What a nice marina

We're in boaters' heaven; we refilled the water tank first thing, then later in the morning took Sanity Again across to the service wharf and pumped her out, filled the fuel tank and bought a cylinder of propane. The propane comes from the shop, the diesel is sold by the marina, and the pump out machine is a DIY one with tokens from the marina office.

I have to say none of these are the cheapest around (diesel 91 ppl domestic, 13kg propane £26.92, pump out £14.30), but the whole place is very friendly and helpful. We had to go out onto the mainline to turn round, but apart from that, no problems at all.

Having got back on our mooring, we visited the once fortnightly market in the car park, which consists of an organic butcher, a market garden fruit and veg stall, and an Italian deli. We bought some meat, a loaf of bread and some interesting looking pasta.

We also visited the café for coffee and hot chocolate. All of the buildings are timber construction, giving a very pleasant feel, not cold, bare and modern at all.

After lunch, we did a walk round the marina perimeter, which takes the best part of an hour to stroll round, by the time you've stopped to chat to folk and taken some photos. Here's a sample:

It's a big marina; this is just a part of it 

These curious chaps guard the islands

The marina has won an award for its wildlife

Canada geese feeding

No, he's not part of the wildlife!

Ready for tomorrow's fireworks 

Sanity Again on her pontoon

The Shakespeare hire fleet

Midland Chandlers