Meetings with Old Friends

Saturday 18th May 2019 at Whittington, Lichfield.
An overcast but dry morning as the two boats set off towards Fradley Junction.
The yellow rape in the fields was a lovely splash of colour on a rather dull day.

After a while, M got off to walk to Wood End Lock.

Wood End is a charming lock out in the middle of the countryside. Despite its relative isolation, we were lucky enough to have the help of a C&RT volunteer.

A mile further on are the two locks that drop down to Fradley Junction. M had arranged to meet up with Andy, an old school friend of M's son, and his wife Michelle and, as M approached the locks, she recognised them walking towards her. A happy meeting indeed, M had not seen Andy in some 25 years and she had never met Michelle.
They hopped on board MM as she began to sink down in the lock - certainly a baptism of fire since neither of them had ever been on a moving narrowboat before. Well, Andy said he HAD been on a boat but it had never moved anywhere, as the only activity had been drinking!

Just past the small swing bridge at the junction, we moored up both boats and, once again, Mel's surfeit of cheese formed the basis of lunch for all six of us aboard "Inkling". (Thanks, Mel!)
So, Andy and Michelle had a chance to experience two very different narrowboats.

After lunch, "Inkling" went on ahead. While we were moored, we were passed by a beautiful Hudson narrowboat called "Arthur". To our surprise and delight, we recognised two people on board, they were Harry and Penny from Abingdon whom we had met by chance in the Beetle and Wedge pub on the Thames some ten years ago. Then, they were on an old but much loved narrowboat called "Queen of Hearts" and they had come to MM's launch the following year. As they passed by, we were able to hear that they had bought a share in "Arthur". Since then we have re-established contact by email and hope that we can get to see them again soon.
After a short cruise, we moored up again for some tea and biscuits before Andy and Michelle left us to walk back to Fradley Junction. The set off down the towapth hand in hand.

It was wonderful to see Andy again after so many years and to meet Michelle. M has arranged a "DavLads" (Daventry school friends) reunion in Braunston next month with Andy, Adrian and Scott, who were in school together in Daventry. Watch this space, as we shall be there with MM!
We moored up behind "Inkling" just past Streethay and once again Mel and Peter provided an excellent supper (thank you both for all your hospitality over those three lovely days!).

On Sunday, Mel and Peter set off on their own. We have really enjoyed the last few days with them but they are now heading off towards Stratford and the Avon. Their "crew" (Inca and Penny) were clearly in charge as they prepared to set off.

We have to go home for the best part of a week due to various commitments, so we put MM into King's Orchard Marina, which was just round the corner. Thanks to Peter, our car was already at the marina, so we were able to drive home. We will be back in a week.
Today: 7 miles, 3 locks and 2.9 hours.
Trip: 24 miles,8 locks and 9.9 hours.