Start of season four.

This morning I left the Marina on my own, Marlene has gone to Pamela's as Pamela has not been too well. We are all waiting for the big day,did I mention pamela is due to give birth any time between now and the end of the month. So turning left onto the Trent and Mersey I was heading to Alrewas. This would be the first time I had taken Doublefracture out on my own. Cruising along the canal was easy, it was the first lock that might prove difficult,however all went well at both locks between the Marina and Alrewas. I moored and walked to the post office to mail a parcel to my sister Jennifer for my mother for Mothers Day. Returning to the boat I did some washing before lunch. After lunch I left the mooring heading for Fradley. I was undecided wether to moor at Fradley for the night or complete all five locks at Fradley and the one at Woodend. In the event the mooring at Fradley were busy so I carried on. I had no problem at any of the locks until I got to the top lock then a boater from the Dutch barge Enseabee opened the paddle fully and this caused the boat to hit the top gate very hard.When I arrived at Woodend lock I found a right mess in the lounge and kitchen. This upset me as I had been very careful all day. The mooring I was going to use at the top of Woodend lock was full so I was forced to carry on. I finally moored for the night just past Kings Bromley Warf. Tomorrow will be a lock free day. Perhaps I should mention that the reason I am going out without Marlene is the boat is coming out of the water for the bottom blacking next week at Stafford boat club, this gives me until Saturday to get there.