Cricky not just the trains to contend with, but low flying choppers too.

Waking very early to a misty start to the day, I had visions of traveling the 100yds or so to the water tap later, with our tunnel light on and me waving a flag directing Ian as to which way to steer. As it turned out though, by the time we left at 7am most of the mist had cleared.

Out of the mist, mum and baby

lovely colours through the the spiders web.

Even at 7.30am when we left the facilities the temperature had risen to 20 deg (according to our back cabin thermometer) but thankfully without the humidity present, so a pleasent day cruising was anticipated. The canal became ever more rural and very picturesque. Moorings still look to be difficult but we did come along a lovely stretch between lock 60 and 61 right by the Crofton Pump House just right for stopping on our return journey.

At last a nice long straight edge with rings.

Starting to get used to the trains running alongside the canal. All we wanted now was a plane! Got the next best thing....

Low flying helicopter.

And the chopper banking away to the left.

 Now a word of warning at lock 60. The foot boards are on the wrong side of the gate. In other words keep the boat well forward of the bottom gate when ascending 'cause a very nasty accident could occur if the tiller got caught underneath.

Most of the locks were within walking distance and Dave and Ian walked the lot. Maybe I should have offered to do my bit......but there again.......maybe not 'cause it was to darned hot! And then finally the summit and a two mile pound lock free. And then, could we contain our excitement .....a tunnel!!!

Bruce tunnel

 At t'other end a nice excample of a wooden wharf crane by the side of Burbage Wharf.

Now it's downhill all the way to Bristol.

Ian managed to get hold of the chap at Pewsey boat club who told us there was no room at the inn! We could chance our luck and continue to Pewsey and try and moor after the 48hour moorings (which were all full) in the reeds. Having stopped at Wooten Rivers on another good length of moorings by the bottom lock we decided to stay and get our niece Lizzie and Richard to meet us there. Another reason for stopping was to meet another of the blogging fraternity Tony and Helen Nb Holderness. Lovely surprise to see them as I had thought them to be at Pewsey. Loads of chatting as well as the usual toilet tales. Yep folks, that subject always rears it's head especially with us bloggers!

Very excited about tomorrow now that we have a decent mooring and a pub lunch may be on the cards at The Royal Oak. With us not having to move until Sunday we wont have to get up early tomorrow. Wonderful!

And on route

Gold finch

Heron

Wren

Buzzard