Crick IWA Show.

Saturday 25th May, 2013 at Crick.
So here we are, on the first morning of the show and, wonder of wonders, the sun is shining and the forecast is set fine for all three days of the show. What a relief for everyone after the recent weather!
There was a lovely cheerful camaraderie among the boaters moored on the towpath, all enthusiastically washing down their boats after yesterday's gales and polishing the brasswork, in a flurry of friendly rivalry to have the best boat!

Breasted up alongside us was an old-style boat nb "Canopus" with a traditional back-cabin and old fashioned engine. She is an eight year old replica of a 1938 working boat by the same name - apparently one of the "dog stars".

R was delayed in his boat washing by a couple who had visited Alexanders and who were considering having a boat fitted out by Kingsground. They ended up coming aboard for a look around and stayed for nearly an hour.
Eventually, we set off for the show across a temporary bridge over the canal just 100 yards from MM. As we arrived at the far side of the bridge, we stood astonished at the scene before us. Could this really be the Crick Show, renowned in the boating community as the Glastonbury of the boating world, habitually a quagmire of mud and rain? The sun was shining from a clear blue sky and folk were sporting shorts and T-shirts. Incredible!

It could also have been called the "Crick Dog Show" judging from the number of canines around of every size and shape.
We spent a happy day wandering round the showground looking at the different stands. We found Glenn (otherwise known as "Susan") of Elite Furnishing, who had built our sofas, and also met up with Jim Sparkes of Alexanders, who built MM's steel shell. We bought home made cakes and found some beautiful hand made scarves for M. Her favourite stand was one selling hand painted traditional "roses and castles" ware, R was far more interested in the "techie" stands! We went on only one exhibition boat as there were long queues and most were operating an appointment system. We chose to go on nb "Swamp Frogs", which was last month's "Boat of the Month" in Canal Boat magazine. It was smart but we didn't think that the joinery was up to KG standards. We also ran into Brenda and Martin from Reigate at the show and they came over to MM for tea and cake.  They have a boat share.
In the evening, after the show had closed, we went across to the food area, which stayed open for an evening concert and had a Thai dish while listening to the band in the beer tent.

It was a beautiful evening with a glorious sunset.

What a contrast from yesterday!
Today: 0 miles and 0 locks.