Today was fantastic... the weather was fine and my holiday mood was in full swing.
I followed some footpaths I haven't walked for a while that eventually brought me the River Weaver at Acton Bridge.
I have recently discovered the address of the parents of a really good mate from my youth who sadly lost his life in a car accident on Christmas Eve 1976.
I followed some footpaths I haven't walked for a while that eventually brought me the River Weaver at Acton Bridge.
I have recently discovered the address of the parents of a really good mate from my youth who sadly lost his life in a car accident on Christmas Eve 1976.
I hadn't met Tonys' parents Alan and Roz for over 30 years.
I knocked on the door and my welcome was amazing... big hugs and they even fed me.
Their house backs onto the river.
All the houses have a jetty and most owners have a boat... Alan was no exception and asked me join him for a cruise on his river boat.
All the houses have a jetty and most owners have a boat... Alan was no exception and asked me join him for a cruise on his river boat.
The last time I was afloat on the River Weaver was when I was in the Sea Cadets in the late 1960's.
On a Mine Sweeper HMS Upton.
On a Mine Sweeper HMS Upton.
M.V. Chica
I will share this shipwreck soon.... it has a wonderful history.
This is Alan's boat as we moored alongside the shipwreck... he spends a lot of the summer months camping out in his boat with his grandson.
We moored at Dutton Lock and walked towards the railway viaduct... chatting about the old days.
This is the old horse bridge... it was built in 1910.
As we walked back to Dutton Locks two little dogs appeared out of nowhere... and walked with us for a while... then they just scampered off.
A retired lorry driver living the the retirement dream.
He has the river at the bottom of his garden... it takes him into the countryside on his boat.
He is in his 70's and still climbs trees with his grandson James.
I am so pleased I made the effort to call in to see them.
i bet they were thrilled to have you - a connection to their son. :)
ReplyDeletelove the horse bridge!
What a nice day for both of you!
ReplyDeleteNice photo!
what a gorgeous bridge. you always seem to find the greatest views. love it!! what a nice & relaxing day you both had. (:
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome, Andrew! How nice to see them again after so many years! Alan's boat is a beauty. Gorgeous scenery and I look forward to more photos of the shipwreck! Glad you had such a great reunion!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant story Andrew. It really captured my imagination. Can't wait to read about the shipwreck tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteGreat post and great start to your vacation. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteAren’t you glad you stopped. You would have missed so much if you had not. This is a wonderful story you have told and the accompanying pictures are so nice. His boat is a fine one. It looks like he polishes it everyday. Loved your post. genie
ReplyDeleteA wonderful reconnection, you no doubt made their day too.
ReplyDeleteOh how lovely for you and them!
ReplyDeleteI share your enthusiasm at reestablishing old ties. It couldn't have gone better. And you got to see the river from a different view. I await the pictures of the cool old wreck.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful day you had, I'm sure you made your old mates parents day as well.
ReplyDeleteSo nice to read about your reunion. In his 70's and enjoying life. Good on him. Looking forward to the shipwreck story.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a terrific day, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteNice one Andrew, what a way to spend retirement, brilliant photos.
ReplyDeleteA touching story Andrew.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post and pictures...[;o)
Looks like you made each other's days!
ReplyDeleteHow lovely that you could re-visit with your friend's parents after all those years. It would've been a very special moment for them too, that you took the time to surprise them like you did. How interesting those long-boats; they would be a very leisurely break away from home base. The horse bridge is very elegant.
ReplyDeletei was going to say I love it when my life just gets swept up into a wonderful moment to, then I read your post and your moment outdoes my sunday Miracle moment. wow what a fun day. that shipwreck photo is fantastic and would have been the top of my moment.
ReplyDeleteGood old friendship never ends..
ReplyDeleteReally very nice walk on the side of river bank!!!
Thank you for sharing!!!!
A beautiful series of images!
ReplyDeleteSuch a warm welcome after all those years. you mush have kept the boyish good looks them lol.
ReplyDeleteShaun Valleys ShutterBug
Great meeting after so many years.
ReplyDeleteAlan has a beautiful ship.
You've had a great fun.
hello andy, Terry here, Alans 2nd son, i have been living in CapeTown SouthAfrica for nearly 30 years and love going home to see the folks, we always take dads boat out, thank you so so much for the visit, they have been grieving for 35 years and a visit like yours is warming .... keep up the super blog, Terry Brookes..
ReplyDeleteLoving his boat -- happy that you were able to reconnect. :)
ReplyDeleteMore wonderful reflections and beautiful scenery!
ReplyDeleteOh Andrew I am in love with the English canal boats -- we got to take a short canal cruise and although you call this a river boat, it looks very similar and I love it!!! I'd want to vacation on it (permanently). Wow. Neat you reconnected with your friends' parents -- I bet it was a comfort for them.
ReplyDelete