The trip was different in that it was planned to pick up the boat directly from the previous owners on the Sunday after Christmas rather than from the boatyard.  We were on the boat for four nights and only traveled a few miles.  The trip was characterised by the lack of other traffic on the canal and the rather cold weather although it was sunny most of the time.

We arrived in Leamington at about 3 pm after driving up from Somerset.  We found the boat straight away moored where we had been directed to.  Outside The Moorings tavern near The Shires retail park.  We unpacked and had time to do a shop before taking the car to Stockton Top and getting the bus back into Leamington.  (This was an experience in itself as the bus visits nearly every village in south Warwickshire)  Got back to the boat at about 7  p.m. Mega Bowl was fully booked so played cards instead.

We had no definite plans for the week other than returning the boat to the base by Friday.

Decided to take breakfast at Sainsbury’s then decided to move up to Leamington town for a look around then to turn and move up to Saltisford (Warwick) arm for overnight mooring.  Set off about 10 and winded boat at bridge 38.  Some difficulty getting the bows in due, I think, to silt build up.  Someone in a nearby house came out and offered to help and a guy walking across the bridge asked if I had driven a boat before.  I don’t think either realised that I was trying to turn!

Passed a boat on the move in Leamington.  This was the only moving boat we saw that day.  After a brief look around Leamington proceeded on towards Warwick.  At the “Cape of Good Hope” pub we were a bit concerned at a family that came out of the pub and crossed the canal by the lock gates.  They all looked as if they may have fallen in but fortunately they did not.  As the Saltisford arm is private we rang ahead to see if there was space.  No response but proceeded anyway.  On entering the arm a boater tending his boat said that there was no one around all week.  So finding nowhere else to moor we breasted up with two Hotel Boats that are moored there out of season.  The arm is a good secure mooring if a little cramped.

Awoke to light snow covering.  Eased out of the Arm at around 0900 back to the Cape locks.  Passed a boat near there that was afloat yesterday but several inches below water today!  We stopped for water and I walked back to see if anyone was around or if I could assist.  When I got to the boat the owner was there.  The bilge pump was not working and he had had a leak from the stern tube.  He was adamant that he had spent enough on the boat already and he was going to leave it there.  It will be interesting to see if it’s still there next time we pass!

We took on more gas at Kate boats then went forward to Leamington where we visited the pump rooms and had lunch.  When we got back to the boat we set off for Radford bottom lock whilst the weather turned colder.  Arrived at Radford at about 3.

Woke to an ice with ropes stiff with frost and patches of ice floating on the canal.  However, strong sunlight and generally pleasant morning.  Proceeded at very slow pace through Radford and Fosse Locks.  In order to reduce unnecessary clambering over the icy gates just used one gate and ground paddle.  Very surprised to find a “Gentleman of the Road” asleep amongst the frost at the first Fosse lock who got up and moved off when we approached.

There were no other boats on the move over this section.  Our only company was a robin as we went up Welsh Road and Bascote locks.  As the day moved on the sun began to thaw the frost such that it had all gone by the time we reached the “Two Boats Inn” at Long Itchington. Here we stopped for lunch at about 1p.m.

Two more locks in the afternoon and we moored up at the end of the Kayes arm for the evening.

Had a meal at “The Blue Lias.”  The landlord has gone to extraordinary lengths with the Christmas decorations with grottos and tableau’s a plenty.

Moved to the Water Point opposite the Blue Lias pub at about 0900.  No other boats about so took our time taking on water, having breakfast and generally tidying the boat.  Set off up Stockton Locks at about 1030.  Many families about having a New Years day stroll but no other boats moving.  Arrived back at Stockton Top about 11:30.  No one around so a leisurely unpack and plenty of time to moor the boat and fill out the end of holiday report.  Drove away sometime after 1200.

Kinver performed well all week.  Some of the teething troubles seem to have been ironed out.  The toilet window now opens, the bed has been fixed and the transmission whine is pretty much gone.  The boat is a pleasure to steer.  This last week was a off the cuff bid for an extra week with no definite plan.  It worked well and particular thanks to Karen and Steve for leaving the boat in good condition topped up with gas, fuel etc.  We are looking forward to our next trip in February when again we will  probably not go too far from Kinver’s Warwickshire base.