Iron Lock, Beeston to Calveley

Friday 25th July

Chugging off from Beeston

Approaching Beeston Stone Lock

Heron in Field

It’s my birthday today, so got up and opened my presents and cards I had from Kev and my family.  Went outside and there was a Heron sat in the field opposite.  Pat and Patrick came by and gave me a present and a rose which was lovely, then we all walked down to the café for breakfast.  We sat outside in the sun and the breakfast was really nice.  Walked back to the boat, then started the engines as we are off today and set off along the canal to the next lock, through there, then onto Tilstone Lock which was closed earlier in the morning for repairs, but when we got there, it was all open  so through we went and onto the Bunbury Staircase, it is really busy around there as there is a hire boat company at the bottom of the locks and being Friday and change over day, there was lots of boats there, so Kev had to stay back down the canal until it was our turn to go in the lock.  Three boats were coming down so we had to wait a while, then it was our turn, we went up with Patrick and Pat and there was one coming down, so had to do the Bunbury Shuffle again, what fun!  Through there nice and easy and on around the corner to the moorings.  Tied up, then sat outside for a bit.  Went back to the boat to chill out for a bit in the shade as it is very hot again today.  Made a ginger cake to go with our afternoon cup of tea and then we all sat outside again eating cake and drinking tea, very civilised! 

In Panama Hatties

My Birthday Cake

We are going out with our friends from Audlem tonight for a meal, so got ready and walked up to the main road where Dave picked us up and took us to the restaurant, Panama Hatties, they serve Mexican, Caribbean, South American, Thai, etc. It is a really nice place.  Jane and Anthea were already at the restaurant as Dave had dropped them off abit earlier.  Unfortunately Malcolm couldn’t make it as he had to work late again, poor Malc!  We went to our table and Jane and Anthea had put a balloon on it for me, how nice and we had a really nice meal and as always with them a great time, lots of laughs.  After our main course, they came out with a cake organised again by Jane and Anthea and the waiters and everyone sang to me, it even had sparklers on the top, very embarrassing but a lovely thing to do as I usually only get a cake if I make it myself, so it was great.  We all had a piece and another drink, then headed back.  Dave dropped us off at the bridge and they also gave me some beautiful flowers, so I did really well.  We walked back to the boat, chilled out for a bit, then off to bed.  I had a really lovely birthday and it was great to spend it with our special friends.  We are staying here until Monday as we are off to a Vintage car, bike and boat gathering in Audlem on Sunday, so looking forward to that.