Our final morning on Oliver, and yet again, Toby was happy to stay in bed! After wiping the bird mess off the front cratch cover, we set off just after 9am for the short hop back to Weltonfield Marina.

Apart from the locks, Toby and I have been no further than 60ft apart all holiday.

We arrived back at 10am for a pump out – time to cross our legs or use the onsite loo from now on!

We couldn’t resist taking a photo of this lovely little boat in the marina called Toby – it’s just had a fit out and the owner is proud as punch and keen to show it off.

We needed to get Oliver ship shape for sale, it’s times like this when you wish you owned a shorter boat! The mooring is really handy as the bank is at the water level, so we were able to reach the low bits. We washed the roof, and the side of Oliver.

Toby’s favourite job and cleaning the water tank at the bow of the boat! Luckily we have a water pump to drain the tank, and Toby did some rust busting, tomorrow Toby will paint the inside with a rust protector – it gives you an idea of the size of the tank.

I was on painting duty, and blacking the side of the boat. It’s where all the bumps and scrapes are, so a nice shiny side makes all the difference.

We’ve had six wonderful years with Oliver, travelling around the canal and river network, and making the most wonderful memories. We couldn’t have done it without our network of family, colleagues and friends old and new – thank you.

Oliver has been a safe haven during tough times and a place for celebration during the good times. I’ll miss the whistling kettle, the care free days in the sunshine, and most of all the endless hours spent at the stern with Toby.

This is post number 341, the last with Oliver. Here’s to new adventures in 2021 and new blog posts……