Tuesday 30th September. 2014 in Wombourne
A very grey, misty start! Yesterday evening's heavy rain and thunder were over by 7:00pm but the raindrops continued a "pitter-patter" on the roof all night from the trees above. This morning, our newly washed roof is covered with debris - that's what you get when you moor under trees!
We were just making breakfast when an old working boat "Aquarius" passed by towing its butty "Ilford" on a very long rope. M raced after them to get a photo and the skipper told her that the two boats have been travelling together for several years.
Little Hinksford Bridge and adjacent lock were dinky - and in the prettiest setting. The murky start had given way to a lovely sunny day.
Just before we went back past Ashwood Marina, we passed the garden of the house belonging to Ashwood Nurseries. The garden is beautifully maintained and contans all sorts of unusual plants and trees. M insisted that we go past very slowly in order that we could admire it!
A brief stop in the village of Swindon (not the Wiltshire one!) was made to visit once more the little tearoom and bakery. We received an equally warm welcome as we did back in July last year and befriended Sam, the resident cat, who was quite black but with amazingly long white whiskers. He was very affectionate, although he was not supposed to come into the shop!
M was a trifle nervous going up the Botterham Staircase Locks as a friend's boat had an accident there a couple of years ago but, as usual, with a bit of care and forethought we went through without a hitch.
A lock staircase is where there is no gap between two locks - so the top gate of one is the bottom gate of the next; it does take some thinking about!
Shortly after, we moored up in a quiet spot opposite a huge empty field with no cars or people in sight - bliss... Or was it? Watch this space......
Today: 4 miles, 8 locks and 4.1 hours.
Trip: 274 miles, 182 locks and 209.4 hours.
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