Cruising in the sunshine

Saturday 12^th November; Droitwich Spa Marina to Oddingley

For once we had packed the car and left the village by 9, so we were at the marina and unloading the car before 12.  Meg waited patiently in the sunshine as we had lunch.

I thought we were going boating?

We were on our way out of the marina before 2.  As I prepared the bottom lock, the first of the three volunteers was already on his way down and we fair flew up the locks.

Entering Hanbury Top Lock

We were their 5^th boat today – if outside the main season it seems likely there will be boats to help, they try to maintain the service at the weekends and occasionally will be there during the week.  Dave made a perfect turn round the awkward bend onto the Worcester & Birmingham and under the bridge towards Worcester – bow thrusters rule!  The weather was glorious, and although the temperatures at the moment are generally much too warm for the time of year, it still strikes cold in the shade and especially when the wind blows, however gently.  By the time we reached Dunhampstead tunnel it was beginning to feel distinctly chilly.  We were delighted to find plenty of space at Oddingley and were soon tied up.

Every now and then trains go by – one was a goods train with 40 containers and 4 long tanks between the 2 locos.  But they are not particularly intrusive even thought they are close.  At least the level crossing only has lights and no siren.  I have a feeling there used to be a siren once.  Whatever, Meg doesn't care as long as someone plays ball with her.

Once the fire was going it was nice and cosy.  The stove top is big enough to put pans on, so I experimented with putting the water for the spaghetti on it about half an hour early and it warmed up enough to come to the boil on the gas very quickly.  The bol sauce was already cooked and just needed heating through, but still had to be finished on the cooker as the spag was ready.  I estimate I used about half the amount of gas I would have done using the cooker alone.

Just under 3 miles, 3 locks, Dunhampstead tunnel