Arrived at Wootten Wawen this afternoon.
Yesterday we travelled from Stratford upon Avon to Wilmcote. 3.5 miles but 17 locks. Luckily we had the assistance of Pete & Helen Morris, who joined us for the day. A big thank you for your help.
Today we only travelled 3 miles as we had a delay in the morning. The sun is shinning we are in short sleeves and sandals and in a pub!!!!

Crossing Edstone Aquaduct

Arrived at Sratford on Avon today.
Last night we stayed at Bidford on Avon, but had no signals whatsoever. So, we went to a local pub for an evening meal, really good £23 for two meals and drinks, oh and Wendy had a dessert.
Today we had a bit of excitement, on rounding a bend a narrowboat was blocking the river. As we approached he told us he was grounded. So we edged up to him, attached his rear rope and pulled him backwards off the riverbed. He was really interesting, turns out he was born on a narrowboat, and was transporting china gifts to Stratford.
So here we are. Tomorrow we will be photographed by lots of Japanese as we go from the Avon onto the Stratford canal. The lock seperating the two is always full of tourists. Hope we get it right.

Below is a photograph of the boat with the Holy Trinity Church behind us. (Shakespears final resting place)

Had a good day travelling. Arrived at Evesham this afternoon.
We are getting used to the weirs which are flowing very fast.
The photo shows us approaching Chadbury Lock.
As you can see we are heading towards the weir, as the current pushes us over we landed gently at the lock moorings.
Have met a few other boaters today, all have tales to tell of the flooding.

Wednesday 16 May 2012

We had a very pleasant day travelling up the river Avon from Tewkesbury to Pershore.  Passing under the M5 gave me great joy, as I had looked at the river on every journey to Bournville dreaming of this moment.   We have a lovely mooring in Pershore recreation park, surrounded by noisy ducks and swans.   Picture of mooring at Pershore.

We have finally arrived at Tewkesbury after a blustery trip up the Severn.  Strong current, head wind and hail stones meant average speed of only 3 mph.  Still we have arrived and finally left Gloucester.   Let the adventure begin.

Monday 14th May
We celebrated Pete's birthday with friends at the Bell Inn at Frampton last night.
We had an e-mail from British Waterways today telling us the Severn was now clear.
So, we travelled to Sainsbury's in Gloucester and stocked up, did some final shopping in the Quays. Fitted the anchor, checked the engine levels etc.
So now we are ready for an early start on Tuesday. The River Avon is clear, so it looks like a big GO.
We will stay in Tewkesbury tomorrow night then head for Pershore on Wednesday.
Although we have been delayed a week, it has given us the oppurtunity to test out everything before travelling up the Severn/Avon.
Spirits are high and we are now fully relaxed and looking forward to the start of our journey