Proceed with caution

Woke up and first thing we did was look out of the window only to see the light is red so no going on the river at the moment. I take a walk around to the marker and the river has certainly fallen but not by enough yet.

The yacht club opposite has rather a nice clock tower atop it’s buildings but since we arrived the time has been 4.30 continuously. However at 10.20 we saw the hands whiz round and hooray it is telling the right time!

This morning we checked out the Stourport Chandlery which had many useful bits & bobs that we don’t know how we’ve managed without up until now. Also made quite an expensive purchase of 2 life jackets in the hope that we might soon get ourselves on the river. Talking to an old crusty boatman yesterday realised we would be foolish to go on the river without.

Also stocked up in the Co-op but not sure how many days we are stocking up for!

We had lunch in “The Windlass” café which was very friendly and well decorated with items of river/canal interest. Scampi & chips and toastie & chips with a little Pinot Grigio Blush went down very nicely. Spent time discussing 57 different options if we can’t soon get on the river….. Decide to take a walk along the river leaving the café to check the river levels and notice the guy moored on the river pontoon has gone! Check the gauge and indeed it is JUST in Amber and we notice narrow boats going through the locks so after checking with the British Waterways guy we were given the all clear to "proceed with caution"!

The newly repaired clock strikes 3.00pm as we cast off, for me slightly apprehensively as the river will be a new experience in Averina. New life jackets on.

Gorgeous trip down the river. Running about 2kts apparently. Narrowboat Phenomenal following us through. Onwards down river through Lincombe & Holt locks - Phenomenal went into Holt lock before us and joined another so we had to wait - no worries - just enough time for a cuppa!

Past the Holt Fleet pub where we met family last year. Quite a different aspect when seeing it from the river. The bridge was under scaffolding last year but is now showing off it’s new paint job.

We’ve moored on the Droitwich Canal at Bridge 5 lock 4. Last G&T on Averina tonight after what has been a very successful trip. Well done all 3 of us!