Such a beautiful day to be on the water. I didn’t start moving until midday because I attended Zoom church first. I walked along the towpath and helped a single handed boater with the lock gate during the coffee time, so was able to show everyone the view of endless fields with baby lambs and a lock in action. Walking on to the bridge I met an amazing older gentleman who was in the process of walking the route of the Seven Shires Way – a 234 mile walk around the county boundaries of Oxfordshire using public rights of way. He has walked it 3 or 4 times before and this time the purpose is to update the details of the walk as written in a book by Elaine Steve and to replace any missing waymarkers. An updated edition of the book is going to be published. He also was very proud of his ‘centurion’ badge, proof that he has walked 100 miles in 24 hours. He was quite a character!
I set off on the eleven mile stretch of lock-less canal which twists and turns through the Oxfordshire countryside. Trees breaking forth into blossom, lambs frolicking in the fields, birds tweeting. It was all very lovely and relaxing apart from the fact I had to keep alert for any boats coming towards me. There is one incredibly narrow stretch. It used to be a tunnel, before the tunnel collapsed. So now although open to the elements it is still problematic if you meet a boat coming in the opposite direction. This happened once. Up ahead I saw two boats and a moored boat. I realised there was no way I could pass the moving boat if we met where the stationary boat was moored so I just had to wait and hold Wind Rose steady in a straight line. This proved quite easy until I realised the reason why was because I was stuck in the mud! The water level was very low. As the boat passed me he offered to tug me free but infact I was able thankfully to dislodge myself. The second boat ahead had pulled into the side so I could safely proceed. The wonderful smell of cooking sausages and bacon hit me as I drew close by and I discovered the boaters had stopped to bbq on the roof of their boat. Apart from this encounter I saw very few other boaters out and about and was able to moor up in an idyllic spot luckily with mooring rings. I have yet to need to hammer pins into the towpath. Am not sure if I will find that very easy.
Watched a film with Bill Nighy who I really like and I think I realise why – now that R has grown his hair he bears a striking resemblance to him! Not sure the film was that good but it passed the evening. I put the heating on for an hour or so before going to bed and filled a hot water bottle. Both ensured that I didn’t feel nearly as chilled as the night before.
NarrowboatTLC 