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In 1977 we hired our first narrowboat from Anglo Welsh at Market Harborough.From that moment our destiny was set. In 2006 we finally purchased our own brand new 57' narrowboat which we named 'Free Spirit'. Our aim is to travel the length and breadth of all the navigable rivers and canals of the UK. This will be our story as it unfolds.

Saturday 29 September 2018

The difference an hour makes.

Brrrr, the stove had gone out and FS was freezing this morning. A look out of the side hatch confirmed that we most certainly had had the frost I mentioned yesterday. More surprising, and I'm sure not forecasted, was the fog!
 Taken at 7 am


 And taken at 8 am



Gosh, the first freezing temperature of autumn and we even had ice form on the solar panels. Trying to untie stiff ropes took some doing.


But oh how wonderful to see the mist rising off the water and the sun starting to appear. With the chill hat, scarf, and gloves were needed until the morning had warmed. Only three locks to do today and this the first, Slat Mill lock, had to be filled.



We reached the outskirts of Bunbury by 10ish but it took a further 20 minutes to get past all the moored boats. A long section of permit holders but the 14-day moorings were nearly all full as well.
Beyond the bridge and right by the Castle Quay shopping center plenty of moorings available. We took a mooring right by a C&RT dredger. In fact our front button is nearly touching the arm.






 First thing was to find Wilko for the silicone gun so Ian could seal the window. Then it was off to Wetherspoons for an early lunch. Back at FS I left Ian to do the biz with the porthole window while I went for a bit of retail therapy. Came back with new trainers from Sports Direct my old ones having almost given up the ghost. I was also most surprised to see that Ian had made Soda Bread. Looks like tea is sorted then!



Ian has worked out that we may well be on the Thames by Tuesday. Both of us love this river and are so looking forward to spending a month on it. A Thames licence is needed which can be purchased from Eynsham lock after leaving Dukes cut. The cost for our size boat (35mtrs) it's £182.30 for the month. Sounds pricey but worth every penny to cruise this wonderful waterway. 

And on the journey,

This is one gruesome statue!

Won't he be cold if he falls in!


And seen on route,


Another waterfowl with Angelwing

 

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