Passed the Safety Examination

I made my way to Braunston for the safety examination and all we needed were two replacement fire extinguishers and a dab or two of mastic to stabilise the gas pipe battens. I was pleased with that and even more pleased that Rick came over to do the mastic. Several friends are currently moored nearby so on Tuesday I was off to the Plough for a meal with Linda. It was good catching up even though we were fighting to hear each other every time England got anywhere near the goal! It will soon be time to put Olivia to bed for the winter so I doubt there will be many more posts. I'll have my head in the books planning next year's trips :-).

Brinklow

I was last here on 23rd April when it was warm and sunny, 18º, and I was setting out on this year's adventures. Now it is mild, sunny periods, 18º, and I am almost back from my travels! Quite sobering to think that Olivia will soon be put to bed, so to speak, but on the other hand it is getting dark by 7pm meaning that I have to shut up shop too early. Good news from my friends that I had to abandon in Blackburn on 23rd August. They have had their boat fixed and are on the move again.

Considerate rain

This is because it did not materialise until I had almost reached my planned mooring. I had ascended the last seven Atherstone locks by midday, stopped to take on water and empty the Elsan and then pressed on for another few miles. Up until then it was a mild and calm day. There is not much boat traffic today. I think a lot of boats are being tucked up at their moorings ready for winter. Talking of which it was getting dark at 6.30 last night! Just to lower the tone for a second, where I have moored there is lots of dog mess. It really annoys me that dog owners can be so selfish. I have to closely watch where I step each time I leave the boat. I imagine it is the detritus of a previously moored boat and that makes it all the worse. Hopefully the rain will disappear by the morning so I can be on my way. I'm only 3 or 4 cruising days from home and the end of my fabulous first "retirement" season.

A quick update

I have got as far as Atherstone locks and have taken a few days rest from cruising. I am nearly back to my winter cruising area so can take it easy for a day or two. I need to sort out the boat ready for her safety examination next week. I have spent the time updating some of my old posts with photos. I went back as far as 15th August so do feel free to revisit some of those entries.