Birthday weekend 11-13 September 2009

Captain Bob, Beth and Joanne at Scoffs for Birthday dinner

Captain Bob was able to take a half day which had two benefits. He made us a lovely chicken curry to bring with us for dinner and we were able to get away sharp which meant that we arrived in Carrybridge and were underway in good daylight.

The plan was to head towards Enniskillen or as far as we could until darkness fell.

It was a beautiful evening and we drove from down below where we had dinner en route. As the light started to fade, a lovely soft mist started to gather on the water. As we passed the Ardhowen, the light was starting to fade to a lovely dusk.

Approching Broadmeadow in Enniskillen we noticed another 2 or 3 boats coming behind. It seemed to be a popular route and a popular arrival time. Our intial impression of Broadmeadow was that there was no room but there were a few spaces and we got nicely moored at 8:40pm.

The evening concluded with a game of Trivial Pursuit and an early night.

The next morning the mist had developed to a thick fog. The sounds from the road were muffled and it gave a nice air of peace along the jetties.

First thing was the opening of my birthday presents accompanied by tea and birthday truffles.

Next stop was Doherty’s to get some special Italian sausages for breakfast.

The morning had some more retail therapy in the Erneside Centre.

By now the sun had come out and the mist had lifted and it had turned into an absolutely beautiful day – especially since we were now in mid -September. So it was time to take the top covers off and we all got settled on the flybridge. Holly loved that. Late afternoon we had some more retail therapy and then got ready to go out for a birthday dinner.

We set off up the town and chose Scoffs for dinner. We had never eaten there before. From outside the restaurant looks small but it goes back far and we had no problem getting a table. We had a lovely meal and were very impressed with the selection on the menu and the quality of the food. We decided that it wouldn’t be the last time that we would be there.

We headed back to the boat where we settled out back to play our usual games and have fun together. A great end to a great birthday.

We woke on Sunday to more glorious weather. After a lovely breakfast of Captain Bob pancakes we got ready for church.

When in Enniskillen on a Sunday morning we go to the the Enniskillen Scots Presbyterian on the Main Street. We are always made very welcome here. This Sunday we had a particular surprise as two of the other visitors to the church were also from Carrickfergus and were from our home church in Joymount.

After church we wandered up the town to see if we could find the Bridges Youth Hostel where Beth would be staying with school the following weekend. It also gave us an opportunity to walk up many steps to the monument which overlooks the town. It turned out Beth’s accommodation was part of the Clinton Centre which is a familair landmark to us.

After church, we headed back to the boat, got the top covers off and prepared for a leisurely cruise back to Carrybridge. The weather was beautiful and there were a lot of boats out and about taking the good of the gorgeous weather.

We called at the pumpout in Carrybridge and got nicely moored up at Crawford’s Marina without incident.

What a great weekend and the batteries definitely felt that they had been recharged.

Bank Holiday Weekend

We had a late arrival on the Friday night. We had been to the Jools Holland concert in the grounds of Carrickfergus Castle and drove to Fermanagh after it was over. So we were boarding Bee-Jay at about quarter to one in the early hours of Saturday morning. Holly and Beth had dozed in the car and went straight to bed.

As we had unpacked the car we noticed from the water sitting in the slip that the water levels had risen even further than last weekend.

In the morning, there was no movement until twenty to ten – and that included Holly. We were planning to meet friends (John, Lix and Joel) at Crom. They had booked their motorhome in the camping area there. As we knew Crom had a fixed jetty, I called the office at Crom to make sure it was OK – considering the water levels. The man as really helpful. He told me that the jetty had been underwater the day before and he went and had a look and confirmed it was even further underwater today.

I phoned John to let him know about out problem. We decided to head North towards the Lower Louh as there are more floating jetties in that direction. We agreed with John to meet at the Ardhowen Theatre. He then had the opton of staying there (with no facilities) or going on to Crom and meeting up another weekend. It turned out that there was nothing on at the theatre and the lady at the booking office wasn’t able to give a definitive answer as to whether they could syat for the night or not. So since the answer wasn’t a straight “no”, they decided to go for it.

Liz and I spent the early afternoon enjoyin some retail therapy. Beth and Joel enjoyed the dinghy and kayak. Joel mastered the outboard well. Beth also had a go on Mr Alligator. Joel wasn’t so keen on actually getting into the water.

In true Fermanagh fashion, time had been forgotten and we found ourselves having lunch at 3:30.

The weather was still hinting at rain but it did appear to be clearing a bit.

We decided to barbecue at the picnic table beside the motorhome. John put up the gazebo and this gave us shelter from falling dew. Captain Bob lit the barbeque and we had traditional barbecue fayre – chicken kebabs, hot dogs, burgers, followed by toasted marshmallows ad chocolate digestives.

We were glad of the gazebo. When cooking was done, Captain Bob found some sticks and put these on the barbecue to create our own open fire. Round the fire we played the alphabet game – “I went to the boat and I saw…” There were a few suspect items including emus and jugglers but we managed to get through to z.

We reconvened at the boat where we had a game of Monopoly Deal which Joel won. By this stage everyone was flagging and we all headed to bed.

We woke on Sunday morning to mizzly rain. Captain Bob took Holly out at about 8:30 and then after a cup of tea we got up, washed and put the kettle on again. I took a 5 minute walk to Dolan’s petrol station for teh Sunday paper. When I got back, Captain Bob had the batter made and was ready to cok pancakes. After reakfast John and Joel appeared. Joel didn’t need to be asked twice if he wanted to go out in the dinght. Beth went out in the kayak first and then joined Joel in the dinghy. They motored about in the rain keeping out of the way of the passing boat traffic.

It was now almost 1 o’clcok and time for John, Liz and Joel to head home.

The tempo of the day slowed and after a leisurely lunch we all settled to do our own thing.

Mid-afternoon, Captain Bob and I went to the Erne Centre for some retail therapy. Beth and Holly stayed behind to mind the boat.

On returning I took Holly for a walk to the view point above the Ardhowen Theatre where I took some scenic shots for inclusion in the blog.

The jetty at Ardhowen Theatre is a great location for a number of reasons
– It is a lovely scenic spot for boat watching – all boats passing between Enniskillen and the Upper Lough have to pass through here.
– There is a coffee shop at the theatre and the bar is open in the evening if there is a performance on.
– Castle Coole, the National Trust Property, is just across the road.
– The centre of Enniskillen with it’s shops and restaurants is only a 10 minute walk away.
– The Killyhevlin Hotel with it’s bar and restaurant is a 5 minute walk away. (There is also a jetty at this hotel).

Dinner was a red thai chicken crry and rice. Then we had a game of Trivial Pursuit Bitesize and a game of Monopoly Deal.

After this it was time to settle with book – except Holly who just kept watch and dozed.

Monday started slowly. It was quite wet so the morning was spent drinking tea, eating pancakes and generally chilling out.

Captain Bob needed to take his socks and shoes off to take the outboard off the dinghy. The petrol tank in the dinghy was a lot lighter than when we had arrived due to the activity of Joel and the dinghy. He really seemed to enjoy it.

Mr Alligator was stowed on top of the dinght and the kayak was loosely folded to try and get it dried off a bit.

Off we headed towards Carrybridge. We were sailing against the flow of the water. It was impacting us by about three quarters of a knot. We decided that kayaking in this woudl be hard going – but would be OK if you were going with the flow.

A lot of the fishing pontoons just passed Bellenaleck looked like they were sitting on top of the water due to the water levels being so high.

When we came to Carrybridge, we wanted to sue the pump out. Getting moored up needed some care as ther was only about 4 to 6 inches of jetty to tie up to. Captain Bob did it brilliantly. Another good mooring in our home berth and that was us ready to hiave lunch and tidy up.

The final bonus of the weekend is that the Wild Duck Diner looks like it’s back in business so that’s next weeks dinner on Friday night sorted!

Weekend of R and R

This weekend we were planning some time of rest and relaxation.

We left Carrickfergus at 17.30 and started our journey west. By the time we got to Ballygawley we started to discuss where we would get dinner and where we would head for the weekend. Dinner is more difficult now that the Wild Duck Diner is no more and to find a chippy we need to go to Carrybridge via Lisnaskea.

Capatain Bob had a different suggestion – what about Bellenaleck? This seemed to tick all the boxes – not too far for a Friday night journey and a chippy close by. So we quickly unloaded the car and were soon underway. In about three quarters of an hour we were mooring up. Captain Bob volunteered to do the chippy run. Off he set on the bike. On his return he said that the hill up to the chippy was quite steep but it meant the journey back was very easy. Dinner was delicious. This used to be our local chippy when our home base was The Moorings at Bellenaleck. We had forgotten how good it was.

After dinner was settled out the back where we chatted and had a game of Monopoly.

We awoke on Saturday morning to lovely sunshine. It was a slow start and after taking Holly out, I settled on the swimming platform with a book and a cup of tea while everyone had a lie in and some relaxation.

We had a late breakfast and then a family outing to the shop in the village for a few papers and magazines. Beth took the bike and we walked ( it is advertised as 500m and that seems right).

When we came back there was a bit more activity on the river and in the marina next door. So I settled on the swimming platform with my newspaper while Captain Bob got the kayak inflated. He wasn’t the only kayaker. There were also two ladies from the marina in a double kayak. They had some problem coordinating strokes at first but were soon heading off in sync.

Captain Bob headed off in the direction of The Moorings where he had a wander round before heading back.

After a bowl of soup we walked back up to the shop so Beth could get an ice lolly. Captain Bob rode the bike back.

Captain Bob headed off again in the kayak. The rain came on and he called to say he was sheltered below a tree and not to worry. He kayaked as far as the viaduct before heading back.

Beth and I spent the time watching a DVD – Yours Mine and Ours starring Denis Quaid and Rene Russo. Very enjoyable.

Dinner was home cooked beef and bird with pepper sauce, spuds boiled in their skins and sweetcorn. It was scrumptious.

The rest of the evening was a typical boat night with cards, monopoly and chat.

What a difference when we woke on Sunday morning. Rain everywhere. There was a small break when we got Holly out to the toilet but after that the heavens opened again.

Captain Bob made gorgeous pancakes and we had a relaxing start to the day.

Captain Bob and I decided to go for a walk up to the village. The rain had eased a little and we were keeping dry under a large umbrella. We got about a third of a way up the lane when it became more like a river and was definitely impassible in our footwear – wellies would have been a requirements – or barefoot for a paddle. So we went for a walk down to the marina. Beth didn’t believe us when we said that we couldn’t get to the shop. She went with her Dad to the park for a swing and went to see the flooding which was getting even worse.

The dinghy was well filled with water. Captain Bob took out the bung and raised the head of the dinghy onto the jetty before we got it back stowed on the back of Bee-Jay.

Captain Bob estimated that the water level had risen about 5 inches since yesterday afternoon.

We had a peaceful cruise back to Carrybridge and moored without incident.

Another enjoyable weekend on the boat was over.

Reports of Alligators at Tirraroe

Beth and Sophie on the minicat

Mr Alligator skimming over the bay at Tirraroe

The inaugural launch of Mr Alligator

We missed last weekend as the weather reports were so bad as to put even us off. So we were really excited about getting back to Bee-Jay.

Beth’s friend Sophie was joining us for the weekend.

We arrived around 7pm in Lisbellaw to see that our local chippy had closed. Disaster! So we delivered everybody to Crawford’s Marina and I headed to Lisnaskea to chippy and supermarket. Soon we were underway. We warned Sophie that we were taking her to somewhere where there was nothing. Of course this is untrue. We were taking her to a beautiful spot where we make our own entertainment.

We drove from the flybridge and it was a cool but dry evening.

Tirraroe is only about an hour from Carrybridge. When we got there, there were a couple of other boats but plenty of space to moor. Of course Connie was there – I have mentioned Connie before. She is a dog that lives on a local farm and spends the time on the jetty welcoming boats and the people on them.

The next morning, everyone was up early and the girls couldn’t wait to get in the water. Mr Alligator – the new water toy was first to get pumped out and set in the water for it’s inaugural launch. The girls had a great time being towed around the bay by Captain Bob in the dinghy. It took them a few runs to get their balance and then they were getting towed out and jumping off. After the initial shock of the water, they seemed to get quite used to it. When the girls, Captain Bob and Mr Alligator needed a rest, everyone came in and had a bite of lunch. After lunch, we all worked at putting together the minicat. The girls took this out with Captain Bob on hand in the dinghy if they needed assistance. On returning, Captain Bob went for a sail.

By now the jetty was getting busier with some boats coming and going, a motor home arriving for the night and canoeists arrived and set up camp in a tent on the nice green area.

The girls decided to get geared up again and have fun jumping into the water. They had a lot of fun.

There was a bit of excitement later in the day when a couple of hire boats arrived. For both of them, this was the first time they moored on their own and they needed a little helping hand. By the end of the week they will be experts – perhaps!

Dinner was a babrbecue on the jetty – very tasty.

The evening ended with a game of cards.

There was no doubt that everyone would sleep well after an active day.

Everyone was up early on Sunday morning and after breakfast, the girls were ready for some more trips on Mr Alligator and time in the water. Some thought them mad and others you could tell were quite envious. Captain Bob also got a good sail before we had to start the task of putting all of the “toys” away.

By early afternoon we had all packed up and a drizzle of rain had started. We headed off towards Knockninney to pump out but it was very busy – possibly due to the advertising on the lough of their bar and restaurant. So on we went to Carrybridge where we pumped out and got moored up.

A good weekend had by all.

The final leg – 26-Jul-09

We got up and got ready for the final leg of our journey back to Carrybridge.

After breakfast, we cast off and got ready for the first challenge of the day – the bridge at Ballyconnell. This is a tight bridge but Captain Bob navigated it with no problem. We were then straight into the lock.

None of us wanted the last lock to come. But all too soon we were there and through without any issues.

Just after the lock I heard Captain Bob using reverse and the bow thruster. There was a boat sitting across the river so he needed to hold Bee-Jay until our path was clear.

We headed on up the Woodford River and just as we came towards Crom, the rain came up so it was back to yo-yo time – flybridge and then a dive to drive below when the rain came on.

I took over the helml up above when the rain stopped. The wind had picked up. Captain Bob guided us through Lady Craigavon Bridge. I took over. There was a strong wind blowing behind us. The depth sounder definitely goes off more often on the Erne than anything we’ve experienced over the last few weeks.

We navigated up past the Share Centre and Nan and headed to Knockninney where we wanted to pump out leaving Bee-Jay ready for our next weekend.

As we moored, the rain poured down again. Holly got lunch and a stretch of the legs while we pumped out. Off we set again with lunch en route.

Carrybridge was soon in sight. Moored up, we were welcomed back by our boating nighbours and we started the job of getting packed up.

This has been a fantastic 3 weeks cruising and we can’t wait to be back on Bee-Jay.

On the way down – 25-Jul-09

The plan was to get up sharp and underway as we had a reasonable day of cruising to get to our destination of Ballyconnell.

Captain Bob was up and going by 8.15 and we were underway by 9. We would have been earlier but the hob was on a go slow taking a few goes to light.

Beth was wakened before we left so that she would be ready for the first lock of the day. These locks take us back down  and we are going to try holding Bee-Jay on one rope rather than the two ropes we have been using (me on the bow and Captain on the flybridge at the stern). There were two reasons – to save Captain Bobs back and to save me so much running around the boat. We got the ropes rigged and I took the centre rope.

The river was very quiet and we met very few boats – really surprising for a Saturday.

We continued on our way to Ballinamore where we tied up and Beth and I went to the supermarket for some nice snackie foods for breakfast. There was only one other boat moored. We couldn’t believe how quiet it was.

From here we went straight into the Ballinamore Lock  and on through the next couple of locks. After lock 4 (aghoo), there is a longer cruising stretch including Lough Garradice. I took the helm for a while and Captain Bob took over again at Haughton’s Shore. We have never stopped there but it looks nice. It is like a small harbour. There were only a couple of boats in there. Where was everybody?

We continued on to the last lock of the day (Skelan) before the final wending to Ballyconnell. In Ballyconnell there are finger jetties and space on the harbour wall either side of the bridge. There were only 3 boats moored so we got easily onto our preferred location on the wall.

We had managed the whole journey from the flybridge with the odd spit of rain.

We considered whether or not to  cover the flybridge but decided it would wait! Captain Bob and I went to get a few bits and pieces and while in the Supermarket the heavens opened – another short sharp shower that we had seen so much of over the past couple of weeks. Belatedly we covered the flybridge.

After a while, the rain cleared and we were able to sit out on the quayside, read, knitted and played frisbee. Holly enjoyed exploring.

By 18.30 we were getting hungry and ordered a carry out from the Italian restaurant beside the bridge – Casa Tivoli. We are creatures of habit and always get a carryout from here when in Ballyconnell and it has never disappointed.

There were some large booming sounds and we weren’t sure what they were but it was a band warming up in a pub nearby.

We settled for out last night of games – none of us wanting tomorrow to come.

Although Ballyconnell was quite noisy with the sound of a live band performing and boy racers – it didn’t keep any of us awake.

The Climb – 24-Jul-09

We were on the go shortly after 8.30. It was a lovely morning and our first job was to head to Boyle Harbour to use the pump out. The pump out has been replaced since last year and worked well. We haven’t seen other people using the pump outs much and there is definitely no real effort to try and keep them clear for those of us who like to use them.

We headed back out of Boyle and across Lough Key to Clarendon Lock.

Beth cooked sausage sandwich breakfast while I started the dishes.

After breakfast and having passed through Knockvicar and Cootehall Bridges, I took the helm to give Captain Bob a break.

He went down below and finished the dishes with Beth.

We travelled on towards Leitrim and Captain Bob took over the helm before we started the locks.  We were surprised at how quiet Leitrim was – there was only one boat on the main jetty.

The first lock of the Shannon-Erne is only minutes from Leitrim. The first 8 locks make the climb up to Keshcarrigan and that was our aim for the rest of the day. Most of the weather was sunny until we came to locks 9 to 11. These locks are so close together that Beth cam walk between them She took Holly with her as Lock keeper’s Dog ( in contrast to Ship’s Dog which is here usual nickname).

At the first of the 3, we sent Beth and Holly on and I climbed off the boat and opened the gates.

Just about this time the rain came on quite heavy. Beth was making her way to the middle lock and rather than taking Holly for a walk she was carrying her!

When we put coats on, the rain shone and we were roasted, when we took them off it rained!

At the last of the 3 locks, we needed to wait for a slow boat coming through the other way. Beth found the lock operator very exasperating. Captain Bob took Beth her fleece and brought the lock keeper’s dog back to the boat.

Only half an hour to Keshcarrigan where we were famished and really ready for a late lunch.

After, I walked up to the shop and we sat out on the jetty and chatted while Holly had a mooch around.

We decided to go back to Juliano’s for dinner ( other options were Canal View and Gerties).

We got ourselves ready. Unfortunately for this time on a Friday night, we were the only customers. The meal was brilliant. Last time we had gourmat pizza but this time Captain Bob and I had steak – wow! This place is definitely worth stopping in Keshcarrigan for.

We returned to the boat where we played cards and watched the fantastic sunset.

Grey day – 23-Jul-09

I fancied using the showers at the caravan park on Lough Key this morning. I packed my rucksack, got the bike ready and off I went.

When I got there, I discovered that they needed some sort of token – my EUR1 or 20c didn’t fit. The showers didn’t appeal either. So I put my clothes back on, cycled back and showered at the boat. Well at least I got some exercise! Captain Bob went for a cycle while I showered to try to ease his sore back.

He then supervised Beth making pancakes while I did the dishes.

Our plan for this morning was a return to Boda Borg (Crystal Maze).

We went in all guns blazing and got our first Farm Room stamp quickly. It all went downhill from there. We had a 2 hour ticket but with another 10 minutes remaining we gave up – purple faced, sweaty, bruised and stiff – yes it was great fun and definitely recommended.

We then treated ourselves to a lovely lunch before heading back to give Holly her lunch and a scoot out.

By now the rain was presistent so we settled to a cup of tea, some reading and some knitting.

Towards the end of the afternoon, the rain eased and Captain Bob and Beth decided to get out and onto the water – after all they couldn’t get any wetter.

So Captain Bob got in the kayak and Beth got her wet suit on and tried to ride on the front of the kayak. Holly and I watched from the jetty. Much fun was had.

Captain Bob went for an explore in the kayak up to the Fairy Bridge while Beth and I played a water form of water “Donkey”  with a ball. Beth was in the water and I would through the ball to her and she would through it back to me on the jetty. I felt as I was getting as wet as them but it was good fun.

When Captain Bob returned, Beth had a couple more turns of falling off the kayak and then it was time to get her out of the wet clothes and warmed up.

We all then started to put everything away – minicat, kayak, folding bike and dinghy back onto the boat for sailing the next day.

Then it was time to make dinner. We cooked on the hob as it definitely wasn’t barbecue weather.

After dinner we had a bit of relaxation time.

Back to Lough Key – 22-Jul-09

We had planned an early start but the late night meant none of us stirred until about 9.30.

By 9.50 we were underway with a mug of tea in hand. Tea drunk, Captain Bob went below for a shower and I took the helm. We put the walkie talkies in use in case of emergencies.

Just before Cootehall Bridge I gave him a call – I’m not so confident with the bridges. Captain Bob took over and soon we were back at Clarendon Lock.

My first call was to see if the grey wagtail chicks were still there but the lock keepers told me that they had flown the nest.

Soon we were headed into Lough Key. The jetties in the main area were full so we headed towards Rockingham where there were several spaces. This was our preferred spot for the water sports we were planning.

Moored up, Captain Bob and Beth started to build the minicat while I made brunch. After lunch, Captain Bob resumed building but was a bit too energetic and hurt his back while pumping up the floats.

After a few minutes to catch his breath, we changed roles and he gave instruction and Beth and I took over as builders. Soon we had both the minicat and kayak ready for sailing and thanks to 2 nurofen, Captain Bob’s back was beginning to ease.

Captain Bob and Beth got geared up. They were planning a race round a small island Captain Bob on the minicat and Beth in the kayak. Due to the lack of breeze, Beth was an easy winner. Beth went out to see if the minicat needed a tow but Captain Bob stole Beth’s paddle – dirty trick if ever I saw one – but he did give it back. They spent the rest of the afternoon on the water and swapping boats. To finish the afternoon, Beth got into her swimming gear (water temperature was showing as 18.5).The aim was for her to sit on the nose of the kayak. You could thing of it a bit like a balance beam. Sometmes she lost her balance of her own accord and sometimes she had a bit of assistance. There was also plenty of splashing so Captain Bob came in looking as wet as if he’d been in the water.

This is a such a lovely spot and from the Rockingham jetty you have great visibility of boats entering and leaving Lough Key. When a number of boats have come through the Clarendon Lock at the same time, it can be fun watching them vie for position.

Warmed up and dried off we started to think about dinner. Beth cooked us chicken fajitas accompanied by a jar of jalapenos and followed by ice cream sliders.

After dinner was Holly’s time and we went out for a good stretch of the legs through the forest. Beth took the bike. She never went too far away as she found it a bit spooky in places,

When we got back we headed to the flybridge for a game of gin rummy and when it got slightly breezier we went below for Monopoloy Deal.

 

 

 

 

Chips galore! – 21-Jul-09

We wakened to the sound of rain. Again the weather had changed to grey mizzly conditions.

We got up and going reasonably sharply and got ready to head off.

While underway, I made sausage sandwiches.

We came to Albert Lock where one boat was in the waiting area. By now there was a constant drizzle.

An Emerald Star cruiser came out of the lock and the driver had a bare torso – either brave or stupid considering the weather!

We passed through the lock and headed up the Jamestown Canal and followed the river on round to Carrick-on-Shannon.

First stop was to the Carrick Craft area to take on some fuel. We might have had enough to get us back to Carrybridge but it wasn’t worth the risk. We had noticed a few berths free on the finger jetties on the way through, To be sure of a home for the night we asked, if we needed, could we moor there and asked what the charge would be. The answer was “no charge” since we had bought our diesel there. This facility isn’t available on a Friday or Saturday.

We headed back to the finger jetties and Captain Bob reversed Bee-Jay into one of the free spaces.

We noticed that a good number of boats had Waterways Ireland warning notices where they had moored for longer than the designated time. The notices were threatening prosecution and/or the boat to to taken away. I hope these are not just threats but action. Also a number of the jetties were being taken by speed boats. If there was a facility specifically for smaller boats then it would provide more adequately for the cruisers and specifically the hire boats that are bringing real income to the area.

We went in search of a chippy for lunch and what a find. Francesco’s near the bridge do the usual chippy fayre but also pizza and pasta to take out. We ate so much we thought we would burst – they do good sized portions and fantastic food.

We headed out for some bits and pieces of shopping. Captain Bob did a wine run to Tesco’s on the bike/donkey.

The weather had once again changed and though breezy – the sun had come out.

Dinner time approached but hunger hadn’t. I fed Holly and took her for a walk across the bridge where I found a cinema complex as well as Supervalu and other shops, restaurants and carry outs. There is also a lovely riverside park area which has just recently opened.

A few text messages later and it was agreed that rather than go out for dinner we would go and see the new Harry Potter film (Half Blood Prince). Beth was delighted.

The cinema was lovely though a bit hot and stuffy. The film was good but it is hard to compare it to the book which has so much more detail.

After the film we walked back over the bridge and called at Francesco’s where we treated ourselves to a Vesuvio pizza and garlic bread for supper. It was delicious.

We then sat out the back and gave Holly a real fuss to make up for leaving he and then it was time to settle down for the night before heading to bed.