Friday 12th October 2018, back in Aston Marina.
The weather forecast was dire and so dictated an early start to get as far as we could before the heavens opened and drenched us. The wind was very strong and gusty but, as we started just after dawn, it was remarkably warm and, thankfully, dry.
Not far from our overnight mooring is Colwich Lock where, in previous years, we have been the object of bovine curiosity from the bridge overlooking the lock. This morning, a small calf seemed more interested in us than in her mother, who was waiting nearby with breakfast.
Taken from inside MM, the proximity and force of the water filling the lock is quite alarming.
Colwich is another lock with a beautiful lock cottage in a very rural location. It is criminal to think of the hundreds of lock cottages deliberately destroyed by British Waterways, who didn't want "ordinary" people to have access to the towpath. Vandalism.
Next stop was Great Haywood and, what is probably the most photographed bridge on the network.
Here, we filled with water and M went off to the farm shop for supplies. Given M's love of vegetables, she was definitely happy with what she found. Outside, they were getting ready for Hallowe'en.
Inside, the vegetables were piled high, including peas in their pods and (oh joy!) sweetcorn still in their jackets. ... and those beetroot (sigh from M!). And bread still warm from the oven...
Returning to MM, Guy viewed M's purchases with some disdain - there were no bananas!
We passed Bridgett and Peter's house in Weston and "tooted" in case they were around but they were nowhere to be seen. No matter, we have arranged to meet them for dinner on Monday evening.
Sandon Lock is always a poignant moment as it is usually the first and last lock of the year.
As we approached Aston Marina, the rain, which had held off all day, finally started with a vengeance and, turning into the Marina entrance, we were fairly soaked. So the weather had the last laugh after all!
The wind had become even stronger through the day and was gusting from south to west, so backing MM in to her mooring across the wind was a mighty challenge! First time, a very strong gust caught MM just as R was turning her and stopped the turn dead. So R had to reverse and try again. This time MM turned on cue and reversed gently into her mooring.
So another wonderful year's cruising has come to an end. While we have had many wonderful adventures with MM, this year cruising down the Severn Estuary has to have been the highlight. What an experience! What a view!
One final adventure on Monday - we have been asked to help Radio Stoke with a "Children in Need" challenge together with our friends Mel and Peter on nb "Inkling", so we will report on that on Monday.
Today: 11 miles, 5 locks and 5.1 hours.
Trip: 425 miles, 253 locks and 260.5 hours.
Since MM was launched: 3,590 miles, 2,463 locks and 2,611.4 hours.
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