First Country Walk

Wednesday 23 May,

Another day for recovery. Did eventually wash the top and one side of the boat. With that done the mooring ropes are attached and other bits and pieces back on top. Diana spent the afternoon walking the towpath the otherway to Whaley Bridge to do what Diana has to do. A three hour trip of which 1hr was walking.

Thursday 24th May,

The inside of the boat is now looking clean and tidy. In the afternoon walked up to Furness Vale where there is a Community Centre operating a shop, Post Office and cafe. It is only open for 3 hrs, 2 days a week and looks like it is the center for oldies. As we left Diana got talking to a local from Whaley Bridge and she walks down the tow path once a week for a cuppa tea and walks home again via a public path. We got talked into going with her which involved a long drag up the hill above the village. At the point I said it was enough for me. I was inticed to continue to a seat overlooking the valley below. By now it is down hill and we are at the half way point so carry on we do. From the top we can see a 10mile track we have walked before so I had better not be a wimp now. We Carry on down into Whaley Bridge stopping at a local farm for fresh eggs and tomatoes. Our guide leaves us in town at the ice cream shop. From there it is on the flat along the towpath home with a stop at Tesco's for a few bits. about three hours away.

Friday 25th May,

Cold with showers most of the day. The Eberspacher (diesel heater) worked a treat so we stayed warm and cosy until a walk to get some picnic food for tomorrow's adventure with Jim & Anne. Packed our bag, put the covers back on Molly and set her up to leave for a few days.

More Ticks

Saturday, 19 May,

Back to the boat, Cleaning ,sorting checking until a voice from inside tells me that Meghan is on her way.
Into the car back to the let where there is a reasonable sized TV to watch the wedding. All over by 1400 so back to the Cleaning, Sorting & checking. Another ready meal at the let and feet up for the night.

Sunday, 20 May,

Pack the car and leave the let. Now it is time to start putting all the clothing back where we can find them. After lunch we remember early closing on Sundays so off to Tesco's to fill the cupboards. Oat cakes & Pork Pies are in the trolly to add two more ticks to our english favorites. With every thing on board we feel like we are back in the grove except I have taken over Diana's sore throat and runny nose and am short of energy.
Shortly after 5pm we hear a call from across the canal. Jim & Anne of "Pilky's tours" were in the area so called in to see us. We had a great old catchup but declined to join them for a meal, mainly due to my energy levels and we would be spending Bank holiday weekend with them next week. Early to bed.

Monday, 21 May,

The car is due back at 1130 so we drive to Hazel Grove and then catch a bus to Stockport. This being the 4th year we have been into the same phone shop to set up a data plan and get a new simcard for Diana you would expect it to be simple. This year the data plan was established quite quickly. Diana's simcard, another story. We keep the same number by sending each other a text every six months on our UK simcards. As soon as I put mine in at the airport it worked.  Diana has changed her phone and needed a smaller card which I thought would be simple, but no when they tried to find her number it had been disconected, Why? the rules have changed and you need to use the phone every 3 months. We last used it 3 months and 5 days ago. The end result after 60min on the phone, is that she can reactivate her number but they have to post the card to her. All going well we will have the card this weekend and she will have a phone again.

Tuesday, 22 May,

Diana has had a busy day as I spent it doing very little. Up for breakfast then back to bed. Up for lunch and make the bed. Diana has spent the morning on domestic duties which I slept through. After lunch she walked into New Mills to do whatever she had to do. I could only manage a few tasks but feeling a little better. Hoping for better tomorrow.

What happened to 2017?

Shortly after arriving home in 2016 I had an apointment with my Cardiologist who recomended that my Aortic valve had deteriorated to the point that a replacement was required. We all agreed with a time scale of 3-6 months for the op and 3 months recovery. OK, we could be back on Molly Rose about June and spend about 3 months on the canals. 

Then the reality of the health system started to show. the 3-6 months was 6 months to the day. So all prepared and ready to travel to Wellington on saturday to book in on Sunday for the op on Monday. WELL Friday afternoon about 3pm I get the call, don't come we haven't got room for you. So when can I expect to have the op? Don't know but it wont be in the next 3 weeks. After a wait of 3 months I arrive in Wellington and check in. Admission tests are made and much talking with the Surgeon has me in a positive mood UNTIL about 6pm the surgeon calls in to say that he will not operate tomorrow as he needs some more up todate scans and reports. Monday  I have a scan and am told that evening that another scan/test is required. Tuesday more tests and waiting for results, (Surgeon in Auckland all day). Late In the evening the surgon calls in to say he has the information to proceed, BUT there are no spare beds in ICU so you can go home tommorow. And when can I expect to be back? Won't be in the next 3 weeks! Eventually 3 months later as the northern summer is comming to an end I check in again at Wellington Hospital wandering what is in store this time. During my first meeting with the surgeon I tell him I'm not going home again untill the job is done, he agreed as if wasn't done soon life expectancy was not that long.

Fast forward: In March all was looking good so planning started to get back to Molly Rose in May.

Wednesday 16th May 2018
Started the long flight by catching a plane from Napier at 1545 and 31hrs later with stops in Auckland and Dubai we arrive in Manchester, midday 17th.Take a cab to a holiday let in New Mills, walk into town, do some banking, buy a ready meal from the supermarket, back to the let, eat and into bed.

Friday18th May
Suns up about 0400, we are up about 0630. 0830 and we are walking down the towpath on a beautiful morning to see Molly Rose where we left her, 19 months ago, in the marina across the canal. She is looking a little untidy after so long but inside is dry and home to many a spider and a lot of dust. Some windows are left open for ventilation. Talk to the engineer who says she is ready to go. All good news. Time now to catch a bus and pick up a rental car. On the way back we call into the near by Lyme Park, a National Trust estate to sample scones, jam & cream. Back to the boat to clean up, put back all the things we pack away each year. Getting fairly tired by tea time so it's Cod & Chips and an early night. So that is two ticks in boxes as we get back into our english traditions.