So it was raining when we left Loughborough.  Stopped at Sawly on sat night. And then on to Swarkestone, where I had made  a note on the map that there were “ FAB MOORINGS”.   Hmm, well the last time we were here I must have had my beer goggles on or it must have been hot and sunny, cos we didn’t see any “FAB MOORINGS”. We saw some “ OKAY MOORINGS”. So that  was that.

Did some locks with a couple of ex pats from Australia, who are hoping to do 6 months here and 6 months there. Nice couple called Bruce and Sheila……………no not really Clive and Jenny. Actually.

2 elegant ahfgan hounds passed by, and Finlay engaged them in a bit of play. The blonde one was lovely. She was a people dog and was doing her best to push me over by leaning against me.Her hair was so soft. Show dogs, apparently.  

Today, Monday, we are moored at Branston.  Lovely moorings with a nature reserve and lakes.There is a nice part that’s called “ Doggy Dipping” area.  Its where folk can let their doggos have a swim, but no where else on the reserve, due to nesting birdies. Nice touch.

Saw a bloke walking along the tow path with his dog, he cleared up his dogs poop into a plastic bag and then ……………………threw it into the woods.  I wanted to ask him if he would not prefer to just hang the bag of crap on a tree or bush, but Mick wouldn’t let me.What a nob. !” The bloke, not Mick. !!!

Had a wonderful bbq lunch, trying out our new Cadac Safari Chef bbq paraphanalia. Excellent.

Now we will stay here and then on to Fradley for Thursday night, as there is a folk and sea shanty night at the Mucky Duck. I can hum the tune to Captain Pugwash. !!!!