A cold Atherstone

The canal has frozen over. It's an inch thick in ice. We were woken up this morning by the owner of the goose farm across the canal bashing at the ice to allow the geese to access their pen of the canal water. It sounded like he was banging against the side of the boat, digging his way into the steel. Fortunately our hull is strong and we woke up safe and dry! We were planning on moving off from Atherstone today if the forecast was better, as we've lined up a winter mooring in Hartshill. However, we aren't moving anywhere.


As snow has fallen and iced over during the night we are buttoning down the hatches and hibernating. This morning, Leigh has fed the small birds, swept the icy leaves off the boat, ran the engine and kept the burner toasty warm. I've been trying to keep my feet from freezing and pottering about inside.


Yesterday after a day of family fun, we returned to the boat with a new gadget for the impending ice...


These rubber grips pull over the soles of your shoes and grip the edges, as you walk the metal springs grip firmly into the ice making each step safe and secure, avoiding any little slips into the icy canal water!

We are dressing for winter these days, three pairs of socks, thermals, waterproof boots, layers and layers of clothes...


And last night went out into Atherstone to find out about this advertised 'Dickens Night'. It was a great street party...


with food stalls, samba parade, games and tombola and the local shops were open for passers by to browse...


and to top off the night in amongst the christmas high-street lights was a spectacular firework display...