Typical Bank Holiday Weather

Saturday 29th August


We didn't set off from home until Saturday morning to avoid Friday night Bank Holiday traffic (& festival traffic around Leeds). We called in at Barton Marina at Barton Under Needwood for a 'nosey-around' as we had not visited this marina since it first opened. The marina is now more of a base for retail therapy than a traditional narrowboat centre but well worth a look. Arrived at Gt Haywood around 12.00 Noon just in time for the Belgian Grand Prix qualifyers. The wind was gathering speed and it began to rain. After the qualifiers we therefore decided to have a ride down to Trentham in the car for a walk around the shops as the weather was not very conducive to cruising. A trip to B&Q at Stafford on the way back also prompted me to make a start on altering the rear electric cupboard door. The original door was full length which meant that, in order to open the door completely, the rear steps needed to be lifted out . A situation that quickly becomes frustrating. By teatime I had already removed and altered the door to make two independent doors of the original single full height door. After tea they were swinging and ready for magnetic catches and brass knobs.

Sunday 30th August

Although a bright morning it was still quite breezy and we had already decided Saturday night that we were going to visit Lichfield in the morning. We hadn't been to Lichfield before and were well impressed - a lovely city with real character. Made better by the bank holiday as most shops were closed and there were very few people around. Called at Ammerton Farm Shop for some more retail therapy on our return to the marina and despite my regular rants about shops selling Christmas gifts in August I bought Christmas presents for my two nephews! That has got to be a first - me buying Christmas gifts ahead of Elaine. Watched the Belgian Grand Prix and chilled out in the afternoon reading the Saturday and Sunday papers and Elaine started to plan out next cruise (up the Ashby), as we have another 10 day holiday in a fortnight's time.


Monday 31st August

A lazy start - had cooked breakfast, killed a few wasps and packed the car. Filled up the fresh water tank, and dipped the diesel, ready for a quick Friday night departure next time. Set off for home about 1.30pm.