If you could it turned out to be much better to lock in on Friday morning as there were only three of us, Serapin 2, Cabanna and ourselves Last Dream, the basin was relatively quiet, we got to moor alongside and the sun shone as we made our intrepid way to Tesco by bus pass. By Saturday when the other eleven boats eventually found their way into the lock, in some cases such as Southern Hey waiting around outside for nearly an hour to do so, there was persistent drizzle. They didn’t seem bothered that we had been getting wet waiting to take their lines or even very interested in the lovely day we had had yesterday.
The drizzle persisted most of the morning, however we were not down hearted as we have done barbeques in the rain before and know how to be jolly and wet at the same time. Peter and Sandra on Blue Bell, despite rumours of jungle conditions and mangrove swamps further up the canal were set on discovering the source of the watercress beds and were soon joined by Clive, Sue and Dan from Top Cat. The expedition set off around lunchtime and was later spotted by Lewis and Jane from Tide Runner and Mike and Cheryl from Shadowfax, who decided that walking was a better option, valiantly attempting to row across the top of the weed. Nobody knows how they finally managed to get back, maybe machetes were involved, however return they did, in Clive’s case carrying half a cow which was later to occupy a large part of the barbeque.
By late afternoon the sky did vaguely grow lighter and there was misplaced optimism that the sun might make an appearance so we went for a walk along the sea wall towards Osea with Roger and Jackie from Southern Hey and Roy and Margaret from Serapin 2, only to discover that there was actually quite a lot of wind once we left the shelter of the basin. Weather improvements continued so by about five o’clock it was decided to light the barbeques and people started to gather with huge bags, boxes and steamer trunks full of food and drink. It was a lively gathering which later decamped to the pub for coffee and I believe other alcoholic beverages may also have been consumed. I am told it was a very good evening, certainly our four newest members, Maggie and Steve on April Rose and Di and Robin on Lucy B seemed to think so.
The next morning locking out started at about 10.30 and continued for the next hour and a half or so, in the end needing three locks to accommodate us all and with the wind in a favourable direction and not blowing ridiculously hard for once we all had a very pleasant sail back to the mooring. Thanks Roger for organising a very enjoyable weekend and thanks also to the very two friendly and helpful lock keepers.
Sue Arnold