Bit of a disjointed post

Isn't that typical. The only decent mooring by the wide near the Vale of Pewsey happened to be an internet black spot and, so I was told, if we had traveled another half mile we would have got it for sure. So another of those catchup posts I'm afraid.

Friday 17th
There really was nothing to write home about yesterday (Thursday). With only three locks and a mile to do, nothing much happened. I suppose the only exciting thing was leaving Vixen and FS tied together while negotiating the locks. Ian had been sent on a mission to see if any moorings had become available in Devizes and with a phone call back to Dave with yes as the answer, it was easier for me to take both boats into the lock. Heather having strained her right arm found it difficult to steer so she became my guide so I didn't hit the lock entrance. 

The perfect moorings was found in Devizes, ideal for Dave and Ian to visit Wadsworth Brewery. No photos as Ian forgot the camera and would you believe, the shire horses were paraded. Knew I should have gone!!! Ian returned with 6 bottles of Wadsworth finest so no doubt Dave and Ian will enjoy a tipple or two tonight. (and they did!!)

Saturday 18th
No early start 'cause the plan was to only travel until lunchtime. We pulled onto the facilities and by the time both boats had been serviced we left Devizes around 10am. The latest we have got underway for weeks!!!

Being Saturday the trip boats were in evidence as well as the canoeists. Then there was the CM's. Not so bad now that we had left the Bath area and, at last, long stretches between boats where we could give FS a bit of a run.. We didn't make bad time arriving at Ladys Bridge by the wide by 2ish.

Loads of canoeists

No end of blue/green algae about. On the top lock of the Devizes flight a sign warning boaters and dog walkers alike about the dangers of this algae. We had noticed the algae below the Devizes flight but it seems the warm weather has made it bloom covering a fast length of the canal.

Blue/green algae

Today we were a tad to slow in starting off this morning as another boat moored behind pulled there pins just before us. Not a problem as Crofton Pumping station was our destination for this afternoon. But they was sooo slow!! And no way would they let us go past. I suppose with a lock about 5 miles away, and us traveling together, they wanted to get there first!

Reaching the summit pound we are finally on the downhill stretch all the way to the Thames. With only 41 of the 106 locks more to do we hope to reach Reading by Wednesday or Thursday. Did notice some stranded fish on the lock cill on the way down the first two locks of the Crofton flight. Another rescue by yours truly!

Only just got the last mooring at Crofton Pumping Station. Completly empty when we came up two weeks ago so, as it was so busy we were confident that the place would be open. Not so, much to the disappointment of Dave and Ian. I went for a walk round the nature reserve and only found that out on my return. As for me I had a most productive walk photographing a multitude of beasties and birds. Will put them on my wildlife blog at a later date.

Wilton Water with Pumping Station on the left

Last moorings to be had.

 Hoping for a BBQ later. Very windy though so may postpone until tomorrow.

And time for a stretch for this Tufted duck family seen in Devizes.

and on route,