Walking in the rain

8th & 9th October

Not a lot to report this time. We’re going to be here in Alrewas until the weekend, because our various commitments in the village mean that it’s not worth moving the boat, especially now that we’re within reach of the water point (nearly).

Monday started with a visit to the dentist for both of us. For the first time for a while neither needed any work doing, so we were filled with a sense of righteousness, only partly undeserved.

Back at the boat on a fine morning, I tried out the newly varnished brush by sweeping the leaves off the roof. Normally, Sheila cuts our firewood, but she’s still on light duties whilst her shoulder finishes getting better, so I got the saw out and cut up some bits of wood previously fished out of the cut.

In the afternoon, it occurred to me to wonder what happened about the absconding narrowboater wanted back in Gloucester. A quick scan round the forums where it was originally reported, and then on to some local news sites, confirmed that he had been apprehended, though there wasn’t much more detail than that. He’s been remanded in custody for trial at the beginning of December, so must remember to check up on the outcome then.

Elanor looked in towards the end of the afternoon – she too had been to the dentist and had had a filling. It’s one of those unfair things – if anything she’s more careful with her teeth than we are, but that’s how it goes I guess.

Today, it rained first thing, and just a handful of us turned up for the Willy Walk. Nonetheless, we had a good ramble on a route Sheila and I hadn’t been before, down to Wychnor, out into the country and looping back to the canal.

We were joined in the pub for lunch by Mair, a good friend and former colleague of mine. She was in the area on business, and was able to find time to share lunch. It was good to see her again, and to catch up on gossip from North Wales.

We had the usual somnolent afternoon –me reading this month’s Canal Boat and Sheila finishing a book. The sun’s come out again, so hopefully we’ll have better weather tomorrow. We haven’t decided what to do with the day yet, but I’m sure we’ll find something.