Well it’s been a fabulous trip, new places explored, another Sea Otter Rally done and T42 hasn’t let us down on our travels. As Douglas Adams almost said “so long and thanks for all the……bread” 

The hot weather continues, so using T42 to the max we are drifting up and down the Wey. Yesterday I washed and polished half the boat, inspected a new marina at Send, and had lunch at the New Inn. A couple of gentleman from a trad narrowboat were gesticulating at our TASSIE flag. Turns out it was Bob Clifford from Incat in Hobart and Dick Smith ! Had a good natter over lunch, upshot I’ve got to find a 1930’s yellow Rolls Royce convertible for Dick……Bob most interested in T42, especially as it’s built in Aluminium which he uses for his big cat ferry’s. Today we are slowly, very slowly making our way back towards Pyrford. If we get back early tomorrow morning we will have time for Wisley in the morning, packing in the afternoon and the Anchor pub for our last evening frothy beverage..Cheers !

The last 3 days have been 30 plus ! and no data, so a quick update…..after the rally we travelled to Calcutt with 2 other SO’s, having a lot of fun and doing a staircase lock (3 locks joined together with shared gates). This was a first for us, and a 3/1 crossover in the middle lock, so some tricky rudder work was required. 1 coming down, 3 going up….

After a hot and sleepless night at the Marina Ray lifted us by 9am and we were back to Pyrford by 12. As its another warm day we’ve motored up the Wey and have a shady spot to relax in. The holiday is rapidly winding down, but we shall enjoy T42 to the last.

Yesterday was spent exploring a couple of Warwicks attractions. First up were Hill Close Gardens. These had been featured by the gardener Mont Don on TV whilst doing a series about abandoned gardens. These hidden gardens were used by Victorians living above their businesses to escape from the crowded town. Abandoned and in derelict condition most were rescued from property developers. Their ornate summer houses, fruit trees and flower beds were a delight.

We then moved onto the Lord Leycester Hospital. The beautiful 14th and 15th century timber framed buildings are clustered around a medieval galleried courtyard. Used to house ex servicemen now, we were given a very good guide. The masters gardens had a heavy perfume from all the roses.

The day was finished off with a BBQ and entertainment provided by a member of the BCN, Birmingham Canal Network. A great day ! Today we have had lunch together in a local canal side pub, being overwhelmed by a TV and England playing football…..the first boats have already departed, going back to marinas and work commitments. We shall be flying back in a weeks time, but in the meantime the Sea Otters Owners Club have done a great rally, many thanks Steve and Cheryl aboard the Lady Hannah for all the organisation.

After a peaceful night we were joined by Evelyn Rose at the Locks and water point. As all the boats were a bit dusty we took turns with hoses and polishing cloths to get them Spock and span. It’s a lot of laughs getting 4 boats in a lock….

A 5 minute motor to the arm saw some tricky reversing down it, let’s just say some did it better than others. The rest of the day was spent catching up with old and new friends, laundry and boat decoration. Tomorrow Warwick Castle and some Victorian gardens.

Checking the internet this morning saw the realisation that our friends Ian and Corrie from Western Australia were staying in the same town as we were moored in ! What are the chances of that ? After a quick phone call we arranged to meet later on, allowing some boat maintainence time. After a get together we then moored just below the last 2 locks before the rally starts tomorrow, with friends in Bueno Vita joining us as well. Today 5 Sea Otters have passed us, roll on the weekend. 

So today we reached Warwick, and in particular the Saltisford Arm, site of the SO Rally. But as we are a couple of days early, having planned for at least 2 rainy days, we’ve shot past onto Leamington Spa. This is a miniature Bath, with some fine buildings and gardens. I’ve explored this afternoon as Hazel naps, she is worn out after 2 heavy days of locking, to which I might add I did my share of heavy paddle winding then leaping back onto the boat. She reckons the Hatton Flight was worse than Hearbreak Hill, in Cheshire. 

Shrewley Tunnel, T42’s navigation lights in use. Note the seperate tunnel for horses, boats were “legged” through.

Leamington Spa, beautiful gardens and Georgian building.

With no internet yesterday, and dodgy service today, I’ve been unable to blog. So a quick update…… We are currently moored halfway down the 21 locks of  the Hatton Flight. The big narrowboat we shared the first half with had 4 burly blokes in it, and all seemed busy doing other things when it came time to windlass the paddles…so we let them do the second half themselves ! 

We are only a short distance from Warwick and the Sea Otter Rally now, so will slow right down and explore / shop. Yesterday I walked up the Lapworth flight after going past a junction. It was the first time I’ve seen the bridges with slots in for the towing rope. We also met Maurice and Grebe, on their way to the rally. Grebe is the same size as T42 but has a totally different interior, I don’t think they ever made 2 Sea Otters the same. 

Well yesterday and today have been spent getting into, and getting out of Birmingham. Loads of locks, massive canal system but totally deserted. The grafitti was terrible, with lots of rubbish in the water, yet they are amazing “green corridors” running right through the city. Our mooring last night near a major entertainment center was rather noisy, so our mooring tonight at Catherine de Barnes will be peaceful, despite being near the airport. We have also bumped into fellow Sea Otter owner Maurice, aboard Grebe. At the last SO rally 2 years ago he had just started to look for a boat, so it’s good to see him afloat this year. 

Above a colourful oasis in the heart of Birmingham. Below Grebe and T42, both 27′ Sea Otters, with Lazy Otter a 31′ one. 

So today we finished the rest of the Atherstone flight, motored onto Tamnworth via Glascote Locks, and have a Sea Otter Convoy of 2. Tomorrow sees us Birmingham bound, where we have to make up our mind on what route. The 3 choices involve about 20, 40 or 50 plus locks……

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Lazy Otter joins T42