A visit from Al and the Manderscheids

Vicky's wonderful brother Alastair had finally secured a fortnight's holiday from his lorry driving job and was coming to visit us for a couple of days! We love Al's company and so do the furries. Vicky had gone a bit mad on Ebay and Al's boot was stuffed with her purchases. We met at Winsford Marina whose car park was free and close enough to cart the packages from car to boat after a sudden torrential rainstorm had passed.

Following a cuppa and catch up, Will took Al on a mini pub crawl while Vicky rested. The boys brought a Chinese takeaway back which we ate before cruising to the quiet moorings at Vale Royal. The cats were a lot happier to come and go here and we didn't need to worry about the Leo annoying the swans or stealing their food.

Over the two nights spent here Al had time to unwind and make a big fuss of Abby and Whiskers. He misses having cats and being favourite uncle to our two is the next best thing. Abby certainly perked up with his presence and he even got her to play with a wand toy!

On Saturday we returned to Winsford and Al drove us to get a couple of large bags of cat litter to save us the trouble of lugging them back on foot. He helped Vicky choose a few toys to enliven Abby and a pizzle stick for Leo who had come along for the ride.

As if Al's visit hadn't been enough of a treat, our niece, nephew, great niece, nephew and partner had arranged to have lunch with us on their way between the first and second part of their holiday! Rainboat was too small and Winsford didn't have anywhere to eat so the eight of us met at the Kingfisher pub five minutes' drive away. Since moving on to the boat we haven't seen as much of them as when we lived in the van. We really appreciated the chance for us both to catch up with them m.

After desert we nipped back to Rainboat hoping Mr Whiskers would be around for Kaiya and Sophie to say hi to. Unfortunately his tracker was out of range but Abby, Leo and Tiger Lilly got extra love in his place. All too soon it was time for Vicky, Dave, Kaiya, Peter and Sophie to leave for the second part of their holiday so we said our goodbyes.

Vicky and Al found Whiskers relaxing beneath some thick bushes and walked him back to Rainboat. They then packed the last of Vicky's luggage into the car and began the long trip back up north while Will set off for Vale Royal moorings once again.

What a wonderful time catching up with family. Thank you everyone for visiting us!Read more