Folk on The Water - Part 5

Wednesday 7th July

I woke to the sound of groaning sinews and tendons as Glynne paced the main cabin trying to  persuade his aching muscles that it was actually time to start another day. For us to pass through that amount of locks in one day was either brave or highly optimistic, I am not quite sure which but I wasn't faring much better and it had far more to do with Pimms than locks! At least the horseflies found me too toxic to bite - actually that had more to do with the fact I have regular B12 injections. The Dutchman breezed in, fresh as a daisy and lectured us on the benefits of Arnica and we looked at him in amazement. Glynne took one look at me and sent me back to my bunk. I think he realised that my arm was pretty sore as well as my head.

I slept for three hours and showered to find the guys starting to de- rig The Patricia Helen so that Glynne could drive the gear to The Newbold Comyn Arms, where Glee Night was being held that evening. To be honest the arm was playing up quite badly. I struggled through lunch - only heating up ready meals and we had a really welcome visitor. Blair was working at the farm and he dropped in for a bite to eat. I had, by this time, taken a couple of Tramadol. I don't usually take these in company as I tend to be a bit spacey on them (yes...I can hear you shouting...you are normally spacey Muse) so if I was slightly weird then forgive me Blair.

Dutch could see that I was biting my lip despite the painkillers and asked if he could practice some Reiki on me. Its a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. I suppose it is a 'laying on of hands' but everyone practises it in some form or other. Think of a mother soothing a fretful child. He sat quietly with me and  I shut my eyes and tried to relax. Within just a few minutes an amazing feeling of heat spread through my elbow. I can only describe it as wave upon wave of heat, and at times, almost, but not quite, too much to bear. Tears were sliding down my cheek but I was not crying, the pain started to lessen and my elbow felt light and free. For the first time in over a year my elbow felt normal instead of heavy, clunky, clicky and painful.  We opened our eyes and I told Dutch how I had felt. He said he had felt two very cold spots and showed me where they were. He knew exactly where my pain was. I am so grateful for that moment in time Dutch - thank you. It meant I could carry on when I thought I would have to give in.

We had moored in a bit of a rough area so Dutch had asked his son Jack to 'babysit' The Patricia Helen whilst we went to Glee Night. Jack arrived with two friends in tow and was slightly alarmed to find the TV had no signal and there was an important footie match to watch! Can I just say that we had not heard a news report, read a paper or watched TV for at least a week and we didn't miss it! If you hate football/big brother then you know what to do. Hire a barge and escape!

Before I talk about Glee Night I have to say that I don't have a running order and as I write this our esteemed Captain is taking a well earned rest. I will make sure you all get a mention when I talk to him. The Newbold Comyn Arms is a great venue. We arrived to find a lot of young performers tuning their guitars, practising songs and the atmosphere was wonderful. Tom Barnwell was the techie and Dutch the Emcee. I was blown away at the energy, soul and verve of every single performer. The standard was second to none and I was heartened to see so much young talent under the same roof. Forget the X Factor, this is the real thing! Thanks to each and everyone of you for making my last night so special.

Dutch got Josh up on stage and thanked him for all his hard work and I had tears in my eyes as I saw a confident little boy, standing proudly beside Dutch. I had taken him with me on this trip as he was being badly bullied at school and had lost his confidence. Thank you to all of you who gave Josh love, care and attention. He will never forget Folk on The Water and now has the courage to face life at school once more. All of you guys at Glee Night showed him a different, more positive world out there, through your music. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

A'hem... she says clearing her throat. Arriving back at the boat we found three guys, empty beer bottles and a few dishes. We had a glass of wine together, fought over the dishes and then Dutch presented him with a 'Breathe' Roadie T Shirt. He was grinning from ear to ear as he happily rolled into his bunk wearing said garment. I haven't managed to get him out of it since! We were all so tired and had the earliest night since we had been on board. I dreaded leaving the dream, but was far too tired to think about it.

Its time for my bed so I will endeavour to post the last part of this Blog tomorrow.

Namaste

Muse x