The canals are quite busy with many boats travelling up and down, most are holiday makers, but some boats are still used for the transport of freight, including wines and cheeses. It was along our way that we happened across a lovely couple called Mike and Brenda, who took an instant liking to our Aussie accents, and the fact that we were so interested in the movement of the boats along the canals, and especially through the locks. We watched them move through the first lock, asking many questions, and then we walked beside them as they motored on down the canal to the next lock. It was here that they asked if Ashleigh and Kyle would like to go through the next lock with them. Much excitement was to be had, and of course they both jumped at the chance.
Ashleigh, Kyle and Brenda aboard 'Madge'
A brief explanation of how the locks work....
| A canal lock is used to raise or lower the water level. When a Narrowboat is going upstream the bottom gate opens to allow the boat to enter, the paddles on this gate which allow water to empty are shut. The gate is closed and the ground paddles are opened. They are situated on both sides of the lock and the water is channeled through a tunnel into the lower lock. The boat begins to rise as the lock fills with water. Ground paddles are usually found on upper gates as they are easier to control the flow than gate paddles which can turn the water into a torrent when first raised. When the water is level the upper gate can be opened and the boat continues on its journey. |
After a big thank you to a Mike and Brenda, they were on their way further down the canal, and we headed left, to finish our walk into town.
Our first stop was Jaspers - the best bakery in the village according to Gary, cheap too!! Vanilla slices, jam and cream donuts, and Grants pork pie, all 85p each, which is equivalent to approximately $1.70 AU, absolute bargin, and delicious too!
Grant desperately wanted to try a traditional Pork Pie, his first and most likely his last! When I asked the lady if it was warmed, she said no, but she could warm it if we really wanted it warm. Grant asked how do you normally eat them, and when she answered cold, he undoubtably wanted to have the full experience, so cold pork pie it was! Hmmm, I had a small taste and quickly decided that my vanilla slice was going to be far more enjoyable! Grant got through it, but he hasn't seemed in too much of a hurry to have another one!
Next stop was the St Michaels Church, a beautiful building with so much history. Some of the headstones in the cemetery dated back to the 1700s, and it was very thought provoking wandering around emerging ourselves in the history of this lovely little village.
We wandered up to the train station afterwards, to check out the timetables, as this will be our form of travel too and from London on Monday. Wow, do those trains rocket along!! While we were standing on the platform, two Virgin trains came through, which did not stop in Penkridge. We could see the light of the train, which looked like it was miles away, but before we knew it, it was roaring past us, the wind it created was enough to nearly knock you off your feet! The kids had a great old laugh at the look on my face, as it went by!
Then home we went, for a quick nap, before walking back into town for a late lunch at the Littleton Arms, for Ashleigh's birthday! It was here that Grant had his first pint over the wood, and I enjoyed a 'medium' glass of wine, thank goodness I didn't order the large glass, as I may have been unable to walk home!
Not long after we arrived home, Jack and Lexie arrived home from school, and it was hugs all round. It has been 20 months since we had seen the kids, and apart from growing taller, our handsome nephew and gorgeous niece have not changed one little bit!
Lexie and Ashleigh at Cafe India - the most delicious Indian Restaurant, just a short drive out of town.
Sticking with the Pope tradition, we headed off to Cafe India for Ashleigh's Birthday Dinner, filled up on Pappadams, Nan Bread, Butter Chicken and various other dishes, it was home we went for birthday cake, and an early night. One more sleep, and our body clocks will almost be adjusted... we hope!
Ashleigh's 15th Birthday.
Tips and Highlights -
* Poms love a good Aussie Accent!
* Lexi took Kyle and Ashleigh through 'spook woods' to the park
* The look on the kids faces when they found out Littleton Arms has free wifi!
Lots of love,
Chrissie x
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