Grant Mitchell is stalking me

Thursday 9th July

Usual chaotic start to the holiday with random things being chucked in to carrier bags, and squeezed in to the car. Luckily the cattery did not close until 12.30. We got there with five minutes to spare.

Off to Asda where Joan got worried that Ross Kemp (AKA Grant Mitchell) was stalking her. She had gone to Meadowhell the night before and he was just about to turn up for a book signing. Now he was about to turn up at ASDA Spondon. On both occasions he had been caught up in traffic on the M1. Such a celebrity lifestyle is enviable.

On to the boat. It was windy at Wigrams marina and things did not augur well when a pillow blew into the water. A friendly mallard came and ate water biscuits out of our hands.

It was sad unloading Sappho’s basket. We have never been on a boat trip without the old spotted dog.

Headed off down the Calcutt flights and Stockton flights with only one lock with someone to help us. We had trouble finding somewhere to moor at lock 11 so carried on to Lock 13. At this point the boat engine lost drive. A quick inspection revealed a snapped throttle cable!! At this point (8.30 pm), we decided to abandon ship in favour of the Two Boats Inn, where we had a tasty if unadventurous meal and real ale.