So, a very pleasant week came and went. Went up to Ventnor Farm early on Friday 22nd April to get those outstanding jobs finished. All went well, except the fitting of the new galley sink tap, a visit to Rugby for pipe & connectors. And a bit of a surprise when pumping from the bottom of the diesel tank, some 5 litres of contaminated diesel, no wonder I had problems last year. I also got around to fixing the broken navigation light, it's only been a year and a half!!
After a visit to Sainsbury for supplies, there were even things to eat! we pulled onto the service dock for diesel and pump out, then off along the Grand Union to 'The Boat' just before the top on Stockton Locks. Weather was stunning, so we sat in the pub garden admiring the boat moored on the other side of the cut. Chris, Kim and Sophie duly arrived and we spent the rest of the evening in The Boat for dinner and more drinks.
A clear cool morning and off down the Stockton flight we went. We stopped just before 'The Two Boats' for coffee and said goodbye to Chris, Kim & Co and on we cruised towards Leamington, stopping for the day just below Welsh Road Lock.
Onwards to Leamington in the morning, weather still good, to spend a few hours wandering about and having lunch. Decided to go on to Warwick in the afternoon and tied up above Cape Locks.
Took a walk up to the top of Hatton Locks in the morning and had coffee in the top lock cafe. Took the boat into the Saltisford Arm and tied up there for a further night in Warwick, a very pleasant surprise, it was really nice and water and power too! Went up into into Warwick for a wander about in the afternoon, picked up some more supplies at Sainsbury, and another day was done.
Off to Leamington for another wander the next day, then on again to tie up near to Radford Semele. Weather still good.
Then to Long Itchington for dinner in 'The Cuttle' and to find there was a holiday weekend long beer festival beginning the following day!!! Washed one side of the boat, it was in a right state!
Cruised back up the 10 locks to Ventnor Farm, missing all the wedding fun in London. Washed the other side of the boat and tidied up and sorted a few more things, then into the car the check out the festival at Long Itchington. All 6 pubs were taking part, there was food, entertainment, live bands and a wide selection of ale to try, apparently it gets better on Saturday and Sunday, so off home we went!! Methinks it a good idea to come and spend the whole weekend here next year.
