As we cruised through Stone today we bumped into Joe and Keith off Hadar where they had arrived for a gathering of work boats.

The last couple of days we have travelled through Great Heywood where we caught up with Rita and Scooby and had a great evening on Diane and Peter's boat.

 The last lock for today as we cruise into Burton on Trent.

Today we left the river and continued on to the Trent and Mersey Canal.
Though the forecast said it was going to be colder today in fact it was warmer than yesterday

 We have now started our October trip which has started with a trip to Loughborough for supplies.
Today we have set off with Peter and Diane heading for the Trent and Mersey Canal.

 Yesterday Hilary was twenty one again and was presented a fabulous cake made by Claire.
Sadly the meal at The Dolphin didn't live up to expectations.

 Today it was Poppy's turn for a day out as this was the first time we had taken her out both of us were nervous.
As it turned out all of us had a great time and looking forward to the next time.

Today we had a Maisie day and as usual she requested to go to Maldon.
Although the tide was well out the sun shone and the wind dropped.
This allowed Maisie after a hot chocolate to feed the ducks and play on the climbing ship.

 Ruby has come home from the kennels with Kennel Cough and is recovering now.
Now that she is a big girl it was decided to rid of the cage and get her a new bed.

Whilst we were away it was the anniversary of the sad loss of aunty Joyce.

R.I.P.

 As a part of our 60th birthday celebrations Dave and myself decided a holiday in the sun would just finish the year off.
So a holiday was booked to visit the volcanic island of Fuerteventura.

I think Maisie and Poppy may be pleased that we have returned to Essex.

Yesterday Ray came to Pillings to pick us up so that we could return to Essex.
Dianne and Peter were at their boat so joined us for a meal in the Boathouse in the marina.

Now we can consider the summer trip is finally over as tonight we are moored in Pillings Marina.

 Today we took to cruising the Rivers Trent and Soar as we made our way to Pillings Marina.

Today as we cruised we saw a black swan on the Trent and Mersey Canal.
Also in the fields the harvester's were rushing to get in the harvest.

Early start this morning as we have to be in Pillings Marina on Friday.
So everybody was up to say our goodbyes.

As it was the last night together we decided have a few drinks that went on after dark.