Start of the 2011 cruise

The 2011 cruise will be different to my long trip in 2010 when Hallmark completed in fine style the Thames Ring and its 174 locks.

There is a good chance I will reach Birmingham this time!

There is much more time with no work to come back for..............

However, the intention in 2011 is to do bits of cruising and then return by bike and train to London and the coast as the cruise develops.

The planning is a little loose........

Certainly it is first up the Thames to Windsor, Reading and Oxford. 

Then up Oxford Canal to Banbury and beyond and then on to Birmingham via the Grand Union Canal passing through Leamington Spa and Warwick and finally i9nto Birminham on the Worcester and Birmingham Canal.

Tommorow through a trip to Laleham to get a few jobs done at 4Marine at Harris Boatyard.

Then when April starts I'll be on my way...................