Folk on The Water - Part 3

Sunday 4th July

Independence Day dawned sunny and breezy. I started breakfast and Liz, Blair and a few others joined us. We were 14 in total! We ate outside on picnic tables. A group of campers, who had been pretty riotous the previous night, eyed our breakfast longingly. Sorry guys but even I have my limits in a galley kitchen! Amos and Avital were leaving that morning and as she sat signing Cd's for us, I gave her a pashmina she had admired. The mood was low as we had, had so much fun together. Josh was pretty upset that Amos was leaving. He would lose his partner in crime!  Avital said she hated saying goodbye because she wasn't very good at it. Just before they left, Amos took me to one side. 'Would you mind if I gave Josh my Kazoo?'. I must have been temporarily unbalanced by the emotion of that morning as I agreed!! Josh was delighted and the rest of the Crew looked horrified...

After their tearful departure we had to turn the boat around. Our spirits picked up as we got out onto the water. We had to pass through a 2042 meter tunnel, turn the barge around and go back through it. Entering the tunnel was amazing. We all pulled on fleeces and I made tea, as it was cold, dank, dark and tremendously exciting. Dutch gave us a fright as he sounded the horn. Josh and Glynne were on look out duty. What a scary experience and a fairly nerve wracking one  for the Captain. At least we managed to stop Josh using the dreaded Kazoo in the tunnel as many Bargers are of an elderly nature!

The locks were very busy and we made slow progress back. We re-moored at The Admiral Nelson and made a command decision to move the gig inside as the wind had got up, which would wreck our very talented Techies (read that as Dutch's) efforts. After our busy morning it was deemed 'beer o'clock' and we sat and had a break. A power nap was called for as we had all been burning the candle at both ends and really needed it. Even Josh passed out for a while.

Some of the acts started to arrive for the evening performance and Dutch pulled his Techie hat on and went off to set up. I was just thinking about doing some food when, Neil, The Landlord of The Admiral Nelson came up and offered to feed the Crew with a Sunday lunch. Thanks once again Neil. I was so tired and I we all appreciated your great hospitality.

Another evening of fabulous music followed.  Ella Kenrick looked wonderful in a pretty summer dress, her set was well delivered and the sound quality was fantastic.  Faye Horne belted out her set and she rocks! Emma Stevenson sang Corrine Bailey Rae and we didn't want it to end. The gorgeous Ellen Miller pulled us off the ceiling with her beautiful voice and ended a successful evening. For once there was no de-rigging involved and we grabbed our buckets and headed for The Patricia Helen. Please forgive me if I have missed anyone out but I don't have the running order as FOW does not finish until tomorrow and one day has merged into another.  I will update and add to this Blog so everyone of you will get a mention. x

Ellen and Fliss, Ellen's sister came aboard for a few glasses of vino and some cheese toasties with Tabasco. Heaven! They were very impressed with the barge but as unimpressed as I about the 'no hair dryer' rule! Can I just have a moan here. Pin back your lugholes and listen.... I am a Donut Child and generally prepared for any eventuality.  I can muck in with the best of them but drying hair whilst the engine was running was impractical for me as I was usually making breakfast/ putting suntan lotion on Captain/  making sure Josh was on board and not three locks down/ brewing tea. By the time I got to do my hair the engine was off. I spent a week on The Patricia Helen looking like Wookie! Right she says - have a word with yourself!

We had a fun night and Fliss had us falling about with laughter. Thanks for your company Fliss, we had a great time. She promised Josh some fishing line and a hook as he was determined to catch a 'radioactive, three eyed'  fish like the one in The Simpson's.

Rolling into our bunks we were looking forward to a lie in. Erm...well at least until 8 am!

Night all this Muse is ready for her bed and will carry on with this tomorrow.

Namaste x