Upton to Worcester 3.15

The forecast heavy showers did not materialise so a pleasant cruise back.
With one of the new Trust's volunteers working Diglid Locks at the weekend we were quickly up and into the basin.

Pumpout and fuel

A short cruise today to Lowesmoor Wharf for a pump out ready for 3 day cruise with friends next week, a mile and 2 locks each way. The CRT pumpout facility at Diglis is still out of commission and has been since the stoppage notice late May. Apparently lead was stolen from the roof and rain go into the electrics. Given the time the facility has remained of of commission the only conclusion is that it's being left to deteriorate until it is 'beyond economic reapair'.
Whilst at Lowesmoor asked for a quote for repainting the boat. Email with price waiting when we got home, £4017. This not an obvious winning price as the three quotes received are all about this price. Nothing back from from Robin of New & Used Boat Co, Hanbury. Why do tradesmen not have the decency to say when the job is not of interest? I suspect Pinder by publishing his prices sets the price from this end of the WBC.

Pleased  to see that Ada's old steel holding tank has been recycled. It has been cut in 2, painted, and has now replaced the rotting plant barrels in front of the office. Apparently, above the usual effluent level, it was riddles with holes.
Saw a bear on the offside bank when cruising up (in Kent they'd think it was a lion) but forgot to take a picture on the way back.
Having delayed at Lowesmoor Wharf we were too late to go into Worcester for lunch so had good value sandwiches at the Cafe Afloat.

Eckerton Wharf to Upton 4 hrs

Woke up to bright sun and blue sky which disappeared as we left. Did not see another boat before Tewkersbury ... very quiet still.
Arrived Upton for lunch just after a heavy rain squall. Satellite may be difficult ... the only mooring this trip.

Satellite was impossible but would be if moored at the extreme down stream end. However, had an excellent dinner at Pundits.

Evesham Lock to Eckington Wharf 5.3 hrs

Set out in sun with a light breeze. Travelled to Pershore with an Alvechurch boat. Just below Jubilee Bridge met the black swan and its white mate but could not get them to pose together! At Wyre Lock, the diamond shaped lock, just before the hire boat moored for lunch, we were firmly caught on the side by the bow flare but this time pushed off before opening stye paddle. At about midday at Nafford Lock a heavy shower was accompanied by a strong wind. This lock has a very sharp right turn when exiting upstream. A hire boat with an inexperienced crew could not turn their bow against the wind ... Helped by getting their centre line onto a bollard.
Arrived here, a 24 hr morning, to find a narrow boat obviously left some days, carefully in the middle of the limited mooring virtually ensuring only yogurt pots could moor either side. We are mored, stern to wharf and bow on the bank

Stan Glover Lock to Evesham 4.5 hrs

A late start today but remarkably quiet. The threat of rain and showers barely materialised.
Congratulating self on improving 12v power for inverter power toaster was premature ... The invert 'whistled' this morning but we did only cruise for 1.5 hrs yesterday.
Each time we cruise the Avon we relearn how to go up these fierce locks .... Tie the bow and drive the boat forward with the tiller putting the stern into the wall, keeping the pressure on the bow rope and the boat sticks to the side. The only problem can be when there not an appropriately placed bollard and then the boat has to be run in reverse. This can push the stern out but a stern rope round the bollard taken up by Judith can solve this if needed.
I remain amazed at the number of female partners are content to let men sit idly at the tiller whist the struggle with heavy lock gates!
Moored above Evesham Lock just to get a satellite signal ... The town moorings are too close to tall trees.

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.