Short Escape

Liz's brother John stayed with her dad Friday night and all day Saturday giving us the chance of a very brief escape on Blackstone. Carl went to the marina and cruised to the playing fields near our home. Liz joined him around 7:45 pm and we cruised back to Dunham for the night. We had a leisurely cruise back to the marina on Saturday. It was a lovely relaxing day after the stresses of caring for Liz's dad. Saturday wasn't as sunny as the rest of the week, but it was still warm.

We have decided that we will try to do this as often as we can. We may not get out for a proper cruise, but at least we will get some enjoyment.

Maccs enjoying the cruise!

Well, it's been a long time since the last blog. Mainly because we haven't been anywhere. We had intended to go out over Easter. Carl went to check everything was OK on the Thursday. The engine started straight away and everything seemed to be OK. Carl then noticed that oil had appeared in the drip tray. It turned out to be gearbox oil. A seal had perished. Although Carl does basic engine maintenance, we decide a mechanic was needed for this. Unfortunately our mechanic was not free over Easter, so no cruise.

After spending four months in hospital, Liz's dad was finally discharged. The problem was that by the time he got out of hospital, his mobility had deteriorated so much that it was not safe to leave him on his own. Liz has therefore become his main carer. Thus scuppering any cruising plans for the time being.

So we had to make do with going to the Middlewich folk and boat festival by car. We were a bit disappointed. There were not very many working boats there.

Nor were there many boating stalls. There were a few canal societies and the boat women's crafts were displayed, but on the whole the stalls seemed to be fair trade clothing stalls.

We saw Liz's sister in law's sister (Also called Liz). She trades from her boat Constance Irene. We also purchased some delicious fudge from the fudge boat. The weather stayed fine and we enjoyed a good day out.