7 August 2011 - Hinckley to Sutton Wharf & return

The military operation succeeded! Annie cycled to Aunty Wins whilst I moved the boat next to an industrial area in Hinckley that we had previously reccied - with a road only 50ft from the tow path (Aunty is range impaired with her broken bits).  Annie booked a taxi to meet us and we all arrived at the appointed place near enough at the same moment.

Loaded Annie & Win into the boat and after the obligatory cup of tea and tour of the boat, set off to find somewhere to turn around.  Trinity Marina was right next to us and offered an obvious place, but is bedecked with signs saying No Turning! Danger of Death or some such.  We wanted to have a look at the marina as friends keep their boat there, so turned in slowly looking for somewhere to moor.  As the visitor mooring hove into view we were confronted by a naval destroyer, several yachts and a tall ship.  All radio controlled of course, having some sort of event.  Thinking the owners might get peeved if I stopped there crushing the Lilliputian Navy we made for the single empty pontoon, nearly making a hash of it as the wind whipped across the basin.  A native helped us moor the boat and we chatted to several more friendly natives after we had had a look around (we found Mick and Sue's boat nb Wakanui but they were not aboard).  Wasn't looking forward to turning boat to get out again with strong wind and little maneuvering room.  Friendly native advised us to head for exit in full reverse and we couldnt fail.  Not sure about this as exit is 7ft gap in continuous concrete wall 1/2 mile long and (it seemed) 1/2 mile away with what was now a hurricane blowing.  Closed eyes and went for it - moments later we were right in the middle of the 7ft gap and popping out back into the canal.  Friendly native gave thumbs up and we waved thanks.

Annie and Aunty Win with broken bit

Now going in the right direction we had a superb cruise along the Ashby passing Dadlington and Stoke Golding.  We partook of Ham & Eggs at the canalside cafe at Sutton Wharf  - have you noticed there aren't any cafes any more - they have all turned into restaurants.  Then winding the boat we headed back with ever increasing and ever dramatic cloud building behind us.  Two bridges from home the rain hit - so sharply that you could see it raining hard at the front of the boat, whilst it was still dry at the back!  We moored at this morning's start pont and drank tea until the rain subsided, called a taxi and said bye bye to Aunty Win with whom we had had a lovely day.  Bit dingy but we decided to remain here for the night given the weather.