Hi All, Our intention was to move off our mooring in Evesham at 9.00 am. This the first time we have left the mooring having first removed the holding rods and attachments on the boat. This, and the usual food loading etc. took longer than anticipated and we left at 9.25 in bright sunshine. An overnight heavy frost has left a blanket of white on the roof but this was fast disappearing in the sunshine helped by the Morso and Premier stoves on board. I decided to reverse out of the mooring and back into the River Isbourne junction. A manoeuvre that proved successful and saved going all the way into Evesham to turn on wider river waters. I must say the bow thruster proves very useful on these occasions and I find I use it more and more on the river. Even a very slow flow, as was the case here, can push the boat sideways and into trouble. We passed the water point and pumpout station and wonder if it's working yet. Will find out on our return. It's a lovely winters day and so good to be boating again after a difficult 12 months. Bits of caravan and all sorts of rubbish still hang in the trees and bankside foliage. I doubt they will ever get collected. Sankey Marina is full of boats on the jetty and a huge crane sits ready to lift them back into then water. On the opposite side of the river in the distance stands Ed Rammer's lovely house, now sadly up for sale. Ed was one of 2 people who offered me their house to stay in when ours was wrecked last year. They were off on holiday and we 'could use the place like our own'. We decided not too, but a wonderful offer from a very nice man. Charlton lock, it's gates open, is ready for us we slip slowly in. Refurbishment has taken place here, new gates and winding gear. Wendy opens the stiff paddles. Two thirds down the tiller suddenly, violently, moves. I thought I had hit the cill, but no, the rear paddle was still partly open. Regaining control of the boat, paddle shut and all was well. On exit we spy a lowly fisherman looking cold. A breeze keeps the temperature down but makes up for it by sending ripples across the water. I am enjoying this. A few people around on the banks, walking dogs mainly. Fladbury lock is again with us. I am looking around so much I somehow miss a huge tree by the lock entrance and as I hit it, LT is pushed across to the other side of the lock and gently nudges the lock wall. This lock is in need of attention. The gates are rotten and leaky. The balance beams ready to drop off. Work was due to be going on right now, but is has been put off till the autumn. We chugg on, the sun has gone now and I need a coat. The river winds back and forth, we pass a LANT boat with 3 chaps in it having elevenses. On route I make a couple of phone call including one to Orange to set up the data daily service, more of this later. Wyre Piddle boatyard has expanded. It's got a marina and more work going on as we speak. The diamond shaped Wyre lock has open gates. LT's 62 foot is too big for the side sections and as the water drops LT wanders a bit. On exit A tree is in the way. Should have used the other gate, too late now. Wendy has moved to the landing stage as there is no easy way from lock to boat. The weir is pushing the boat the wrong way, help. Bow thruster, back and forth, eventually I get to the jetty. Phew. Pershore is now 10 minutes or so and we are soon tied up with the entire mooring section to ourselves. It's 12.25pm. An excellent run of 3 hours. Part of the reason for this trip is because Wendy and I both have civic duties in Pershore over the next 3 days and to use the boat as a base makes great sense. The rest of today is spent on shopping at the nearby Co-op, a meeting for me at the District council, a little computing, setting up the new TV, with built in digibox. Mikomi, 15inch flat screen, Argos 120 quid, 30 quid off. I remember the TV picture being good in Pershore, I was wrong. Still set works well, but can't as yet try out the digi side of things as there is no signal . Wendy started the spring clean. Well, someone has to do it. Eat on board and early to bed.
Regards Andrew & Wendy Tales from The River - Pershore
