2 weeks Where does the time go. Since my last blog we have been back to Heritage to get the Bike Rack fitted a very neat job done very pleased with it.  But to turn round I
 ended up going back through Harecastle tunnel and returning because the navigator thought there was a winding hole at the tunnel entrance and there wasn't Beryl decided to stay at the North portal with Hoobie as he spends the entire tunnel journey barking not at all happy.Any way we were reunited after my detour and and moored at Heritage for them to do the job. After completion we moved on towards Congleton. We were minding our own business sitting out a thunder storm when there was an almighty crash outside coats on out we go to see the roof boxes floating in the cut a gust of wind had lifted them and deposited them the contents were still neatly piled on the roof.So every thing was salvaged and repositioned. onward to Congleton.We spent 3 nights at the wharf at Congleton waiting for Beryls Doctors results to come back only to be told that the Doctor put 2 different date of births on the form and sample so the lab rejected it Beryl assures me she gave them the right date well I used to come home from work complaining enough about miss labelled specimens.So a wasted journey up to Congleton. So of we went back to Red Bull and Met brother in law with deliveries.Had a very nice meal in the Red Bull pub. We ended up staying 3 nights as the heavens opened Monday & Tuesday 24th 25th we had no reason to get wet. we moved on Wed through Harecastle tunnel Hoobie now Knows that the CR&T man has doggie treats in his pocket.Poor man was pestered to death. We stopped at Westport lake for 2 nights we walked into Burslem with coming from the potteries I knew Burslem years ago well I did leave in 1974 boy has it changed all the potbanks and terraced houses have gone but the money has run out and they have have not been replaced with anything.
We moved on on Friday to Festival park and put the boat in the Marina so we could go and stay with Mum it was her birthday on Friday. Unfortunately there were no hookups available so we are back on board today running the engine. We saw Richard back on the bus back to Litchfield  we want to find the upholsterers tomorrow as the Dinette is being rebuilt next weekend. So it back onto the Caldon for us next week then we can make our way south for the pram cover fitting.Then we will be free to go where WE want, not following tradesmen.Mandy (daughter) is hoping to get to us around 20 Oct so that will be nice.by then I will have list of things to do with the car sorry her car. You can stop nagging now John

 

We are currently at Scholar Green on the Macclesfield we filled up at Heritage boats
 asked about getting the Bike rack fitted, will walk back and ask tomorrow when office staff are in. We are averaging 1.21hrs to the ltr which I am quite happy with we are using about 90lts a month. Must get on ebay and order some oil and various filters engine service due soon. I had better do it myself after 22 yrs on Aircraft Ground equipment, Mainly diesel engines at the end petrol went out of fashion with the military.
we were threaten with heavy rain today we are still waiting for it.

Another week just flies by since last week we have been to Frogall unfortunately Sokai is
 too tall to go through the Frogall tunnel so we didn't quite make it to the end. We then returned to Densford and went up the Leek Branch. We stayed 2 nights so that we could go to the market on Wednesday bought no end of fruit so plenty of vitamins for me. We are currently on the 24 hr moorings at Park lane Endon got the last space 2 other boats permanently moored on 24hr mooring Canal & Rivers trust men working here but no action against the over stayers, well they went off in the car this morning. I don't think they are cruising. Will get to Milton tonight and go and see Mum. Maybe meet her in Hanley tomorrow.

We spent Last night at Shelton just North of Festival Park we had a good night. We walked into Hanley to do some shopping. and transfer money to pay the credit card bill.
 We went north to Longport and winded and returned to the Caldon canal. Beryl struggled with lock 1 paddles and I had to assist in the end. Had a meeting with Rob Shone to get a new dinette fitted and a new cratch. We have lit the wood burner tonight
now it has turned warm and I am cooking its got warmer again.

We arrived here at Weston on Friday Brother in law John is due to meet us tomorrow
with the generator and the wood for the top boxes. John and Carol turned up at 4 o'clock
Had a very nice meal at the Saracens Head. We spent Sunday trying to get the generator
running it will start but not keep going looks like it will have to go back. We then started
assembling the top boxes we decided that one plank high was enough we made 2 boxes
and they look great we now have rather a lot of wood left. We should have made 4 and
put a for sale sign on 2 as they have only cost £10 quid each in wood . Had visitors today
my Sister brought my Mum to see the boat First time they have been to visit not sure if
 they fancy the lifestyle a little to basic I think.We are moving on tomorrow up to Stone.      

We are making our way back North. We are at Rugeley we have dropped Richard
in Litchfield and had a visit from Dave of DB canopies to be measured for a Pram
cover .We have decided that it will give us more drying space in the winter and protect
the back hatch.
One question why does everyone seem to be in such a hurry, to be on the cut you must
either be one holiday or retired so chill out. Every morning since we got on the canals
 someone has come past us at 7am This moring at Fradley it was 3 boats. I'm quite
happy getting up at 8.30 and cruising at 10.00. I was cut up at Fradley this morning
He waited til I was midway along his boat then pulled out his wife was at the lock he
said well he watched me turn onto Trent and Mersey from the Coventry but didn't
move til I was level with him. I was not amused. I suppose I must chill out too. Anyway
the Sun shined today so it wasn't to bad.It rained while we were walking around Rugeley
so me and Hoobie sheltered while Beryl did a little shopping. So we all stayed dry.

Where does a week go. We have had an eventful week we left the Ashby canal
on Monday arrived at Springwood Haven Nuneton Where Onboard Energy took
a look after after which it was decided to replace the domestic batteries and the
inverter was capput. Savings have taken a hit but what a difference. We can use
what we want Thanks Kevin a very neat instalation. Today we ended up with trying
to find a vets Hoobie ripped a claw yesterday finally got one in Pets at Home
Tamworth. He is now minus a claw the nail had to all come off completely.
He is a little drowsy now but not licking it to much up to yet. We are currently moored
at Hopwas.