Monday 5th July and Tuesday 6th July
I meant to carry on with this Blog yesterday (writing this on 12/7) but I have had two very spacey days trying to find my land legs again. My world has been lurching gently from side to side. I think it is because I spent more time in the boat whereas Dutch, Glynne and Josh were constantly leaping off to do 'man things' with ropes. I have finally regained my balance. Who needs a glass of wine to lurch!
With Avital and Amos gone it was just the five of us for a late breakfast. The water level on the canal was definitely dropping as The Patricia Helen was at a bit of an angle as Dutch and Glynne packed up the gear from the pub. They went to say their goodbyes to find that the Landlord of The Admiral Nelson had left a substantial donation for Zoe's Place. Thank you once again to all who looked after us and for your unfailing generosity.
We walked into Braunston Village to resupply with essential supplies ( read that as bottles...) and en route we discussed the dream. It goes something like this. Buy a Dutch Barge, (140k if your wondering ),a one bed flat for winter, a plot of land on the canal, solar panels, a battered old van, a goat and a few hens, oh and a hat - don't forget the hat. Kick back and live the dream! Simon, Dutch, Glynne and I now have a "Lottery Pact" - whoever wins first has to buy the others a barge.
Returning from Braunston we found The Patricia Helen at an alarming angle. The water level had dropped further and we were effectively 'beached'. She was stuck fast. We, of course were the best Crew on the canal and none of this was our fault. No seriously...some kids had opened a couple of locks and flooded some fields so it was inevitable that this would catch up with us. Some heroic 'tillering' ( how do you drive a barge...pilot, steer, tiller?) by Dutch and some pole pushing ( oo..eer that sounds rude) by Mr 'Hulk' Jones and we were free. We made another command decision and found a mooring on the opposite bank. Phew no more walking the plank for me!
A quick debrief was held as we were torn between a power nap and a beer. We decided the sensible thing to do was to have a beer or two or three... Josh was still trying to catch his three eyed fish and laying peacefully on the bank with a lemonade. Dutch, Glynne and I reminisced over old times in Cyprus as we had all been there 30 years ago. It was a perfect afternoon. The Crew finally managed to catch their breaths and life was good.
We reluctantly tore ourselves away and returned to the barge. Dutch and Glynne were getting ready to attend a gig at The Boat Inn. I had decided that it was time that I got hold of Josh and washed him thoroughly. He had been able to run so free for the past few days and I knew he was shattered. The guys had some food and Ellen picked them up. I 'sheep dipped' Josh and enjoyed a shower myself. He rolled straight into his bunk and was spark out. At about 9.30 I was sat outside with wet hair, thinking 'I need to look human again'. I mean you are talking to the girl who goes to the hairdressers twice a week! I wandered up to The Admiral Nelson, hairdryer in hand and pleaded with the bar staff to let me use a plug. They were brilliant and I emerged looking like my former self. I wandered happily back to the barge and stepped on board. 'Hmm...I am sure I didn't leave the galley lights on' I thought. OOPS, wrong flipping Barge. I hopped onto the towpath as though I had been scalded and pegged it for The Patricia Helen! I was a little tired that's all, she says, sniffily. It was nothing to do with imbibing alcohol in the afternoon - which by the way I am rubbish at!
The guys returned and had some food. I was sad to miss the gig but Josh needed some mum time and my hair needed attention! We had a vino or two and collapsed into our bunks. It would be an early start and it would be hard going.
Tuesday 6th July
We slipped moorings early, drinking tea and watching the world go by. We had arranged to meet Ellen Miller, her gorgeous 2 year old son Henry and the wonderful Tom Barnwell a couple of locks up. There they were, faces completely covered in 'Jackie O' shades. Tom had already worked a night shift and Ellen was tired from chasing toddlers and singing at most of the gigs. Henry's face was a picture, bless him. He was absolutely delighted. The locks were really busy and we waited for an eternity whilst a Stag Party, literally staggered through a lock. They were hilarious, all naked chests, silly hats and beer cans. I muttered a quiet prayer that they would stay safe as stopping something weighing 60 tonnes is a task to be attempted sober!
Perfick!
Ellen and Tom started to jam and the sound was wonderful. Dutch asked Josh to film them. It got better. Little Henry was asking questions whilst they were singing so Glynne and I (elderly codgers that we are) took Henry into the cabin whilst Josh filmed Ellen and Tom outside. I was so proud of Josh....and erm...a bit terrified of Henry. Its okay, he did survive, Glynne pulled all the mad faces and did all the bonkers noises for Henry and we were okay. Henry was a happy little chap.
At about midday Tom decreed it was Pimms O'clock, I started lunch and Ellen and Tom took on the task of making Pimms. It was quite a domestic scene, with Tom hooking one finger through Henry's dungarees to ensure he did not deep six and Ellen chopping fruit. One Pimms in and lunch ready and waiting, we arrived at The Poo Pumping station. Sorry to spoil your romantic vision of the trip but it had to be done. I won't go into detail but there were large sighs of relief that the Tow Path Toilets would no longer be in use..(read that as bushes). We took on water and all sat down to a lunch of potato salad, cold meat, tuna, green salad, hot bread and cold glasses of white wine...bliss.
All too soon we had to slip our moorings and move on. For the first time I was not in the mood for dishes, Glynne, Josh and Tom were running the locks with Dutch at the tiller, so the dishes were left for a while. Henry had a nap and Ellen and I sat on the front of The Patricia Helen, drinking white wine and watching the world go by. The guys were pushing through the locks as fast as they could. Tom was bloody funny. At every lock, Dutch would shout 'nose rope Tom' and Tom would answer, 'just having a sip of my Pimms first Captain'! Ellen or I would dutifully pass his Pimms to him.
We moored at The Two Boats so that Dutch and the guys could have a much needed break. Henry was still asleep and Ellen and Tom sat outside the pub and entertained us with 'Awesome Tears' and 'Hallelujiah' and a few more songs. Another beautiful moment in time. Ellen so relaxed and Tom harmonising beautifully. All too soon we had to push on but the few people there could not believe their luck at such a brilliant impromptu performance.
I went up to spend some time with Dutch and by this time he had been on the tiller for a few hours. I slapped suncream on him and made him a cup of tea. I spent an hour with him musing about the world, it was a special time. Tom, Glynne and Dutch worked so hard running those locks that day - I am astonished at their stamina, well done guys. We lost Tom at one point but found him a couple of locks up so all was well.
After 12 hours at the tiller and some 30 locks Dutch finally moored at Canal side Community Food at Radford Semele. We moored on rough ground, and it was Horsefly Headquarters! I had two or three buzzing around my head. I went to swat them and knocked my £150 prescription sunglasses straight into the canal. Dutch went in after them. I was horrified that I was the cause of so much mayhem and terrified that Dutch would catch something! I didn't really worry about the glasses as I am due my yearly check at the opticians but wondered how I would survive without them. Ellen rescued me by lending me her 'Jackie O's, which turned out to belong to Fliss....long story, thanks for donating them to me Fliss x. Glynne picked up his car to drive our guests home and it was time for farewell hugs. Thanks for a brilliant day Ellen, Tom and Henry. All the guys worked so hard to get through those locks and I admire them so much.
Glynne drove us to Deppers Bridge, the house of The Dutchman. It was a bit of a Rock Star pad and Josh was suitably impressed. 'I would like to live here, it has everything I need,' he said...yeah, swimming pool, tennis courts, recording studio etc...etc..! After a much needed shower we drove back to The Patricia Helen. A glass of wine and we were asleep. There is some nasty rumour about me snoring and keeping the whole boat awake but I'm having none of it!
I'll carry on with this tomorrow.
Namaste
Muse x
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