Today, we will have nature study - or so it appeared to be turning out. Having just moved off and slowed down for the first moored boats a hunderd yards away, a Jay flew across the canal and landed in a tree quite close to me. He looked my way and then jumped around on the branch to face me. I lost the subsequent staring contest.
Passing by the Grove mill, the conversion to living accomodation looked to have been well carried out.
Further down approaching the second Cassiobury Park lock, two Magpies flew across making a lot of noise, seemingly persued by a crow.
At the lock, the cottage has crennelations above the porch, no doubt barricaded against possible arguments from working boatmen.
Just above Cassio Bridge Lock, we saw a Muntjac deer some 20 feet away in the shrubs at the canal side; he looked at us, then resumed chewing whatever he or she was chewing. There were permanently moored boats very close, maybe Muntjac do not mind the noise of generators.
It was warming up nicely as the sun burned through the mist and the sky was really
blue, I have taken a picture in case that was this year's summer.
We soon arrived at Common Moor lock, it was a pleasure to see that most of the semi-derelict and unlicensed boats have gone from the offside below the lock. The few remaining, with one exception, were all displaying current licences.
Down to Batchworth Lock for rubbish and elsan disposal, and filling up with water.
On to Tesco moorings, for a small shopping trip, then reverse to the only mooring space opposite the island office block.
We are being collected by Chris Jaques, who together with Adrienne has invited us to have a bath, bring our washing and then have a Fish supper. A real boaters visit!
2009 Totals – Locks 84; Miles 81.5; Bus pass uses 2.
