Weird thing happened as we were leaving to find a pub. Yesterday around 6pm I opened the rear hatch and saw to my dismay a gentleman slumped, or rather sitting upright with head on chest, in the pouring rain. My first concern, was he breathing. Yes was the answer so going up to him I asked if he needed help. Now you may think he was one of the down and outs but this chap wore a suit (although old) a hat, had with him an I Pad and wore an expensive looking watch on his left arm. He sort of came to and told me he was meditating. Seemed a strange thing to do on a wet floor, with rain beating down on him, but hay ho stranger things have happened. Apologizing for disturbing his thoughts I walked towards Vixen and mentioned this to Heather and Dave. Then Ian popped his head out of the hatch and was about to lock up when he disappearing back inside. A moment later he returned with a glass of water. Very strange I thought and walked back to see what was going on. Thats when I noticed the chap slurring his words. He had asked Ian for a drink and Ian brought out water! He then tried to get up, took two steps and promptly collapsed over the railings. I swear if FS hadnt been moored where she was he would have ended up in the river. As it was he collapsed onto the ground and then proceeded to inform us that the meaning of the Universe was only a street away!!! Thinking him in no fit state to attempt another walk Ian was about to phone the emergency services when up he jumped, starting walking in a straight line along the path, singing and skipping as he went on his merry way. Heather wondered if he had a medical problem. I suppose he could have but personally I think he just had one two many!
The pub we went to, Lamb and Lion, was okayish. Food had an 5 star rating and very nice it was too. The staff were exceptionally friendly and went out of there way to make us welcome but the state of the place was abysmal. Tables left dirty, floor littered and the lady's loo! Well don't even go there!!! If it hadnt been for the selection of beers and the brilliant staff we may well have left there and then.
Set of at 6.30am 'cause we had a long way to go to meet up with Dennis and Margaret at the Barge at Seend. Very slow going with the continual moorers along the majority of the route, and what with the 11 locks, 5 swing bridges and 17 miles to do we had rather a long day. But it was great to meet up with them again, not on the party boat Icing this time, no, they came to show off their new camper van. Were all off for a meal at the Barge tonight, this will be the 5th meal out in a week!
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| Ready for lift off |
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| Hilperton Marina diesel at 65p Ltr. No wonder we had to wait 30 minutes before it was our turn. Seems that every private boat heads straight for there. |
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| Huge wide beam on a go slow. Very glad he got to the swingbridge before the other wide beam coming the other way. It meant we could go through first. |
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| Dunking stool maybe??? |
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| And the ducks do use the ramps. |
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| Seen on the lock gates. Heather feels sure it's some sort of nest box. Anyone have any idea? |
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| Dennis and Margaret at Seend Bottom lock |
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| Both Ian and Dave actually got to steer into a lock. It's normally Heather and me! |
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