDqkw/UkhFpPkjOzI/AAAAAAAADSY/4qXUAqAQbbQ/wlEmoticon-angel%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" />. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_6862" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YiAhXtRvdxA/UkhFpuifemI/AAAAAAAADSg/d3IpSIC52kw/IMG_6862%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="267" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6862" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very large Gunnera just outside Little Haywood - unfortunately you cannot see the flower stems growing in the middle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_6864" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9NtsJ4smMrE/UkhFqh_LHbI/AAAAAAAADSo/7u-rR0R8moc/IMG_6864%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="270" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6864" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute little piglet seen on a farm outside Rugeley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We cruised through to Rugeley where we stopped again to stock the cupboards. The plan was to head for Morrisons BUT a huge brand new Tesco’s had opened the day before and is right by the canal at bridge 66. While I put away the groceries, Andrew popped over to Morrisons to see if he cold find the dehumidifier crystals that we need. They were not available in Tesco’s but not at Morrisons either. Andrew thinks Morrisons are going to struggle now with the new Tesco’s just across the canal ! <br />
As it was still reasonably early we decided to continue on to Fradley Junction. Well….it took a bit longer than we thought and when we finally arrived there, al the moorings were taken. We tried a couple of times to moor up past the 48hr moorings but just could not get in to the side. So while I got dinner on the go, it was already 6:30pm by now, Andrew continued until he was able to find a suitable mooring spot. Finally at 7:30pm we were moored up and were able to eat dinner ! <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_6869" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IdZr6pjIuU8/UkhFrXPkBiI/AAAAAAAADSw/Ta9EcBVAOLU/IMG_6869%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="400" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6869" width="384" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Captive Buzzard outside Rugeley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_6885" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Pojcu6UcJnM/UkhFrzGN1YI/AAAAAAAADS4/eb2cueZKBLc/IMG_6885%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="400" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6885" width="269" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_6893" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3iMsoh35EXM/UkhFsjSclQI/AAAAAAAADTA/4XcJlNP1vxI/IMG_6893%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="279" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6893" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_6896" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AdCVKdJ3ACQ/UkhFtsBItmI/AAAAAAAADTI/ZVWqBv8llYM/IMG_6896%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="400" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6896" width="296" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_6903" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lHQqD69QO8U/UkhFu9at-zI/AAAAAAAADTQ/O2ukaAWfPe4/IMG_6903%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="260" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6903" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shaggy Ink Cap</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
On Saturday we were up again at a reasonable hour and on our way but yesterday seemed to be telling us something when after just 20 minutes we saw a boat well known to us moored up. Naturally, we pulled up and moored to have a coffee and chat with Allan, on nb The Lovely Lisa aka Lucy Lowther. We had not seen Allan since we met going in opposite directions on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal mid July. After a long chat and now we are going in the same direction, we moved on with the plan to meet up later in the afternoon. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_6904" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EbTlAQEnnHg/UkhFvk9G07I/AAAAAAAADTY/rxyr7IUbrko/IMG_6904%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="400" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6904" width="286" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Allan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Our plan was to head for the bottom of the Atherstone Locks a fair number of hours away. But this was not to be, as we reached Fazeley junction, there was yet another familiar boat, nb Islonian who we had spent some time with on the Llangollen Canal just a few weeks ago. So once more, quick reverse and pull in. After another cup of coffee, or three, we could not be bothered with moving on <img alt="Sarcastic smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-sarcasticsmile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Xur4yZHsveg/UkhFxEYESzI/AAAAAAAADTg/jbUpYjFgZ18/wlEmoticon-sarcasticsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /> so a quick text to Allan about the change of plan once more! Allan turned up later in the evening and we all ended up spending the night here in Fazeley Junction. <br />
It is so nice to be able to change plans so easily, we are staying here for a few days, there is a nature reserve just up from the junction which we shall move to today or tomorrow <img alt="Winking smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sOJdH7FCz8Y/UkhFyLm70sI/AAAAAAAADTo/z92nT7UFyIg/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /> and then we shall carry on towards London. Allan has moved on but we shall catch up to him along the way and stop again for another coffee and chat.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_6906" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RGp7t7vCddU/UkhF1Cfiz5I/AAAAAAAADTw/eCHtiYSVMBo/IMG_6906%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="400" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6906" width="388" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cows in the Cut :)</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135074974269958198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123049840609535926.post-32398562192697853662013-09-26T20:05:00.000+01:002013-09-26T20:05:12.689+01:00A Work and Play UpdateNot too many pictures again today I'm afraid :( We have been cruising waters we have passed before and we are also on a mission, so not a lot of time or reason to take more pictures. Although we did see a Kestrel today, so might just have to see if one of those ones is usable.<br />
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So an update!<br />
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I enjoyed my trip down south, but more because I was able to spend some time with my brother Jody and his wife, Gina, in their new house. The job interview though did not go well. Or at least that is what I thought. I have still not heard back so I am assuming it was the same from their side of the desk too.<br />
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On the bright side though, I managed to get a bunch of job applications off on Friday, Saturday and Monday and I am now fielding calls and emails. Lots of fun when internet and phone signals are intermittent. We are crossing the fingers and toes that one of them will lead to a negotiation of sorts and that I shall soon be gainfully employed.<br />
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It does make us realise though, that the last year has slipped by very quickly and that the sabbatical is almost over. What it has also done, is made us see that retirement is something to look forward too, not dreaded. We will be able to fill the days quite easily I think :) <br />
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I made it back to the boat late Monday afternoon. Tuesday we pulled pins and over the past 3 days we have trekked from Gnosall to one of our favourites, Tixall Wide.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7smkQIBR2pGrhs6jV78fpYQQVcX-MnxYUlxVLqdIFQZE6TgoHbax4muAmxU8vdzJ7gV6RS5ciiThbFfAZ8UdkghB-bzlAPHgVhZdfupYocUtKtW9wXJZ02zZWs_4y9Ha1JRq6NZkVuPr/s1600/IMG_6837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7smkQIBR2pGrhs6jV78fpYQQVcX-MnxYUlxVLqdIFQZE6TgoHbax4muAmxU8vdzJ7gV6RS5ciiThbFfAZ8UdkghB-bzlAPHgVhZdfupYocUtKtW9wXJZ02zZWs_4y9Ha1JRq6NZkVuPr/s1600/IMG_6837.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shropshire Union view</td></tr>
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We are making our way south at a reasonable speed and south is where I have been applying for jobs. Our initial idea had been to do the Wolverhampton 21 and make our way back through Birmingham. The problem was firstly, that in order to do this required a long day to make it from the top of the 21 all the way through to Birmingham, as there are very few safe mooring spots along the way. Secondly, on arrival in Birmingham mooring spots would be scarce. There is a floating market organised for this weekend in Birmingham and as a result, many of the mooring spots have been assigned to the trading boats. So a Birmingham by-pass has been set. We are happy though, as the rural cruising is far more fun. Not only that, we could find ourselves, that should probably read will find ourselves, big city placed for a good while. The final destination will not be known until the job is sorted but we would like to enjoy the quiet rural countryside for as long as we can. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJ6gnawlhxVXuigDJXfZDIjKoTNbN0q-6ZhYL5Tu50Y2rtBiuhnd1GA6amxrcBLUMBYv37FhLvoDqp8SpYjBu7-UBZAMIpxS48TkGisy2XHQ90MMbmOxWb_sh3QCznHCS14bWbXgmWWRU/s1600/IMG_6857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJ6gnawlhxVXuigDJXfZDIjKoTNbN0q-6ZhYL5Tu50Y2rtBiuhnd1GA6amxrcBLUMBYv37FhLvoDqp8SpYjBu7-UBZAMIpxS48TkGisy2XHQ90MMbmOxWb_sh3QCznHCS14bWbXgmWWRU/s1600/IMG_6857.JPG" height="400" width="353" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kestrel</td></tr>
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As you can all probably work out, Andrew survived the 5 days without me very well. He was able to pig out on beans on toast for a few days, along with a couple of proper meals :) He doesn't get to eat like that when I am around :)<br />
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So there is our news for another week. Now that i am back on board and provided we have some internet, you might get the news a bit more frequently.<br />
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Cheerio for now Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135074974269958198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123049840609535926.post-70680609422753775982013-09-16T20:18:00.001+01:002013-09-16T20:18:13.054+01:00Stopping over in Gnosall<b>Monday 16th September</b><br />
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We arrived in Gnosall this morning after a short 2 mile journey from Norbury Junction. The internet here for now is holding but not on my smartphone on 3!<br />
<br />Anyway at least we have something, so after a short chat with Jody this morning, my train tickets are all booked and paid for. So Andrew gets to have a bit of a break from my company for 5 days as I will leave on Wednesday morning and return on Monday afternoon. Well I was not going all that way and not stop for a few days with my brother was I <img alt="Tongue" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/emoticons7/10.gif" /> Plus also going up a day early gives me a chance to get some pointers from Jody, as it has been quite while now since I last interviewed for a job <img alt="Big Grin" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/emoticons7/4.gif" /> and never for one in the UK !<br />
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This way I also get to see their new house and maybe give a hand with sorting out boxes or cupboards while I am there over the weekend. You never know I might even make it to a hairdresser and have a bit of a trim and colour <img alt="Big Grin" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/emoticons7/4.gif" /><br />
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In the meantime Andrew has booked his daily seat at the Navigation Inn and will look after the necessaries on the boat until I get back.<br />
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So there will not be any blog from me until next week, maybe Andrew might decide to give it a go, but then maybe not <img alt="Laughing" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/emoticons7/21.gif" /><br />
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Take care everyone, till next time, cheerio <img alt="Wave" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/emoticons7/103.gif" /> <br />
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To finish off some pictures from the last week which I have not put up yet<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNxfnuA9YzHlgHnaUg_tw4s0dPJCXOsRQnUHC0fB664kg4vs5cFThyphenhyphenUlxin76zkbeNwhX-pyU4M0XXGOormB3MEnLgQJ7hzEIhyO31NlKvpvZ85DUTa6Mfu8nle6pYukZlkUUsOqD5ddfs/s1600/IMG_6829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNxfnuA9YzHlgHnaUg_tw4s0dPJCXOsRQnUHC0fB664kg4vs5cFThyphenhyphenUlxin76zkbeNwhX-pyU4M0XXGOormB3MEnLgQJ7hzEIhyO31NlKvpvZ85DUTa6Mfu8nle6pYukZlkUUsOqD5ddfs/s1600/IMG_6829.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Shot Tower - outside Chester: Tue 10th Sep</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvaebycTK41wxCSVZsoQdendy_mLePSBpfSIDFNnybMas_fdAatzTdp-U64qF57GxZnAipp8caiKWqGv6g2Atu1ypIdU0H7-DArRMauFa2qaDRMzVi8-3lILNfwvAn7e2qbNRVy73s9JDl/s1600/IMG_6833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvaebycTK41wxCSVZsoQdendy_mLePSBpfSIDFNnybMas_fdAatzTdp-U64qF57GxZnAipp8caiKWqGv6g2Atu1ypIdU0H7-DArRMauFa2qaDRMzVi8-3lILNfwvAn7e2qbNRVy73s9JDl/s1600/IMG_6833.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Audlem flight - Thu 12th Sep</td></tr>
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and finally <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7woBhIP5ePvqQovrzkssNDCJJ2o7nMq8Pt0TChtyFaqUQdco0__dyX2pdh-t2jzF7oZIqBhNhq2zv0em9-1D9_QwfzQVCw6f7AFpqeplbXxgDKbyev8fec9MdfNxeAkucfgkJw47xQJML/s1600/IMG_6836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7woBhIP5ePvqQovrzkssNDCJJ2o7nMq8Pt0TChtyFaqUQdco0__dyX2pdh-t2jzF7oZIqBhNhq2zv0em9-1D9_QwfzQVCw6f7AFpqeplbXxgDKbyev8fec9MdfNxeAkucfgkJw47xQJML/s1600/IMG_6836.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tonight's moon seen outside our front window </td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135074974269958198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123049840609535926.post-21073831696441674862013-09-16T16:33:00.002+01:002013-09-16T16:33:24.412+01:00Heading Towards London (for work :| )<b>Thursday 12th September</b><br />
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We left Hack Green, without visiting the Secret Bunker and headed towards the Audlem flight. 14 locks in all. There had not been any boats pass us in the early hours, so naturally assumed that the flight might be quiet. How wrong were we! or maybe that was just me, Andrew probably knew perfectly well. They had all moored up at the bottom of the flight. So with at least another 10 boats already ahead of us we started up the flight, turning each lock after the boat immediately in front of us had passed through the lock. In all we only passed 4 boats going down, lucky them, they just seemed to cruise from one lock into the next. <img alt="Raised Eyebrow" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/emoticons7/23.gif" /> <br />
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Once through those locks, I was pretty much exhausted, so Andrew locked us up the next 5 locks of the Adderley flight while I did my best to look in control of the boat. At one of the locks, with a boat coming down, me in the pound and the boat behind in the lock, the boat swung across the canal. Andrew said the lady that was locking the other boat down, insisted that he come and help me as I was obviously having trouble. Blast! No chance to get out of that one on my own, although I must admit it would probably have taken me a bit longer to sort out than it took Andrew. I am not that keen on the full blast backwards and forwards maneuvers, I tend to be a bit more gentle. Anyway, Andrew sorted it and the remainder of the flight was uneventful. <br />
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Once more plans were changed as we were not able to get in to the side at the visitor moorings at the top of the flight, which were very nice I might add. As usual the shroppie shelf got in the way and we did not have any tyres to keep us off it. So on we cruised to Market Drayton, nabbing one of the last 48hr moorings, just a boat ahead of nb Waiouru, who we seem to have caught up with, last seeing them as they were heading out of Chester in the opposite direction to us! <br />
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That evening I started feeling a bit nauseous and dizzy, bugger not the flu again! In the morning I felt even worse and the whole world was spinning. I was worried I had a middle ear infection as the dizziness did not go away when I lay down. So that put paid to moving on for the day. In the evening, I was able to get up and sit for a while, but kept my eyes closed the whole time. It was then that I felt a large lump on the back of my neck and remembered that I had been bitten/stung by an insect while locking up the Audlem flight. We now think that I may have had a bit of a reaction to the bite, as 48 hours later I was feeling much more like my normal self. <br />
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The only problem with me being out of it though was that Andrew had to do the Tyrley flight of locks on his own. I stayed in bed as I was still not feeling great. But he loved it. I think it is that whole control thing again. Being able to show the world and himself (plus me of course) that he can do it all on his own <img alt="Not worthy" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/emoticons7/77.gif" /><br />
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<b>Sunday 15th September</b><br />
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So now we are moored up at Norbury Junction. The plan is to wait out the forecast rain, which has just arrived. We will venture off to Gnosall tomorrow, Monday, where we shall stay until after I have been to my interview in London. The major problem here at Norbury Junction, is no internet AT ALL. But there is free wi-fi at the coffee shop, so we popped in there this morning so that I could at least download the bus and train timetables to work out how I am going to get to London. Not too keen on using open wi-fi though to actually buy the tickets so that will wait until we get our own connection again.<br />
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So there we have it. A few quiet days for me and fun days for Andrew <img alt="Big Grin" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/emoticons7/4.gif" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135074974269958198noreply@blogger.com0