Patch Bridge (Slimbridge) - Gloucester (Wed 24th July)








Left at 10:10 arrived at 12:50.
No rain in the night just odd noises? One was akin to dripping, we checked all round but in the end think it was the birds outside! One time  there was a dripping noise then a flapping, like a bird taking off, slightly crazy or what.  The other was easily discovered, all the shoes on the radiator cover along the corridor, held back by a curtain wire, fell off, what a clatter we were startled, Charlotte heard it as well, so it was hard for me and the girls, at least to get up.  Derek, now thats a different matter, the early bird, a lark, was up as usual.  I was all present and correct for 9, Charl in our bed and Amelia in back cabin, so it was a late start after ten.  Its warm and slightly breezy with a few grey clouds.  There have been a few cruisers through the bridge, two  were in front of us making a lovely bumpy wake, its quite sleepy really, with the mist clearing on the hills beyond the Severn Estuary it looks pretty.  A Swan family came by, big daddy leading the way, Mummy guiding the babies, they were in a line trying to keep up, it was quite funny to watch.  So far only passed 2 NBs, we have just come through Fretherne South, its where the diesel,material and Flour mill are.  The flour mill had just filled a tanker up and a beautiful bright red shiny wagon was waiting to be filled up, the driver gave us a cheery wave.  I noticed that the front of the mill had a large Fleur-de-Lys emblem on the side of the building, it must be by royal appointment to the Prince of Wales.   We passed under one of the bridges, then finally saw it open, a little cruiser was waiting at the other side, so it does work, its also one that the keeper has to wind with an attached windlass.  A little inflatable went by, it had 2 adults and 3 children in all with their sunhats and life jackets on, they seemed to be having a lovely time, it even made a good sized wake  as it sailed by.  As we neared Gloucester Docks the trip boat came sailing by, he gave two toots on his horn and went by, apparently it was to let everyone know that he was to turn round.  A second trip boat came by, the passengers were waiving and smiling at us and the skipper was giving a running commentary.  I heard him say that one of Gloucesters exports is its water, Bristol being one of its customers.  Arrived at the Moorings, we got our spot so we would be able to get the tele, its right next to the lock and we did moor here once before.  I sorted the plants round, watered and pruned them, they really are ready to be replenished but I think we will leave them till we get home.  The seagulls were here as usual and guess what ?  the man with the big pole and net, was fishing the young ones out to dry out, I do think they are a bit stupid really.  Charlotte, Amelia and me went to the Quays shopping mall for a look see, we had a nice cold drink in their and Charlotte bought a giant Bourbon for later back at the boat.  We got a few bits and pieces in the works and next and headed back, but took a detour round the antique centre.  We had a lovely tea, cooked by Derek, Chicken, mash, veg and gravy, it was lovely.  Then Charlotte and Derek went to get some petrol for the Generator , trusty trolley in tow to carry it, it was from the garage next to Sainsburys and they were trying to prove to me that it wasn’t that far to walk, I wasn’t convinced.  We settled down for the evening, watching tele and the kids using their various electrical gadgets, the birds were not quite as noisy as before but still annoying.The kids thought the dock looked lovely at night with the lights shining, it is quite magical, the place to be in the city, we think.

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