R made us the smiley breakfast with middle-cut bacon, eggs and tomatoes! The weather looked brightish, if a trifle unreliable. We had a birthday card to post so we walked into the town to the nearest pillar box. On the way, we passed the parish church and it was clear that very many people were congregating for a funeral.
As we walked back, we saw a black hearse approaching and M remarked that she never wanted to be put in one of "those things". To our surprise it was empty; instead of a coffin it contained a large wreath in the form of a red tractor. Following the hearse was a real red tractor towing a flat-bed trailer with the coffin strapped in the middle. We both stood there with tears in our eyes, it was very moving.
We walked slowly back to MM in silence with our heads full of thoughts.
We finally set off about midday, taking advantage of yet another window of dry weather. We were both a bit pensive, knowing that our summer cruise was drawing to a close.
At Sandon lock, our last lock of the year, M said that she felt sad that our wonderful summer was nearly over.
Our regular space, A22, was waiting for us with nb "Chestnut and "Edwin" on either side, just as we had left it in June. It was a happy/sad moment as we backed MM in and moored her up. R was amused to discover that the three pounds credit he had left on the electricity "hook-up" in June was still there! It was clear that no other boat had occupied our space while we were away!
We both felt a bit emotional and so we walked up to the Bistro for a restorative coffee. It felt like coming home.
In the evening, we went back to the Bistro for dinner and were treated to a pretty sunset as we left MM for the short walk up to the Bistro. The sun always sets behind the parish church, making the spire a lovely feature in our photos.
Trip: 311 miles, 209 locks and 238.3 hours.
Since Launch: 1,593 miles, 1,103 locks and 1,275.2 hours.
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