A hot and exhausting day.

It truly was a busy day yesterday. Before the family arrived we walked towards one of the trader boats, PJ Fenders, to purchase a new front button fender. We were dismayed to see the one we wanted being carted off by one of the Ash Tree boaters. After inquiring if any more were available, Fender Fred (as he likes to be called) did no more then make us another within 6 hours. Now that's what I call service. Then we gets the phone call from Kev to say they have arrived on site so it was post haste to the Black Boy car park to meet up. Having deposited their dog Echo, Jades litter sister, back on FS it another trek back to Black Boy for lunch and a walk round the festival site.

Vintage vehicles

Something has caught Ian's and Kev's eye.

Entertained by the Appalachian dancers

With the heat of the day now becoming unbearable, especially with Kev as he carried baby Thomas around for most of the time, it was another route march back to FS for cold drinks and a spot of fishing. Young Josh, like his dad, loves to dangle a maggot and he spent a good half an hour watching the float and hoping for a fish. Unfortunately, and just like his dad, he didn't catch any! So leaving Kev to play with the rod, Christine, Josh and me went to the Heronsfield small animal rescue center. What a great place to spend a couple of hours. The place was far from immaculate with cages and animals all over the place, but they all look well, the cages and pens adequate and some even wandering free amongst us. With the cost for 1 adult, 1 OAP and a child £6 seemed very reasonable.

These are Chinese Geese

Yawn. Hard life being a pig

This fox was only a couple of days old when found. It was being attacked by Ravens and the birds damaged the tendons in its hind leg. He is now 5 years old and can never be released but the owner of the park treats him like his pet dog.

 Having gone for a hog roast in the evening and then partook of more real ale in the club house later, Christine Kev and Josh departed for home by about 9.30pm. After a quick tidy around the boat, bed beckoned. The day had been exhausting but so very enjoyable. Shame Colin and family couldn't have been with us but I am reliably informed that Oliver is doing okay and not as spotty as expected.

Today saw us leave the site before lunch. After watering up below Knowle flight, we teamed up with a Kate hire boat with Germans on board. Well you can imagine the banter going back and forth especially as I am Dutch (both parents from Holland but I was born in London) so I did express some sorrow at Germany beating Holland in the World cup!

We are now moored near Cathrine de Barnes for the night and off to do Camp Hill and Gascote locks tomorrow. Oh joy of joy!!