To Gloucester again

13th & 14th July

Yesterday was Elanor's only chance for several weeks to have a lie in, so we had a very relaxed and easy start to the day to give her a chance to get one. She finally left us at around ten and we set off back up the canal to Rea Bridge, stopping place for the Quedgeley Tesco.

On arrival, we were met by Mike Fisher of Nuggler, a pleasant surprise – we knew he was about, but hadn't realised he had not yet set off for his home waters. He was able to tell us about some excellent vinyl cleaner by AutoGlym, the people who make one of the best boat polishes, which was available from the branch of Motor World next door to said Tesco.

Since it was open when we got there, we bought some ourselves, and very good it proved to be when we tried it later in the afternoon.

Back at the boat we had some lunch and then set to on a serious burst of boat cleaning. I've commented before that one advantage for having folks come to stay is the impetus it gives you to get things tidied up and cleaned. This is particularly the case at times like these. When working at a Festival, the boat becomes a place to retire to at the end of the day to sleep, and both the laundry and the housework get postponed.

It's quite satisfying to get things ship shape again, and the fact that the weather continued very fine and warm for most of the afternoon certainly helped.

Today there was no point in starting too early, as they won't swing Hempsted Bridge until the rush hour is over, and it's only about 15 minutes cruising from Rea Bridge. Strangely, the internet connection at Rea Bridge is as good as we've seen it around here, so I filled in the waiting time by putting up the info and order form for Braidbar Owners clothing that we've been organising.

The weather today has not been anything like as pleasant, sadly, cloudy, with a cool breeze which at times was strong enough to make trouble. I had to hover waiting for Llanthony Bridge to rise, and it gave me an anxious moment or two.

Once in the dock, we stopped on the water point at the end of the Barge Arm. This gave us the chance to see that there was plenty of room on the pontoons at the NE corner of the dock, so when the tank was full, I took us down there. Apparently it had been very full last night, but a lot of folks have now set off up the river.

The wind was now a real nuisance – if there's any wind at all it whistles around the dock, as a result of the high warehouse sides all about. We managed to get in at last, with some stalwart heaving on lines by Sheila, and some moderately skilful boat handling by yours truly, I think. (Modesty is my only virtue).

We reckoned to have plenty of time to do some shopping before Jane was due to arrive at 1220, and just got back to the boat in time for me to set off again to the station. This proves to be a 15 minute fast walk from the Dock, so not impossible. If seriously burdened down with luggage, you'd probably want to take a taxi, though.

We've used the afternoon to revisit the National Waterways Museum with Jane, and started an exploration of the Antiques Centre, but that's going to need a second visit to do the top two floors of the five.

Tonight I'm having a break from cooking by taking us to the Tall Ship for a meal – we've not been before, but it was heavily recommended by Brain Dominic for its seafood menu. I'll let you know what we thought next time.