We are leaving Cowroast today to get back nearer base, we will stay at Marsworth for a week, to catch up with more friends. I was going to steer, I do find it difficult sometimes as there is Freddie, the dog, to cope with and she loves to jump in the canal and swim along side...dangerous if she gets too near the back! She has been known to disobey commands and wont get on board when asked and can cause a panic at a lock.
Of course, I also have two men only too willing to give me advice......!!
Anyway the journey to Marsworth was uneventful and very pleasant, that is until we came to the last lock of the flight!
Paul was ahead checking for a mooring, Steve had been left Freddie on the lead, not wanting to get on the boat.
I steered into the lock fine, Steve lifted the paddles and I suddenly became aware we were listing a bit, on further inspection it was apparent our bow had become fixed onto the side of the lock! I yelled to Steve who immediately saw the problem and dropped said paddles, I and the boat were at about 40 degree angle and needless to say somewhat in a state!! Steve let some water into the lock and we swung off the side in a pendulum manner that was even more scary!
I exited the lock in a state of shock, Paul completely unaware of the event wondered why I was not interested in the grass hopper on his arm! Steve and Fredddie tried to catch my rope and we came to a bumpy halt!
Needing a cup of tea I went into the boat to find every cupboard and draw had been shaken open and their contents deposited on the floor! That finished me and I was reduced to tears; what was meant to be a relaxing afternoon ended up as a massive clearing up session.
Never mind, alls well that ends well, at least no one was hurt and it was a timely reminder to expect the unexpected.
We spent an enjoyable week with friends, had fun at a Barn Dance and arranged a farewell party. We also suddenly realised we need to get our Safety Certificate....more money!!
Have arrived back at our moorings near Aston Clinton, on Monday 18th July, minus my tomatoe plants!
Thankfully we were able to fish them out the cut and repot them, lets hope they survive.
Nice to be back 'home', short time to relax, a wedding, a 1st birthday and inevitable appointments to attend, THEN preparations to make for our JOURNEY! We aim to leave Aug 5, fingers crossed!!
