Rain stops play

The Welsh leg of our caravan break was abandoned yesterday because himself didn't like the weather and the forecast of continued rain. Amid mutterings of 'what are you going to be like on a boat then?' and extended periods of nil conversation because I was having a sulk, we headed home. Wet dogs, wet dogs towels, wet dogs bedding, wet boots (ours, not the dogs) and wet coats are not very clever in the confines of a caravan where getting things dry is a challenge that you are not going to win. So it is back to routine for a few days, the washing machine is thrashing the mud out of the dogs towels, Joe is out walking the boys in the rain and I am doing my early morning blogging.

I suppose I should start some packing and cupboard cleaning; perhaps I will just have a look at what Dogs on Tour are up to first.....

Steady progress

Above is a shot of the Houdini hatch that has been fitted in the saloon. Caxton is to have two of these, one in the saloon and one in the galley.

Apologies for the quality of this photograph but it was the best I could get through the forest of supports and cramps that were holding in place the wood liner for the galley hatch yesterday; here is Caxton's balustrade at the top of the stern steps.

Wednesday - Visit to see Caxton

Dinner last night was at The Lock pub which as many of you will know is situated right beside the Wolverley Lock. All four of us made ourselves comfortable in the bar, the dogs UNDER the table, whilst we attempted to stay AT the table and sup some real ale.

My pork in stilton was fine though Joe was not too happy with the leather in his steak and ale pie, never mind...

I met Graham Booth again this morning when I walked the dogs and he tells me that his wife reads the blogs, or some of them,- hello Mrs Booth if you are reading this!

The highlight of today was a visit to Barn Owl to see the progress on Caxton and we weren't disappointed - The first impression is of light and space. The paint above the gunwales and the white ceiling has helped to create an openness that is really quite striking. Stuart is aiming to have all the joinery completed this week and the varnishing well underway. We will call back in to Barn Owl on our way home in two weeks time.

We are off again tomorrow morning heading west to Cardigan bay. So the next blog will be from the Principality.

Tuesday - Guess who I met?

Here we are safely set up at Wolverton in the caravan site, the heavens had opened just as I was dispatched to walk the dogs, result two soaking wet Labradors and one soaked to the skin 'happy camper'. An hour later, off again on the second dog walk, leaving himself fiddling with the Satellite dish, I am engulfed, not by rain this time but by by three yellow Labradors hurtling towards me on an adjacent field. Trailing the dogs was a gentleman who turns out to be none other than Graham Booth of Waterways World! We had a lovely chat about narrow boating as we walked around the field with the dogs.

What are you looking at?

Why I am looking at our magnificent wonderful native Shire horse..... Just liked this and thought I would share it...

Donkey Burgers anyone?

This little chap is not quite four weeks old and very nearly didn't see the light of day.

Five Donkeys were rescued from France en route to an Italian slaughter house, his mother was in foal at the time and already had a youngster at her side. They're now residing at the Hillside Animal & Shire Horse Sanctuary

The Sanctuary campaigns against cruelty to animals reared in our farming industry and tries to raise awareness amongst the general public about the conditions that animals are often kept in.

What I found particularly alarming was the number of times that Hillside Animal Sanctuary has stepped in an acted after the RSPCA had proved ineffective in dealing with animals in distress. There were, pigs, lambs, ducks, chickens and turkeys from Norfolk's intensive turkey farming industry, all rescued from appalling conditions that are hidden from public view. The Hillside Animal Sanctuary has now started training its staff to enable them to gather and present evidence effectively in Court against these people that treat a living creature in such an appalling fashion.

Black with sparkly copper bits..

The granite worktop has landed! Four brawny lads had to manhandle this into place apparently. It is 'black with sparkly copper bits' according to Stuart our builder, he that is now speaking with a squeaky voice....

We will see for ourselves tomorrow as we are off to see Caxton. We will stay at Wolverley for a night, visit Barn Owl and drool over Caxton, takes loads of photo's and generally get in the way before heading off to Cardigan Bay and Lake Bala for a couple of weeks.

Apparently we may see dolphins in Cardigan Bay - I really, really hope so.