Apperley Bridge

We were relieved to find the marina at Appreley Bridge had diesel. Our tank holds 220L but thankfully it wasn't empty. The 137L cost us £175. It was a mix of red and white diesel as the tank feeds both the heating and engine. Will signed a form to confirm the percentage of the mix. At the small boatyard shop we also bought a bottle of liquid to deter diesel bug, a longer windlass to ease our job at the locks and a couple of tins of signwriting paint for Vicky to have a go at painting Rainboat's name. They only had two colours available so we'll need to get the rest elsewhere. It turned out to be an expensive day. At least the water was free!

We spent three days here allowing Vicky to rest and Leo to decompress. We'd been trying to keep him occupied with visiting different places and having new experiences but his behaviour was becoming increasingly reactive and aggressive. It seemed he'd become strung out and overtired. Having an extended period to switch off, relax and reset was what he needed.

The towpath ran alongside a football field with plum and hazel trees bursting with fruit. We'd been hearing a strange but somewhat familiar squawking and it took us a couple of days to realise it was a little flock of wild parakeets! There are a number living close to Will's sister's house which is where we'd previously heard their calls.Read more