M61 and A66

Having got back from our West Country Tour, life has revolved around family and sorting out, with some high value leisure activities for good measure.

So far, we have stopped in the motorvan at the Marina for a week and met up with Chris' parents and invited her sister and brother-in-law over to the van for a meal and a good 'catch up'.

We drove down to Chris' Aunt and Uncle in their new house in Twyning, near Tewkesbury, taking Chris' Mum as well. We had a very pleasant day, including a walk with Geoff down to the River Avon at the Fleet Inn. So far, the moorings there have not been replaced following the devastating floods several years ago. This seems a shame as the spot is a great stopping place before Tewkesbury.

Whilst camped over at the Marina, I took the opportunity to visit the Llangollen Steam Railway on the quieter Friday of their Gala. A very enjoyable day with a variety of locos, good beer at Carrog and the discovery of the Carrog Station campsite – perfect for the future?!

We travelled up to Durham for the day for our eldest grandson's 8^th birthday, meeting up with the NE family side.

Chris was asked to fill in for holiday cover at her old work in Macclesfield, so we moved the van to the site we use at Ollerton. This allowed me to get a day's walk in over from Macc Forest to the Goyt Valley – took 5 hours to cover 13miles and 2,200ft climb!

I also met up with my previous work colleagues for a pleasant lunch, interested in the changes and demands facing the Team. Though how nice to be retired!

Our significant news is that we have signed up for a permanent mooring at the Overwater Marina, near Audlem – this being possible by paying on a monthly basis. It also allows us 2 vehicles there so we took the motorvan over. All round better and will be easier to do the maintenance needed etc.

We've been up to the boat, still moored at the boat engineers near Wigan, taking up a car load of bags, bedding, food shopping etc. The work on the boat is finished though needs testing underway.

However, we received a call from our Durham son, who is in hospital with a serious foot infection. So we have driven up to help look after the grandkids and act as driver for our daughter-in-law (who doesn't drive). So far, Crispian has been in for 5 days.

This has given us the opportunity to join in our grandson's bowling party with his friends.

Team approach for the launch of youngest grandchild's ball

Grandson in action