Inspired by the activity at Easter, when historic boats gathered in Chester a few yards from my mooring, en route to Ellesmere port, I cleaned the boat and decided it was time to be on the move.

I am lucky to have the time to do a long trip this year - previously it has always been "back to work a week on Sunday"............. but the downside is that I have to watch the £££££££

Last Pudsey Bear Day, several people bid for a day out on Moondaisy with lunch thrown in- sounds easy, but getting dates fixed almost impossible. However, Saturday and Sunday saw the last two promises honoured. we got as far as Beeston Brook, where the excellent Chas Hardern operates his hire fleet and boatyard. We raised about £500 - all of which went directly to Children In Need.

Next stop - to pick up crew - is Market Drayton. Audlem Thick will have to be singlehanded, so the challenge is to get past the "Shroppie Fly" without a rough night.