Pershore

Much cooler today, more wind and overcast with threats of showers.  Whilst thinking about getting going a boat came up the lock, so there was no choice really but to take advantage.  We cruised straight through, arriving at the keeper operated lock at Evesham just before 9:00 when he opens up.  We took the opportunity to moor briefly on the other side while Pat went off to get a newspaper and some bread.  Once through the lock we continued on.  There are ample moorings for the town below the lock, we noticed.  Round the bend in the river we were reminded on the rope operated ferry and gave the suggested three blasts on the horn.   We saw no sign of the ferry last year, but this time the ferry operator was waiting for us to pass before crossing the river to pick up a passenger.  He actually winds the rope up on a winch to use it, so that it is stretched across the river at about neck height!   A little further on there is a free pump out facility, just before the railway bridge.  The control box consisting of a rotary time switch only is at the top of the bank and the pipework on the quayside (obviously).  So simple.  Just turn it on and use it.   If it times out before you have finished, you just dial in another 5 minutes.  Whilst turning to moor up we caught a gimpse of fellow Braidbar Boat 'Farne' on their way to Saul where we had planned to meet up.   They were ahead of us on the locks further on and seem not to have stopped here in Pershore.  The moorings here certainly are very pleasant and definitely worth scheduling in.  There is a grass recreation area betweeen the river and the football ground with a supermarket very close by.   Pat has gone off to recce the pubs for dining out tonight.