Friday 22nd May, Pinkhill
After breakfast we listened to Desert Island Discs on the wireless; this week’s guest was Peter Sallis, his choice of music was mostly to our taste and we enjoyed the programme.
Moving off, the wind was strong from the West; yet again I was togged up for the winter.
I think that summer has been removed from the seasons without our knowledge, Technically I know that it does not start for a month or so – but would a full dress rehearsal hurt anyone? At least the rain kept away which makes things more pleasant on the blunt end. The levels were well down as we wound our way along the series of sharp bends between Tadpole Bridge and Shifford lock; it needs a bit more concentration to stay afloat when the useable part of the river is reduced still further.
The two canoes that locked down with us at Rushey caught us up at Shifford, they confirmed that the levels were well down, with shallows in areas new to them.
We stopped for the day at Pinkhill and went to the lock to chat with Tim the lock keeper and his wife; it is amazing what subjects were covered in the space of an hour or thereabouts.
A traditional launch passed us,it was called 'Sultan', it is 23' in length, coal fired steam launch built about 1890 and restored by Peter Freebody at Hurley in 1977.
We saw a Barn Owl sweeping across the tall grass as evening fell and there was a Cuckoo in the tree above us. A Pheasant was shouting out, letting everything know that he or she was about to roost for the night, how rural can you get?
2009 Totals – Locks 186; Miles 349; Bus pass uses 2.
