More doctors and dentists, then a walk

31st March & 1st April

Note: this blog does not perpetrate April Fool deceptions!

With hindsight, booking appointments for the GP at 8.30 and 8.40 the day after the hour went on the clocks (Spring forward and all that) might have been a mistake.

Getting up in good time felt like it was the middle of the night, but we made it, and tottered round to the surgery for our medical encounters. All was well for both of us, so one more task completed.

We ambled back to the boat via the pharmacy and Co-op and rather collapsed for a bit (well, we're not as young as we used to be). One of the greatest joys of being retired and boating is this variation in the hour of rising. It's not that we can't be up and about early, just that we don't have to be every weekday morning.

Since my ankle is nearly back to normal, and with the prospect of the first Willy Walk for three weeks for me today, we decided to check out my mobility by going for a gentle stroll.

We got as far as Fradley Junction, using the towpath both ways, without too much trouble, which was reassuring. On the way, we spotted a large rabbit hole smack in the middle of the towpath, about 230 yards below Common Lock. Feeling public spirited, we called in at the BW place at Fradley and reported it.

Before going back, we took a wander round the Nature Park that they've made out of one of the reservoirs. It's a neat job and though we didn't see anything unusual – the scarcest bird was a tufted duck - it was very pleasant nonetheless.

Back at the boat, we had lunch, then tried sitting out on the towpath in the sun, but it was just a little too chilly in the fresh wind.

Elanor looked in on her way back from work, having survived her first day back after her fortnight's holiday.

Today we were able to make a more relaxed start, since my appointment at the dentist for phase 2 of having a crown fitted wasn't until 10.20. There was plenty of time to catch up with emails. I've agreed to stand for the Save Our Waterways committee, so I'm presently seeing all the emails with regard to the Inaugural meeting.

This will be held at 11.00 am on 10 April at Stafford Boat Club – details here.

My trip to the dentist was straightforward, and I was able to join the Willy Walkers at 10.45 with no problem, beyond that sensation that you've got something stuck on a tooth that comes with having a new crown. I suppose it's basically because you have.

It was a good walk along the Trent, and a merry session in the pub afterwards. Back at the boat by mid afternoon, we were both a victim of the well known health hazard associated the Mr Wilson's Captains' Chairs, and dozed off for some time.

Tomorrow is a day for trying to get things sorted like restocking the freezer with meat from the excellent butchers here and backing Sanity through the bridgehole to the water point. Then Sheila has a physio appointment on Thursday, and with luck we will be away heading for points south on Friday.