MRI....

All done and dusted thank goodness. Stuck in a claustrophobic tube to which I only just fitted for nearly an hour was no fun, and told to 'keep still' and 'you will experience some loud noises' was an understatement. Not so bad during the first part of the scan as I went in feet first so that the hip area could be done. Got to wear headphones then with Shakira blaring away in my ears. After 25 minutes it was about turn and head first into the tube for the spine to be scanned. No room for headphones now though, and the ear plugs given to me hardly made any difference. 30 minutes of very loud clicks and horrendous bangs and nothing to take ones mind of it, was awful. Was I glad to be let out!!! So I have now to wait for the result. 3 weeks before the consultant can look at it. Funny that Ian can have a MRI and within 5 days it has been analysed and discussed with us. Maybe Nottingham City Hospital is more efficient then Queens medical centre.

This morning we set off for Stourport in the drizzle and in the cold. Only had 4 locks to do and below Wolverley Court lock a hire boat had taken over the lock landing! Moored they were, and eating breakfast!!!. Normally it doesn't bother us because I always pick Ian up at the lock entrance but in this particular instance the wind was enough to push the bow towards the boat. I had to reverse hard to get back toward the lock gate and avoid hitting it. Ian then had to give a hefty shove to push the bow out. I told them very politely not moor on a lock landing in future!

Kidderminster lock

Saw some wonderful wood carvings after this lock. Amazing what one can do with dead tree stumps.

Another favorite of mine, the penultimate lock of the day, Caldwell Lock

No sooner had we exited this lock when the unmistakable sound of a steam whistle sounded. We knew the Severn Valley Railway ran through these parts and were gutted that we missed seeing the steam train over the viaduct by minutes! This is one time that I wished we could have gone just that bit faster!

Only Falling Sands lock to do then a 3 mile run to where we moored before York Street lock. It was on this section 4 years ago that we got conned by Jason. To see the story click here and here . Didn't stop today though, it was a hard lesson to learn and we were loath to risk it again!

 Now we are in a bit of a dilemma. The sofa from Sit and Sleep will be arriving on Monday. The plan was for them to meet us at The Angel pub in Stourport and for us to moor on the pontoon on the river. Then as we walked toward the pontoon to see about availability, we noticed a 24 hour mooring in the basin itself. This would be a much better location and as we were discussing about what we should do, a C&RT guy just happened to turn up. We have now arranged that if this is still free tomorrow we can moor on the 24 hour and can stay until Tuesday morning. We came away thanking our lucky stars.

But.....Since we arrived back at FS 4 boats have passed us. 1 historic boat and three narrowboats, all looking for a mooring. With no more spaces available towards York Lock I feel that our plans may be short lived!

Broad Lock leading onto the River Severn

These moorings are now full!!!