Ooops Twice!

Thursday 5th July, 2012 near Bedwyn.
We awoke to a dry, bright day - at last! John and Jack (Russell) of nb "Beverley" passed by on foot; he was going to Hungerford by train to pick up the boat having left his car here. It was nice to see him again.
The Bruce Trust has a base at Bedwyn. They provide trip boats for the disabled and handicapped, and we had an interesting conversation with a chap who does their painting and sign-writing.
We walked into Bedwyn village and visited the astonishing Post Office that used to be a stone mason's. It is surrounded by fascinating stone artifacts.

A Stonemason's Stone Bill (about 4ft high!).

We also visited the friendly General Store to purchase vast quantities of Jammie Dodgers and Penguins for the Scouts during their visit this weekend!
We set off from Bedwyn. planning to go through two locks, turn and then moor up so we could come back to Bedwyn tomorrow to pick up friends who are coming for the day. All went well until we got to the "Winding Hole." A Winding Hole is a special extra wide bit of the canal where you can turn a 60ft (or normally even 70ft) narrowboat round on a canal that is normally less than 40ft wide. We put the bow into the winding hole and started to turn, only to find that the stern hit the opposite bank and we were stuck broadside across the canal. It was only then that we saw, buried in the undergrowth, a sign that said "Max 55ft". MM  is 60 ft!  Ooops! For a while we were stuck fast but by removing the rear fender (buffer), and with Marion hauling on a rope from the shore and Robin pushing hard with the pole (and much cursing and sweating!), we just managed to get round.
After mooring up, we decided to walk the mile down to Crofton Pumping Station, where we will meet the Scouts on Saturday, as it was a beautiful sunny evening.  There was a considerable gap between boat and bank, and as M stepped off the boat, she slipped and half fell in. Another "oops"! The mooring ropes saved her but one leg ended up right in the canal. Luckily she was fine but she now claims to be a "proper" boatwoman.
The walk to Crofton was truly delightful. The evening was sunny, warm and still, with just the skylarks and yellowhammers for company. Bliss.

At Crofton, we spoke to Andy on nb "Scavenger" and butty. They make their living travelling the canals selling diesel, and other canal necessities.

So nice to see such a traditional pair (of narrowboats).
Today: 1 mile, 3 locks and 3.4 hours.
Trip:  132 miles, 90 locks and 104.1 hours (248.9 total).