We know that summer is definitely on the way because the rain is here! You just have to imagine George Formby grinning and announcing in his distinctive Lancashire accent, “Ee, it’s turned out shite again!”
It wasn’t actually raining when I awoke at 6.30 so we got up and were on the move just before seven o’clock. We actually got a good hour in before the rain began but for the most part it was no more than a steady drizzle, nothing that the waterproofs couldn’t handle though.
We soon found ourselves running alongside the A38 and on the approach to Streethay Wharf and it was at that juncture that Sue produced a couple of bacon and black pudding banjos. It wasn’t many more minutes before we passed Sanity Again moored just outside King’s Orchard marina and as we passed, we were spotted by Sheila who greeted us with an enthusiastic wave. We knew that we would probably see them at some stage on our trip, maybe they’ll catch up with us later on.
The rain drizzled on until we reached the edge of Hopwas and it was there that we decided to moor for the day.
The rain stopped around midday so we decided to walk to the Red Lion for a bit of lunch. The Red Lion is a great place, spotlessly clean and great value food; two baguettes with potato wedges and salad for less than eight quid and the quality was excellent. The sky was brightening by the time we finished eating so we returned to Caxton, untied and set off again. As with our cruise in the morning, we didn’t see many boats on the move so it was an easy trip first of all to Fazeley and then on to Glascote. We were just clearing the top lock when the rain came again and it stayed with us until we reached Alvecote where we really have moored for the night!
We’re going to take a walk over to the Samuel Barlow pub this evening, apparently it is under new management but recent reviews on tripadvisor give it the thumbs down. Seems like a valid reason (for a change) to do some research. The rain has stopped and the sun has come out so I will try and drag Sue out of her favourite seat in the cratch.