Mustered and no Git Gaps

So Reader, 

Here we are again happy as can be.

We drove back up to WaL in Great Haywood marina arriving later in the afternoon, this time using two trolleys to unload despite fully intending to be travelling light this trip.

The other team members were already mustered and at the ready in Tixel Wide, this included the Lewis's who up till now had been slaving in France installing a new bathroom.  So glad to have them back.

We unpacked, well I made the bed up, we had snacks and I suggested that we whizz over on bikes to Tixel.  We did and left the boat looking a little like a bomb had gone off.

We arrived and were warmly greeted by the three dogs, that is to say two Dachshunds and a new crew member, Fletcher, he's a big dog, a labrador cross fox red retriever lots of energy and friendly with it.  The later belongs to Amanda and David Lewis's son and is enjoying a holiday afloat.  Also, hugs were had by their owners, Amanda, David, Lesley and Joe.  

Then over tea, a story was told to me of a lady who had walked past the two boats and struck up conversation with David Lewis.  This lady, Gill or Jill, knew that NB Caxton (Now David and Amanda's boat) had Lesley on it in the past and also a dog called Fletcher.  Now unknown to Jill this new Fletcher had been named after Lesley's old dearly departed dog Fletcher.  Bearing in mind that Lesley hasn't blogged since 2015, although she on Facebook now, very impressive Jill getting all those threads corect!

Then Gill was kind enough to be complimentary about this blog Reader! 

It was just a shame that I didn't arrive earlier to have met you Jill.  But as you live in the vicinity of the marina and see us buzzing about do stop us and say hello.

Well as David and I sat on the bow of NB Hogarth and drank tea, it started to rain.  We hopped inside while it passed but ended up staying a bit longer than intended but the rain persisted.  In the end Lesley donated the dogs towel to dry off our saddles and off we shot.  The rain got harder and lasted some time.

Good for the reservoirs I guess after the fantastic hot cruise we had the previous weeks, you can hardly complain. 

Back on WaL and amongst the debris, David cooked the breaded fish to have with peas, we stayed overnight to give the fridge and freezer time on the hook up leckkie as both were completely rammed.  Something we hate to do but always manage.

The next morning we departed on a much brighter day.  As David and I approached Hoo Lock I went up to empty it and met Hogarth there about to depart.

We followed on about 20 minutes behind and unknown to us Caxton was filling at the water point.

Hoo Lock had had a problem back in April with the collapse of the by-wash, CART had lowered the level of this pound accordingly   but the morning we had last come through it was so low boats could hardly move, we had understood that it was to have completed the works but not quite however the lock was operational.

Just behind the lock and the new pipe is visible.

.... and sandbags.

It was a very nice run up to Weston, we had moored up by 10am!!!  Fabulous mooring here with open views.  We stayed a couple of nights here.  

Nice moorings, the boat on the left departed soon after we arrived, us finishing our cruise beforehand.

With 3 dogs in the team who like Walkies, the ladies went off.  I did more boat organisation after walking up between locks and later again the Lewis's went for a long hike over five miles.  Too long for me.

WaL at Weston Lock.

Cheesy salmon pasta

If you squint you'll make out Hogarth, then WaL behind then Caxton, leaving no Git Gaps, another boat did arrive later in the afternoon.