alafloat : Hold up in Tixall Wide

Friday
Second day off moored up at Tixall wide, yesterday was so bad we did not even attempt going out I have never known wind like it what a rotten day
Today dawned not much better, but as true Brits we put on our big coats and with those immortal words
“come on you are on holiday you WILL enjoy yourself. 25 min walk to the bus then a white knuckle ride into Stafford to explore. After our white knuckle ride on the Arriva Bus it was time to gather ones thoughts and have a short prayer for delivering us in one piece Where do they train these drivers? Or do they??
Stafford again is one of those unspoilt little market towns maybe because there is only one supermarket (that we found) the rest are proper shops only what you would find anywhere else but well sited on the main street. If you ever get the chance to visit take a walk around “The little Gem” St Chads just off the high street it’s a fantastic little place dating back a long long time some of the stone carvings are pre Christianity really well worth a visit so are the town Gardens. After a very pleasant lunch in Weatherspoons in converted really nice meal, we then faced the trip back 17 miles of bone shaking hell on a full bus I know I have no right to complain as I get on free but honest they could go just a little slower. Having dear old ladies finish up in your lap is one thing but grown men with a rucksack is quite the opposite???
Saturday What a wonderful sunny day as the day dawned Bright, Calm, Dry and Sunny so we decided to get some jobs done cleaned the boat inside outside top to bottom she is looking ship shape again
As I was Friday the busses were a bit rare so we decided to walk over to Lord Lichfield’s place Shugborough Hall unfortunately he was out so we just had a look around his country seat, not a bad gaf but he had loads of people wandering around. I was amazed to find that the interesting places to see you had to pay for even though it’s a National Trust and we are members it only entitles you to the house and grounds because the NT have gone in with Staffordshire Life Museum the control the interesting parts such as the servants quarters the Kitchens and the Brewery It was a lovely walk I even wore shorts to celebrate the fact that the sun was out. So a little disappointed and yes I did explain to the NT guide t6hat these extra rules
should be put on notice board at the entrance otherwise it could be construed as false advertising, I am sure that they will take a lot of notice of me??????
On returning to the boat I had a hour’s fishing where I managed to catch a very nice 3/4lb Bream best this trip.
Sunday, we managed the locate a church in Great Haywood mass 09.30 nice church another to visit if you are that way inclined oddly enough in the queue for communion was me armed Plastered the guy in front Arm plastered another guy with foot in Plaster one lady on crutches (looked like a replacement Hip another lady with her arm in a sling, it resembled the parable of the curing of the lame the priest looked very doubtful about his healing powers?????
Tue we set off for pastures new keep smiling

May your God Bless you all

Buggerlugs