A day in Brum

It's been a much more relaxed day today, and largely successful to boot. We both had a rather bad night's sleep last night. Although this is one of the better moorings on the BCN, we really don't like being in a town centre, I guess.

The early part of the evening was quite entertaining, as there was some sort of business reception going on in the Bank Restaurant that overlooks the mooring. From half six on, there was the noise of a lot of people foregathering and having initial drinks. Braying laughter was much to be heard, but it generally sounded very good tempered.

Then all went quiet; we couldn't hear the speechifying, just the odd round of polite applause or laughter. Suddenly, the noise erupted once more, and folk could be seen standing around on the balcony quaffing (champagne) and scoffing (canapés). Whilst helping with the washing up, I had a clear view through the galley Houdini of two characters who were energetically chatting up a couple of attractive women. Perhaps they thought it was a grab-a-granny night. (Current jargon for session in a fancy pub to meet/seduce women over the age of 25.)

In the middle of the night, there was the sound of drunks staggering about, yodelling and so on. From the echoey quality, they were in the internal car park which abuts the mooring. Later on, some one started sounding their car horn at random intervals. By now, it was quite light. We both managed to doze a bit, and finally got up at around half seven.

There followed a burst of activity. We went off to the Tesco again, completing the restocking. This Tesco does take a bit of getting used to. It has two entrances from different roads, is more or less L-shaped, but with additional square areas on the corner of the L, and all the trolleys and the big check outs are at the far entrance. Once you've got the hang of it, it's very useful, but it is seriously confusing at first, especially for those whose brains are broken down by age, sex, drugs and lack of sleep.

(Adolescence is much more fun the second time around.)

Back at the boat, we unloaded and stored everything, then took Sanity Again round to Sherborne Wharf where we had a good pump out for £15. It's much bigger and more complex round there than you'd think from looking at the maps. We were able to wind by the service wharf, and came back to the mooring, taking  one just a bit further back, so less likely to be noisy tonight.

Nigel and Elizabeth have moved Kala round to join us, as they had been tied outside La Dolce Vita, which will be open tonight as it's Friday.

This afternoon, we made a trip into the great Metrolopse. It was very confusing and scary, with all cars and buses and stuff, and loads of people – we've obviously been out in the sticks for too long. We were looking for a pair of trousers for Sheila (no joy, all too slim and tight) and a hoody for me (success at Millets of all places, rather nice Helly Hansen in the sale, so only (ha) £25).

Tomorrow, an early start and we're outta here, down Farmers Bridge and Aston Locks, under Spaghetti Junction and down the Minworth 3 to tie at Wiggins Hill, probably.