Life goes with a swing (bridge).

Sunday 10th June, 2012
Last night's mooring was surprisingly peaceful and rural, given the proximity of the M4. We were moored just before Burghfield Lock with hay meadows on either side and banks of tall dense vegetation full of yellow flags (iris) and towering cow parsley.  As M was stirring her tea in a desultory fashion this morning, she spotted a tiny dormouse scurrying along, absolutely dwarfed by the huge plants around him.  How on earth does he navigate in vegetation that dense and high?

At 4:00am, the bird song was a joy (although we both slept until 8:20!!).

After a late breakfast, M went ahead to set the lock while R "walked the plank" to untie the ropes. We were fascinated to see a pair of yellow wagtails next to the lock flitting about catching dragonflies. They only eat the soft bits so the lock-side was littered with beautiful dragonfly wings!
Shortly after the lock, we sailed through clouds of lovely blue damselflies. One even landed on M's wrist. Some were flying joined up in pairs - can't imagine why(!).
Today we met our very first swing bridges - two electrically driven road bridges and one hand operated pedestrian bridge. M approves of being able to stop the "tin boxes" in their tracks for a while!

We saw a lot more boats moving today. At Sulhamstead Lock we fell into conversation with two chaps on nb "Bullrush". They were taking her for a survey and if she passes they are going to buy her; their first ever narrowboat - they were so excitied at the prospect! We wished them luck.
During the afternoon, we phoned Peter and Nicole, whom we met at Jane's birthday party in London last month. They live just west of Aldermaston and had said to us to get in touch when we were in the area on the boat; we hope to catch up with them tomorrow evening.

We finally moored up just past Tyle Mill next to more tall vegetation; luckily we found two mooring rings set into the bank.

While cooking dinner, M was watched by a hopeful swan who seems to be a wine connoisseur! "Is that the Shiraz 2005?" he asked.  "Oh good, bring me a glass out, then!" he said.
Today: 4 miles, 5 locks, 3 swing bridges and 3.4 hours
Trip:  96 miles, 42 locks, 48.2 hours (191.5 total).