And there off!

I hope that at least some of you have enjoyed the Beers, Boats and Boozers blogs over the winter. Iwas a little surprised to realise that we had visited 46 pubs over our cruising, but the variety of pubs and beers and the history of the breweries can be interesting.

Those that didn't enjoy it may be relieved to find that we are off cruising again, however brokenly for a will. It is the start of my research trip for the winter blogs actually!

We got to the boat in 2 hours and 15 mins and unpacked all the gear. I can't believe how much there is at the start of the year! I then filled up with water, got all the stuff out of the boat for the roof, changed the ropes etc etc and we were ready to leave just after three and what a lovely day to start the year off. Just clear of the marina where these little fellers taking advantage of the sun.

I was expecting it to be a bit busier than it was with the nice day, but we passed only one moving boat in the two hours we were under way.

First lock of the year, Sandon. Helen remembered what to do and I didn't manage to bump anything and we were soon on our way again.

Helen was putting her back into it, but it was me that was bushed at the end of the day. Just one lock today to break us in gently.

Pitt's Monument peaks out above the trees as the canal runs right next to the railway and the road. Sandon Park is now a wedding venue!

Just shows how how still it is today withe these reflections of the trees. A bit of a Game of Thrones thing.

As we approached Weston a baloon rose in the evening shy. It would be a great evening for a boat ride.

Two hours and we moored up at Weston and we are treating ourselves with a bite ashore, and the first beers of the cruise too, at the Woolpack with a bit of luck.

Ah it is good to be back!! I wondered when we got clear of the marina whether everything was okay as we didn't seem to be moving very quickly. It took me a little bit of time to adjust to the new pace of life