Cracked Ribs and Poo

What we failed to tell you yesterday, dear reader, is that Jan had a bit of a fall and we think cracked a couple of ribs making her somewhat immobile. It was decided we would take it easy and just motor on to Newbold on Avon then have a meal in the Barley Mow. We badly needed a pump out, but didn't see that as a problem as there were a number of places in the way marked on various maps. We had, however, forgotten it was Sunday and most places we went past were closed (seems a local thing of sucking through teeth with the "don't think you'll find anything open today"). We managed to phone a chap from Brinklow Marina, who was very helpful but 30 miles away from the marina. He gave us the mobile number of a chap on site who could sell us a token, so in we went. Unfortunately I do not remember the name of the chap from Brinklow Marina who came to our aid, he was kind and helpful and a credit to the marina (very concerned that Jan could'nt even handle a rope - kept saying "you'll be alright mate"; also recommended using Tiger Balm but not so good in this country as you can't get it with the opium found in other countries. Whoever you are, you were a life saver and thank you so much.

The Barley Mow pub was a bit of an experience. The food was ok but the entertainment was "different". First some old chap (not supposedly part of the stage crew) who was legless and refusing to get into numerous taxis that were called for him. Then the live music turned up! Two more old chaps with an organ and the other a saxophone. They tried hard, bless them.

Jan on Tilly May at Newbold on Avon

On the way to the pub, Spot disappeared over a foot bridge and returned seconds later wet. This is not new, but this time her top half was wet and the bottom half dry, all very confusing. The following morning we went for a walk over the bridge and found a field of rape. See photo below of Spot after her walk.

Spot wet and covered in rape petals

Today we did the three locks at Hillmorton but with a difference. Jan cannot operate the locks as it is now too painful, so she had a crash course (no pun intended) in controlling the boat into locks and I did the hard work. It all went very well until the third lock when she had'nt realised she had her knee on the bow thruster and could'nt understand why the rudder was not behaving as it had in the previous two locks - this was the 'crash' course. Things also improved weather wise, the sun came out and the countryside looked fantastic again.

We have decided to go to Braunston tomorrow, where we have arranged to leave the boat for a few weeks, We had to go back home for the start of June as I have a wedding to photograph, so it seemed a good idea to go a bit early and give Jan a chance to recover before continuing down the Oxford.

We are now moored outside the Old Royal Oak at Hillmorton.