Last Train to San Fernando!

As you can see from the photo above the train line and canal follow the same route towards Newbury. So, the suspension of train services this week has meant a very tranquil journey to Hungerford.  The only train running is at Great Bedwyn village shop!

We saw the very first ducklings and one of them was bright yellow. This made us wonder why ducks are always yellow in illustrations and films.   Was Walt Disney responsible?  Let us know your thoughts……..

This is Marsh Wren and the lovely couple who so kindly helped with the locks from Great Bedwyn to Hungerford.   Their flight to Portugal was cancelled so the K & A beckoned instead.  They have my very grateful thanks.

We caught up with friend Claire who works in Hungerford.

Hungerford itself has a lovely High Street and many antique shops to browse, kitchen shop and bookshop.  It really ought to be a Waitrose town but has Tesco and small Co-op!

It has a lovely common that we walked yesterday, a well preserved WW2 Pill box and a milestone on the A4. The cafe in the centre selling amazing garden ornaments is to be preferred to Costa at the garden centre opposite!

  

We are keenly watching the reports from the Canal & River Trust regarding the flooding of the River Kennet which joins the K & A canal. Normally it has very little water and almost dries up during the summer months but yesterday we went to inspect, and it was flowing rapidly.

 

                                    Water flowing over the top lock gates

It’s raining again today. The CRT are advising caution if continuing but this morning the lovely Wessex Rose Hotel boat passed us, and she is a similar size to Matilda so if she can make it so should we!  Confidence restored!

Sunday 22 April 2018 Au revoir

Last glimpse of Caen Hill Marina Monday 16th

Ascending Caen Hill flight almost there!

 

Grateful thanks to our helpers and to Nigel and John volunteer lock keepers. We look forward to seeing you in September!

We bid Devizes “Au revoir” last Thursday morning

Moored at All Cannings Visitor Moorings.

 

We had to return to Devizes unexpectedly as I had forgotton my summer clothes – in store at Zelf!  The drivers of the Salisbury Red buses were so helpful. Ian phoned his colleague Andy to make sure he picked us up at the Travel Lodge stop and then Andy dropped us off at the canal. Excellent service and  I emailed Salisbury Reds to compliment the drivers and suggest they received a bonus!

Friday we moored at Wootton Rivers,  a very pretty village. We had been unable to moor here  last September as there was a shortage of water.

  

And a very smart idea

The history

 

NB a virgate is 30 acres

As we progressed  we noticed a great deal of tree pruning had taken place and the reeds had been cut back which we were very pleased to see. It makes life so much easier when you meet another boat!

Continued through Bruce tunnel to begin the descent to Crofton. Quite pleased with the reflection in this photo!

A minor hazard en route

Moored up at Crofton close by the scenic Wilton Water and opposite the pumping station yesterday afternoon, after opening 9 sets of lock gates. We walked over to the pumping station cafe for a late lunch. The way is via a tunnel under the railway. A bit frightening if a train comes along!

Terrific storm last night. Thunder began just after nine. We were woken by torrential rain and thunder at 2.45am . Today has been a cleaning and tidying day, Tomorrow we move on to Great Bedwyn – if there is  space in the Visitor Moorings.

Coventry 13 -15 April 2018

Celebrating the birthday of my sister Ruth at Coombe Abbey Hotel. Our rooms was the middle bay window.  Victorian Gothic!

  

  

Friday evening birthday dinner

Saturday was a trip down Memory Lane for Tony. He studied at the “new” Coventry University and became involved in Canal restoration.

   

Hawksbury Junction – the meeting of the Coventry Canal and the Oxford Canal. The Coventry Canal Basin where he used to have boat rallies. The BBC were there interviewing passers by and asking for suggestions to revitalise the area. Needless to say Tony was in his element telling Coventry about his exploits 40 plus years ago!

  

The Cathedral and opposite University and Museum. As you know we can never pass up a museum!  Airfix models and Lady Godiva – a winning combination!

 

And also people Tony used to know form his canal days enshrined in oil.

 

Then a dash across town to see Spon Street with its Watch museum and Weavers cottages

  

The weavers cottages were so small the girls in the family, all of them spinsters, used to sleep on this platform hence the saying “to be left on the shelf” if they were unmarried.

Saturday night we attended a medieval banquet and were persuaded to dress for the occasion!

 

  

                                              The Baron & his wench!

The entertainers!  An excellent evening!  And many thanks to Rachel & Gary for organising it.