Thunder & lightning

Decided to give Nick & Amber some more locks to do today as we only had 3 yesterday.  This time up to Stoke Prior and back to DS Marina.  Had an early start with the prospect of 17 locks ahead, weather was reasonable and good progress made.  Past some ducklings that must have hatched in the week since Jen was here, she would have loved them.  Mrs Swan is still on her nest with Mr Swan being very protective.  Lots of fishermen, some willing to pass the time of day, some seeing us as rather a nuisance (didn't have the heart to tell them we were turning round and coming back shortly!)  Splendid fry up brunch at 12.00 noon weather still holding off.  The afternoon however had some hi-jinks in store.  It's all very well having waterproofs but there was no time to get them on.  Incredible fork lightening in the distance, wind, hail, thunder -we had the lot - it was all hands on deck, we all got soaked, but still managed to smile through it.  Hope we haven't put Amber off for life!!

Weather & barging

We stopped at a very pretty spot at Oddingley (if you ignore the trains on the opposite side of the canal)  Had lunch and then planned to travel to the next winding hole then about turn.  However the weather had different ideas and the wind blew up.  We knew we wouldn't be able to turn Averina in this wind so chilled out until the wind subsided.  However, another "Barge" had other ideas and crashed into us.  Presumably trying to moor between us & the next boat ahead. The wind was very strong and a challenge to even the most accomplished helmsman but this really was quite outrageous.  We sat tight, didn't want to put them off completing their parking and waited for an apology.  They never completed their manoeuvre, maybe they couldn't or maybe they decided they couldn't face our wrath but whatever the reason they drove off!!  No attempt at an apology.  We were very calm, didn't run out and shake fists or anything - we just anticipated the decent thing of an apology.  Further inspection discovered a considerable blue scrape down the side of Averina which would need painting over.  Didn't see the name of the boat so won't ever get to challenge them.  

Huge storm then went through and following that - calm.  So we were able to turn Averina & head back to Dunhampstead for the evening.

More guests

Nick & Amber are arriving at Droitwich Spa by train, David has just gone to collect.  Weather forecast looks interesting.

Not the Titanic

Had a nice walk along the canal this morning, sunny with fishermen & walkers out enjoying the countryside.  Sunday morning brunch being compulsory on Averina always goes down well with our visitors.  Just three locks to go now until we are back at base.  British Waterways volunteers at the locks today who explained and demonstrated the side paddles and overflow pounds.  Not a troll in sight.

Dunhampstead Tunnel

Up to Stoke Prior and back today.  Lots of lovely locks.  Weather fine and sunny.  Jen is filming and shooting for her Uni project.  We're all learning camera techniques and lots more.  Went back through Dunhampstead tunnel for the third time in 2 days, good opportunity for some atmospheric shots - pass that embarrassing man at the canal art shop again!  Nice evening meal at The Fir Tree, very busy tonight with a couple of birthday gatherings.

Jen's first visit

Arrived at DSM in time for lunch, Jen & I did some food shopping and brought Fish & Chips back to Averina for lunch.  Heading out for our first stop at Dunhampstead for the night.  Troll came out from under the bridge at Hanbury junction pointing out we hadn't operated the side panels at the three locks - who knew??  The little canal art shop was open and we purchased some coasters with canal roses painted on them.  Chap in there offered Jen the chance to win a badge if she could tie a knot - mega embarrassment for Jen as this was a "children's" competition, she will appreciate looking younger than her age when she's 40 but not now!  

Lasagne for supper, slightly charred as the oven is really hot!  Learnt once the oven is on you don't need the heating on as well!