Sunday 10th May, Above Days Lock, Dorchester.
Clear blue sky, sunny and the promise of a warm morning, what a perfect start for the intrepid 13 on their skiffs. We chatted to them all again as we ate breakfast outside, standing around taking in the beautiful scenery. We enjoyed the company of each other and yes, I managed to find a railwayman in their midst! He works at Laira depot, Plymouth and is involved with the warranty claims on the new MTU engines in the HST125 fleet.
We waved them all goodbye as we went off to walk around Castle Hill and taking in the views from the top before repeating the exercise with Wittenham clumps; one of the highest points in Oxfordshire, where there is a view indicator.
We could see clearly, the tower at Stokenchurch close to the M40 which is 31 miles away; the all around views were wonderful and made our walk even more enjoyable.
Returning to the boat we had a chat with the lockkeeper who seemed glad of the company as we had only had the skiffs and three other boats all morning.
After a snack lunch, we walked to the Tea Rooms at Dorchester Abbey: we have been there before and it is now included in our list of compulsory visits. The cakes are delicious and the seating is around a large circular table, which encourages conversations with your neighbours. It was a very pleasant way of spending part of the afternoon.
On our return to Martlet, we spent the remaining time merely relaxing in the sunshine.
2009 Totals – Locks 166; Miles 263; Bus pass uses 2.
