A Rude Awakening!

Wednesday October 1st, 2014 at Wightwick.
Last night we moored up opposite a large empty field. Out in the country, no cars or people in sight. Err - imagine our surprise when we awoke to the sound of people and cars at half past seven in the morning just as the sun was rising!

By half past ten there were hundreds of them!

What on earth could be bringing them all to this remote field so early in the morning?
A passer-by on the towpath told M that it is a regular car boot sale every Wednesday and Saturday that draws huge crowds.
We set off after breakfast, through locks with delightful names like Giggetty and Bumblehole. One could imagine Hobbits having such names! At Bumblehole Lock, we fell into conversation with a delightful old couple out walking together. They had recently moved into the area after spending 51 years in Kent and were fascinated by the canal. There they are, on the far side of Bumblehole Lock in the photo.

We ended up giving the lady a lift to the next lock but unfortunately her husband felt that it would be too far for him to walk back, so he didn't come too.

The Bratch is a set of three locks, not technically a staircase but it feels like one, as there is only about ten feet between each lock. It's a relief to know there is a resident lock-keeper to help you through.

The lock keeper has a lovely old octagonal building by the top lock as his office.

Above the Bratch, we passed the cricket ground where, in July 2013, we were assailed by cricket balls that landed in the canal and even flew right over MM (we moved on quickly!). Now, in October, it was all closed up for the winter.

Awbridge Lock is a handsome edifice, with an elegant balustrade. There is supposed to be a galleon carved into the brickwork by French prisoners of war capture after Waterloo - but we didn't see it! 

We moored up for the day at Wightwick, which has a splendid art deco manor house; we visited it last year. Sadly it is closed mid-week at this time of year.
A sudden rain shower caused M to rush out to get in the washing which was outside on the line. By 6:30pm it was getting dark - a sure sign that the summer has drawn to a close. But what a summer!!!!
Today: 5 miles, 7 locks and 4.2 hours.
Trip: 279 miles, 189 locks and 213.6 hours.