Stratford upon Avon to Stan Glover Lock 1.5 hrs

Shopping in Stratford follow by lunch at the Oppo on Sheep Street. Although the weather was variable there was still a good grows to the watch Judith enter the exit lock perfectly through just one gate. I have always believed Judith handles the boat better under stress, when watched by a large audience.
Just a short cruise before sleeping off the good lunch but set us up for the return trip. Moorings were empty when we arrived and there's water so that's one les thing to fill in tomorrow.
Although the vibration probably caused by the bent prop blade is there there's no doubly that Ada is smoother and less noisy when going with the flow.
Now three days since a pump out. I can just make out the water level so now marked with tape. I will monitor the rise over the next few days to get an estimate of the fill rate. However, I'm almost certain a fill sensor would be a good stress reducing buy!

Bidford to Stratford upon Avon 4.5 hrs

Yesterday's cruise to Stratford was interspersed with showers ... The summer is returning! The Lock gates into Bancroft Basin are as they have been in the past, unbalanced so that one each end swings open when walking back to open the paddles ... well it keeps the tourists amused!
Spent a pleasant eving with Judith's cousin, Bob and Mary. So pleasant we offered to take a taxi back rather that let Bob stop drinking so that he Could drive us back to the basin.
This morning, as with every morning this trip, we have used the 240v inverter and the toaster without problems so the replacement battery and the small upgrade in alternator output seems Tao do the job .... deep freeze, fridge and satellite TV all in use.

Eyre lock to Bidford-on-Avon 6.7 hrs

Todays task is to get a pump out. There was a free pump out facility at the sewerage works down stream of Evesham. We arrived to find it now closed and the nearest facility at Evesham Marina. The phone number given was not answered and the number from the Nicholson guide was permentantly engaged ... is is Sunday. Fortunately Bidford Boats were open and confirmed they could do a pump out if we arrived before their 2day boats returned, about six. With this news the warning light for the tank turned red confirming that the sensor still worked. There was a cool breeze as we left this morning but the day warmed up only for a torrential downpour at midday. Fortunately was moored in Evehsam to buy a paper and were having lunch. Arrived at Bidford Boats in time for the pump out and with visitors moorings clearly full paid for an overnight mooring ... at £17 for pump out, blue and mooring good value.

Tewkesbury to Wyre Lock (3.8 hrs)

Started today under a clear blue sky. Later some cloud appeared with a pleasant breeze. We intended to stop at Pershore but the moorings were full, although the usual just too short gaps. Decided to go on to the next lock and the only moorings before Evesham. (In the many years we've known the Avon the number of public moorings has only decreased. This must severely limit their income from visiting boats.) Wyre Lock is the diamond shaped lock where some years back we caught the boat on the side when going down and tipped all the crockery and glasses out of the cupboards. The iPad is proving an excellent investment ... an internet connection at every attempt without the fuss of a dongle. The only problem to solve is adding photos to this blob!

Worcester to Tewkesbury

We can fit a short cruise between Judith's various medical appointments so we're heading for Strtford Upon Avon. With few locks we'll see how she manages handling the boat while I operate the locks. Weather fine we left Worcester about eight and were passing through the locks to the river at 0812 within the sound of the Cathedral bells .... except no bells, none at all! Maybe like me someone thought twelve minutes past eight must mean 2012. Why would anyone ring bells at 0812? With the Doglis locks set in our favour and the river lock gates opening as we approached Judith was soon doing the breakfast washing up and tidying the boat whilst I steered .... At least something on our boat follows the common gender pattern. Four hours cruising in glorious weather to Tewkesbury Lock and moored for lunch. £50 for a 7 day through license and £3 to moor for the night. Crispy duck followed by strawberries plan and then watching the Olympic opening ceremony planed for this evening.