So today we headed out on our maiden voyage to Rugeley. It was just a couple of hours up the canal and back but it would give us the chance to test out the boat as our narrowboat skipper had a few problems when bringing the boat from Sawley.  It also gave us a chance to see how the two dogs behaved when on the stern of the boat as this would be the first time they would be outside when the boat is moving.

We set off at around 10am but had to wait for diesel at the marina entrance as lots of boaters were heading out because of the lovely weather.  We finally got out onto the canal at around12pm and set off towards Rugeley. 

The dogs were a little nervous to start with but they both settled down and they seemed to enjoy the journey, especially Georgie who watched all the ducks and dogs on the towpath with fascination.  Eren was a little more nervous but eventually realised that she was safe and settled down for a nice snooze. 

We passed a few nice pubs which we will go back to during the winter.  One even offered overnight mooring outside so we could have a meal and a few glasses of vino without worrying about travelling back to the marina.  It was also dog friendly as well so a definite visit to the Plum Pudding. 

The cruise to Rugeley went really well, it took about 4 hours to get there and back.  It was very warm so we need to think about some cover for the dogs for future journeys.  

We turned the boat around just after bridge 65, we were a bit rusty turning and the canal was very shallow in the winding hole but we managed it after a few manoeuvres.

We were all exhausted when we came back to the marina and it has made us realise that around 4 hours cruising each day is more than enough for future cruises.  

We opened a bottle of Prosecco to celebrate a successful maiden voyage.

Below are a couple of videos of us leaving the marina and then heading out on the canal.