Prairie Adventure : Ashby Canal

Thursday 14th June

We decided because of the storm which had brought quite strong winds we would not venture off as it's so difficult to control the boat in windy weather. So instead we had a rest day. I walked to Snarestone but apart from the pub and some very nice houses there was nothing there!

We met a couple on their boat moored near to us who had two 7 month old puppies which were very cute and Dex enjoyed playing with them. They were Caern Patterdale crosses.

Friday 15th June

On Friday morning it was a glorious sunny day so we set off early, determined to complete the Ashby return journey and get back on the Grand Union. It did mean 8 hours of cruising however but we could take turns.

I started steering and went through the tunnel and then later John took over.

We could hear this boat coming before we could see it as the dance music was so loud! Clearly a hen party or birthday and the girls had started early! I started dancing in the front of the boat as we passed by and they all cheered and waved it was hilarious 😂
I felt sorry for the poor bloke steering, I wished him luck and said I hoped he was being paid well!!

Dex looks so cute on the roof viewed from below.

One for you John Cocking!

This area used to be a Norman keep with a moat. There is a small lake there now which is all that's left of the moat.

Another Viking hire boat in it's unmistakable livery of red and yellow

We stopped at Sutton wharf to fill up with water and whilst we waited we went to the café there and had sausage baps and coffee. I also grabbed some lemon drizzle cake for later! 😀

The funny thing about being on the canal is you are never sure what you will come across next.

Yes this is a REAL COFFIN on top of this boat, complete with jesticulating skeleton!

There were all sorts of Pirate wares on the boat and the mooring. We had seen the boat owner previously in his dinghy.

This is his van!

That said although he looked as scary as his boat, I actually asked him where the water point was and he was very polite and quietly spoken. Just shows you can never judge a book by it's cover!

There was nearly a nasty accident here when a bulldog fell off the green boat into the canal and was down the side of the boat between it and the bank! Luckily it's owner pulled it out quickly before it could get crushed.