This morning we went into Droitwich to stock up our larders from Morrisons. After the announcement this morning about wearing face coeverings in shops after next week, we thought that we had better try and get used to it. After this experience it seems as if it will take some time for us not to feel very uncomfortable. One of the greatest losses with face coverings is being unable to read people's facial expressions. The simple smile at a checkout person is no longer readily available.This cannot be good for society.
It was lunch time when we had packed away the stores and whilst we ate we also filled up the water tank.
Food consumed, we started up the engine - fired first time - and moved across the marina to the service point. Not long after the fuel started going into the tank, Christine was able to report that the fuel gauge now showed a reading. That, at least, is one less thing to have to worry about.
Out onto the Droitwich and we were properly on the move! It was a somewhat weird feeling after all this time cooped up, tinged with a little bit of guilt about whether this was the right thing to do and would we all too soon be stuck with a 'second wave'?
Just after the exit we reached the first of the three tip locks on the Droitwich, all of which have working side ponds. One of a couple of Fountains grass cutters helped Christine open the first lock as he waited for his mate to catch up. He seemed somewhat unfamiliar with locks but keen to discover more.
Alongside the top lock the Volunteer Lockies' hut looks new but we did wonder whether the heritage people had approved of it - looks wood but is all artificial. Perhaps this lock is not listed, although many are.
After the top lock we arrived at Hanbury Junction and made a sharp right towards Worcester. The next short stretch was as crowded as back in March with boats moored outside the pub as well as at the boatyard. Then followed the long line of permanent moorings.
We soon discovered that whilst we have been in lock down, the vegetation has been growing rampantly! At times there was little more than one boat's width between the reeds and we had to hold back when faced with an oncoming boat, especially if a hire boat out of Worcester.
Dunhampstead Tunnel is only just over 200 metres in length, wide enough for two way working and remarkably dry.
A short distance after the tunnel we reached the spot at Oddinglkey where we moored back in March. After some distance of very overgrown banks we were pleased to see that the armco was at least visible even if stepping of the boat need some care.
Hardly a massive trip but at least we have started to remember where everything is . . .
3.2 Miles - 3 Locks
We had the same trouble with remembering where we keep things! I couldn't remember what we'd left on the boat either so we have some duplicate groceries and some things were missing. We are hoping to complete the Stourport ring and be back at DSM within the week so may see you if you haven't gone back to Cornwall
ReplyDeletebest wishes
Debby