Unwanted visitor

Who on earth was knocking on the side of the boat at a silly time in the morning? That's what I asked myself at 6.30am! Nothing for it but get up and inviting itself in, was a swan! With it being so very hot and humid last night and because the side hatch was water side, we didn't expect any intruders but seems I was wrong.

No point in going back to bed so may as well get going and down the one and only lock for today.  Ian filled the lock, I motored in and FS was about to descend when a wide beam turned up blocking the exit from the lock. He was unable to get onto the landing as a boat was using the water point, nothing for it but to sit in the lock entrance. Then as Ian opened the gates he reversed to allow me out. All well and good but I had to avoid the moored boat on the water point and the chap on the wide beam didn't realise I wasn't fully out and started back toward the lock  We only avoided a collision because I put the power on and we missed each other by an inch. A bit of good-natured banter followed and we were on our way.

 This is one very popular place as can be seen by the number of boats moored.

Looking back toward the Iron Aqueduct.

 After a stop at Wolverton for a Tesco shop, we arrived at the park. Here the arrangement was made to meet the family. Both boys wanted to fish and I was most relieved when fish were caught. They could so easily have got bored silly and started messing about.

First Oscar caught a fish

Then it was Olivers turn

And back to Oscar.

The heat and humidity seems to have got worse as the day progressed and with the side hatch towpath side, it will have to stay shut. So no inquisitive swans to deal with but also a very uncomfortable night in store.

Not expecting to blog in the next day or so as we may push across and stay on the 14-day mooring. Oliver's sports day is on Wednesday and he begged us to be there. Only too happy to oblige for our grandson.

And seen at the park,