Retirement with No Problem

Dundas to Bradford-on-Avon via Claverton, Kennet & Avon Canal, 6.5 miles 0 locks

Wendie and Dan arrived on Friday evening to pick up their dogs Buddy and Tilly who had been staying with me while they went on holiday.. Oh and drop off the the grandchildren, Kiera and Niamh.. they have a couple of weeks left of their summer holidays and want to spend one of them aboard No Problem..

Great stuff, and after a grand evening aboard on Friday evening we woke to shake off our hangovers with bacon sarnies before setting off for a short cruise to Dundas..

It was ultra busy at the one and only lock for miles, there were boats perched everywhere.. and with one of the bottom gate paddles broken, it took very nearly two hours before it was our turn to hit what paddles worked to drop down a level.. I think it is the longest I have ever had to wait at a lock in 9 years of cruising!

We were very lucky to find a 48 mooring just before the aqueduct at Dundas, it was getting a bit late in the afternoon, then the fun began!..

Heh here comes Wendie after a good paddle.. then

My turn!  I was really looking forward to having a go in Dan’s inflatable canoe.. it sure has been a long time since I had a paddle like that in my hands I’ll tell you!.. Very enjoyable and very peaceful too!  The only problem I had was getting out of the thing.. I am a lot stiffer than I was 30 odd years ago, but everyone was on hand to drag granny out!

Sunday we stayed moored and enjoyed more exploring by quiet mode, ice creams and a good traditional Sunday roast aboard before saying goodbye to the labs and parents..

Away today then to Bathampton.. well that was the plan but I got a tad fed up on tickover past the miles upon miles of moored boats.. “This will do.. about turn here”.. Claverton..

Just too many boats on this canal at this end, far too many cover the banks one behind the other obviously not moving as they should do after 14 days, there sure is a problem round here that BW seem unable to deal with.

I spoke to the lengthsman today who clocked our name and number just as we cruised into Bradford-on-Avon 24 hour moorings.. “The canal is overun with boats.. there are only two of us between Reading and Bristol to try to deal with it all”..

We have had a super day today, and not enough time to do all that the children wanted to do… list on the go for tomorrow then..