and Rico is still singing ! An 8.30 start was thwarted by early rain as well, so we carried on till 2pm by which time we were thoroughly soaked. 10 locks done, all going uphill.After a late lunch we visited the roundhouse to look at all sorts of canal ware for sale. The rain eased but we’ve decided to call it a day.

Well we are finally on the 4 counties ring, albeit slightly soggy. We had a late start yesterday from the Sea Otter Rally, having helped remove debris from Trinstones bow thruster. We meandered back, but took a full day, to moor just before Kings Bromley Marina, where we had been trailed to. We were surprised then when Lorraine and Rico turned up at 8 pm, having only started at 4.30 ! All the hirers had moored, allowing them to blast thru the locks…..

A late start today because we needed to fuel up, and Kings Bromley Marina doesn’t open till 9. As both the fuel jetties were occupied Rico and I amused ourselves doing donuts on the water….this really annoys long narrowboats which require huge turning areas, called winding points. Another advantage of a small Sea Otter. We then made for Great Haywood and the start of the ring. Whilst the rain made most of the hirers moor, we carried on with Rico encouraging Lorraine in song…..”I’m singing in the rain” whilst she and Hazel wound paddles, and “knees up mother brown” as they scuttled to and fro closing and opening locks. At 5.30 we pulled the pin, or rather dropped the pin,  and moored up. I’m looking forward to a hot dinner tonight, and some kip, as these northerners say. Cheers Mand H

We are sitting in T42 on a wet Sunday evening, reflecting on some new friends made and digesting a super lunch put on by the club. We have also viewed a number of boats today, and have some ideas to try out in the coming seasons. Our favourite boat has been Green Jewel. A trailable 31′ with proper wet room, storage, L shaped lounge and a dinette. Not too sure about the exterior colour, loved the interior.

We must thank Lorraine and Rico for organising such a great event, they will be following us around the 4 counties ring and sharing some of the big lock runs with us. We were presented with a Sea otter toy for coming such a long way to attend, and in return presented the club with a Koala to hang in the bar. Some boats have already left but we leave tomorrow to continue our adventures. Cheers M and H 

Eve Robinson, one of the clubs organisers presenting Lorraine and Rico with a thank you for organising the 2016 Sea Otter Rally at Tamworth Cruising Club.

An otter home is called a Holt, so for the time being Tamworth is our holt. Part of the fun is “inviting” yourself on other boats, especially if they are the same size. “Little Otter” is 27′ long but has a slightly different layout. No windows either side of the front door, but has leg lying down space extending into the front well deck. Tongue and groove ceiling gives a totally diffent feeling as well.

We also walked into town as it was market day, an amazing display of owls from the Midlands Birds of Prey Rescue Soc.

So after a years planning it’s all happened according to schedule and we are moored up at the Tamworth cruising club, all set for the 2016 Sea Otter Rally. Approx 16 boats and about 26 couples in all will be attending. For such a little club it’s a good effort, all credit to the organisers and club members. T42 looks resplendent in her boxing Kangeroo flags with assorted wildlife hanging around, including an inflatable croc in the cratch, got to be careful how you say that. We’ve already had a look around some boats, all so different and all much loved. It’s amazing, and sad, that the company has finally, finally folded. I’ll post some more pics over the next couple of days. Cheers !

After an amazing thunderstorm last night, glad I wasn’t flying into Heathrow, the marina was almost awash. For once we were ready for Ray, 5.30 am start, but got soaked loading her with lightning and thunder still playing around. A 2.5 hour drive saw us at Kings Bromley Wharf, where the sun was out. After re packing T42 ice creams were in order before setting of on the Trent and Mersey Canal to Fradley Junction. After a quick stop for a swift half, we turned onto the Coventry Canal. Mooring up at 5 pm sees us only an hour from Tamworth and the Rally. We know we are in the right area as 2 Sea Otters have passed us already. Time for dinner, a shower and rest in that order ! It’s been a long day but we have had interesting conversations at locks already, there are some great people on the canals, and Hazels prefers the narrow locks, no ropes and well maintained paddle mechanisms.

R and R today, not for us but, revive and restore for T42 !

Hazel did some washing then carefully fitted our new floor covering which we had bought over from Australia. The old material will make a good mat for the rear deck. I washed, waxed and polished  the boat…….and had just enough energy to then polish the brass grilles and clean the windows. She is looking loved again. Tomorrow schedule includes a launderette and preparing for our lift to Tamworth for the Sea Otter rally.

We have made it back home onboard T42. As usual we lost data connectivity whilst in the Channel Islands, so I’ll have to blog retrospectively. After leaving the Scilly’s  we made a short journey across to the Channel Islands again, but this time Guernsey rather than Jersey. An early start saw us arrive on tender and depart immediately for the island of Sark. This tiny island, approx 4 X 2 miles has a population of 500, no motor cars or bitumen roads. Everything large is moved by tractors, people cycle and walk, whilst the tourists go by pony cart ! It has a wonderful yesteryear charm to it.

Robbie our horse did a wonderful job of slowing the pace down, a sort of canal boating on land. We then visited the magnificent La Seigneurie gardens. In full bloom they were a picture. After a quick whiz around Guernseys main town we were back aboard Voyager, ready for our final day at sea then Harwich. As usual we enjoyed every minute  on Voyager, her crew and passengers are a friendly mob. We hope to have a visit whilst “upt north” with new friends John and Barbara, we certainly greatly enjoyed their company. The next couple of days will be spent preparing T42 for our trail to the Sea Otter Rally at Tamworth, and subsequent cruise. Cheers for now…..

Just for Mini Cooper, the cute Lexie of Tobermorey…