Hi All, Friday 18th September 2008
We wake to a fabulous day. Warm, sunny, blue sky. Engine start was at the agreed time of 10am and at about 10.15 we left our moorings at Radford Semele just below Radford Bottom. We are in a bit of a convoy. A cruiser, Arun, Nb Nile and LT. I once again used the bike to get ahead and set locks. When I arrive, the cruiser is already tied up and I ask if he is going to wait for Nb Nile. He says he is, so I set the lock ready for Arun and LT. The locks are quite spaced out and riding between them is a pleasure in the sunshine. Wendy and I keep in contact with walky talky. Boats are coming and going, at one point there is a queue of 4 going down. Arun stops to dunny dump and we gently proceed up the canal with fine views. Wonderful. As Bascote staircase is emptied the leaky gates send a fountain of water into the air and back into the lock, creating its very own rainbow. We are soon up and on our way bike now stowed in the engine room. 200 yards or so down the cut I realise I have left my long handled windless on the grass by the top lock. After much faffing around getting near the bank I ride the bike back to find the key where I left it. A short stop at the Two boats for a couple of pints and then off and up the final two locks to the Rally site at the Blue Lias. A reception committee of happy Cutwebers greeted us and the jollity began. The afternoon was spent catching up with chums not seen for a while and introductions to newcomers. Evening meal was taken in the Blue Lias and late arrivals appeared. Bed at 10.30pm for some of us, with laughter sound still ringing in our ears. Another brilliant day. More later. Regards Andrew & Wendy - Tales From The Canals
