Whitchurch Arm

The cupboards were bare and so we cruised a little way down the line to Whitchurch. Mooring on the privately run arm gave us good access to Aldi and Sainsburys to refill our supplies. When we stayed here before christmas we took the scenic footpaths into town, but a few months of winter wear had turned these into mud baths. We opted for the pavenent route this time, which was shorter and significantly drier.

We'd previously placed a few orders on Ebay, which we were able to pick up at the Argos in Sainsburys. We try to get things locally where we can but there are certain things that are difficult to track down, like Leo's 'Keep Calm' oil and a MCT oil for Tiger that will hopefully help the fits caused by her movement disorder.

Thursday started as a truly grotty day. Near freezing temperature and strong winds brought sleet but we wrapped up warm for our trip to the highstreet and didn't get too wet or cold. Walkers, a shop selling hot pies, looked popular and advertised the fair trade logo on their door. We were directed to the cafe up the narrow switchback stairs. It was in an ancient building and the walls and floors sloped at odd angles. It had a really cosy, homely feel to it and the food was simple and warming. Just the ticket!

We picked up another parcel from the Post Office, found a pet shop a local fisher had recommended to Will for maggots, revisited the wonderful 'Refill Your Boots' ethical food store and had a good rummage in the charity shops, which held much to tempt us!

The Whitchurch Arm had a limit of 48 hours and the fuel boat, which was on its way towards us, would find it easier to fill our diesel tank on the mainline. The perfect mooring spot became available just downstream of the junction but because of the angle, boats can only exit the arm upstream. Will did this and turned around at the winding hole a few hundred metres away while Vicky raised the small lift bridge, finally giving Rainboat access to the mooring rings! It was a case of easier said than done!Les mer