Can't believe its been 7 days since my last post. I really must be more disciplined and keep to my promise of a daily blog. Well here's the news since the 29th December. We didn't actually make it to Stoke Bruerne for the new year, the weather on the 29th put paid to that. Much too windy and wet to make the effort.  However the following day looked a little better and we decided to turn  right out of the marina and head to Foxton Locks. The cruise took us approx. 5 hours and was pretty uneventful. Unlike last time we only had one kingfisher sighting, compared to seven on our previous trip to Foxton. I love these bright and colourful little birds and take enjoyment from watching them fly off just before the boat draws level with them.

When we arrived at Foxton we wimped out of tackling the flight and decided to moor at the top lock. We had a couple of drinks in the big pub at the bottom before going to Bridge 61. If you have never visited this place, you must make the effort to do so. It is as though time has stopped and you are in a pub at the beginning of the last century. The white washed walls are heavily covered with wood smoke from the open fire, which as usual was kicking out enough heat to toast crumpets on from about 50 feet away.

We met some interesting characters both boating and non boating before returning to Jolli for dinner.

We spent all of the 31st at the top lock. and the day was pretty uneventful really. Took the dogs for a walk along the cut and had  a couple of pints at lunch time in good old Bridge 61.

We decided that we would spend New Years Eve at, yes, you've guessed it, Bridge 61. What a mistake that was. I've been to wakes with more party atmosphere. We weren't expecting Time Square, but by the time ten thirty came and apart from the owner and the barman, we were the only ones there we decided to call it a night and return to Jolli for the night.

The next day, New Years Day 2013, and incidentally my 54th birthday, dawned overcast but dry. Having made the decision to break our return journey at Welford Wharf we set off. My task was to keep Jolli between the banks of the cut and Gail's was to do the boat work as we cruised. When we lived in a house Gail used to spend hours each week just to keep the house clean. Now she can do a whole weeks "Boat cleaning" in just a couple of hours. I know that this time saving gives Gail immense pleasure and satisfaction as she can know spend more time doing the things she wants to do. Although as yet she hasn't decided what it is she wants to do.

Seven kingfisher sightings today including two pairs. Love 'em, and never get tired of spotting them. We arrived at Welford Wharf in about three hors and moored just before the marina winding hole, only about 150 yards from the pub.(Bonus). Had lunch in the pub, before spending a lazy afternoon on the boat.

That evening was the highlight of the cruise as far as I am concerned. Gail missed her footing as we set off for the pub and slipped into the canal. Laugh, I am still smiling now as I write. When I say slipped in, it was actually only one leg but it was enough. Poor old girl didn't know whether to laugh or cry as she had in fact given her leg rather a nasty knock. However, full of concern for my spouse I carried on to the pub (I couldn't wait to relate the story to anyone who might listen) while Gail changed her boots and trousers.

We met a lovely chap in the pub. Jonathon. Who is a liveaboard with his wife Helen and their two small children.

Another day and the cruise was rounded of by returning to our home marina for a while. We have to work sometimes you know. Three kingfishers sighted, including one just outside the marina. I shall keep an eye out for him as his patch seems to be on my regular dog walking route.

I hope you all had a lovely New years Eve and that this year sees you as happy as Gail and I are now that we are living our dream.