Back Onboard and Colin visits....

4th Jan Linford Park, Milton Keynes, GU Canal to Solbury Three Locks, 10 miles 5 locks

A phone call from one of Colin’s sons asking if we would like a McDonalds breakfast told us that Colin and his family were on their way to join us on No Problem for our first move since the Christmas break.  Having taken two cars from their home in the morning, they parked one at ‘The Three Locks’ pub at Solbury, and drove the other to Linford Park to join us on our trip out of Milton Keynes on route to London.

It was a horrid day really after the last two weeks of quite nice sunny days.  Today we had wind and rain…. but that didn’t stop Colin’s three boys from enjoying life on deck. Kiernan was a natural on the tiller, within 5 minutes he was in total control of NP…. and he sure did enjoy.

It was nice too to get back into our normal living style after the raz-ma-taz of the Christmas break… wind in our hair back to the elements was fine by me

Colin’s wife Maureen enjoyed sitting at the bow………. a few bumps for her though as the wind was taking us wherever if felt…not much paint to have to re-do in the summer considering

The youngsters enjoyed the few locks that we went through, and I wonder whether a little taste of narrowboat travel might make them think of a holiday on the waterways in the future…… for sure they all seemed to enjoy despite of the weather.

We picked up a load of coal at the house in the middle lock of the three at Solbury, their prices really do undercut everyone…..

No internet connection last night, we were in a bit of a remote area, and Colin and the family left just before dark, homeward with thoughts on getting ready the new school term the following day for the boys…….. iron shirts, trousers, where is the sports kit? where are the library books etc……… no doubt a manic time for Colin and Maureen after a relaxing day!!

There are some great pics of our trip in the new January 05 Pic album……… do have a look at those.

We popped into the pub in the evening, well we didn't have anything in the freezer to eat, although there are plenty of ‘tinned’ meals in case we get stuck…….. ah well it was a good excuse to go out…….. lovely pub that Three Locks’ by the way, floorboard there remind you of spit and sawdust……. food was good, but the music left a lot to be desired…… youngsters running bar, not a lot of people in…….. you know what they play