What a weird red day

Weird, in fact, a bit surreal really. Has anyone else felt it today? That peculiar sky, a red sun and oppressive feeling? Reminded me somewhat of when we watched the eclipse, you know that bit just before it goes all dark and everything went quiet. Not quite the same as that wind had picked up and the birds were still twittering but still very eerie. Apparently, it is all to do with Ophelia pulling up Saharan dust into the atmosphere.

We left Newlands by 9.30 am and unbeknown to us moored around the bend was John and Martina  Nb Burnt Oak  As we drew level I spied john in the Well deck and had a very brief word. Seems we missed them yesterday when the came and knocked on FS. We were out with the family at Willen lake (photos later). Hopefully, they will make it to our rally next year.

Reaching the Iron Trunk Aqueduct and with the wind even more blustery I really wanted to moor up. But this was Cosgrove and an almost impossible task to find a space free. As we reached the other side, wow a result...a space and not under a tree either. This will do splendidly and I get to go walkabout down on the River Great Ouse.

Even space behind for another boat.Check out that reddish tint in the photo. All to do with Ophelia.

 And on the walk,

Horse tunnel

And one of the nine disused locks to lower and raise the canal over the river. Not a great success as more water was lost in the process but an aqueduct was always intended to replace the locks. 

Iron Trunk

Managed to find some more boaters gold. Ian chopped it into decent lengths once we got moored at  Cosgrove.

And that Milton Keynes canal cleanup? Well it managed to get as far as Cosgrove and by the amount on the two pans a succesful haul.

I should mention yesterday and the visit from daughter Christine and family.

Just had lunch (mushroom omelette) and the family turned up. Talk about a surprise. Okay, we knew they were coming but thought it to be late afternoon. Origonal text message was  'we won't be arriving until after lunch'. So we had lunch and then they arrived saying they were ready to go for lunch at Willen lake well, that was the surprise. In the end, Kevin and Josh got hold of my rod to do a bit of pike fishing so lunch for them was put on hold, but we did give Thomas a sandwich to tide him over.

Set off for the lake around 3ish and of course Josh and Thomas wanted playtime so food was put on the back burner for another hour.

Getting food at the Lakeside took forever! Okay, it was Sunday, the weather was glorious and lots of people milling about enjoying the warm sunshine. We got a table very quickly and Ian and Kevin went to order food and drinks. The queue for the bar stretched to the door and with only two people serving, this is why it took forever. Then the wait for the meals, by now the grandchildren were getting fed up. Thankfully Christine had a few toys with her so that kept them occupied. And then there was the loos. Disgusting! Short-staffed or not there is no excuse not to check and keep them clean. Wet floors, loo paper everywhere and dirty toilet seats, not a sign of a good establishment!

Walked back to FS nearly at dusk and Thomas got such a fright when he looked up and saw this.

Back at FS they decided not to stop. It is a school day on Monday after all and a two hour drive awaited them. So a fond farewell and probably wont see them until November some time.

And wildlife,

sniffing an orange peel perhaps?

This peculiar bug arrived on Ian's jumper after fetching those branches. Any ideas?