Swindon (the other one), Friday 21st August
Thursday.
Another early start, and all was well until we reached Kinver to see a boat moving off into the lock. This was another single hander; unlike the previous day, this one was much slower in the locks once he realised we were behind him. At Stewponey lock, when Myra walked up, he was no where to be seen. The boat was in the lock with the level made and the top gate shut; he eventually walked out of the BW offices with a cup of tea in his hand. Fortunately, he was turning right at Stourton and would not be in front of us. What a difference a day makes………….
We had a nice chat with a couple on a Viking afloat hire boat as we both waited for our water tanks to fill at Greensforge; their boat hire was virtually paid for by using Tesco clubcard points! The amount of money that they actually paid represented the fuel cost, a bargain. They do have a Tesco credit card, but regard their holiday as a freebie and we thought that they had done well.
We stopped above Hinksford lock and a man taking his dog for a walk recommended Mr. Smith’s fish and chip shop in Swindon village. We followed his advice and agreed with his recommendation, they were very good; well done Mr Smith. I saw a malt loaf on half price offer in Londis close by; I should have bought it then as they had sold out on our return later in the afternoon.
We are staying here tomorrow as grandson Caleb is to join us again, we will have him on Martlet until Monday lunchtime and are looking forward the next few days.
2009 Totals: 443 Locks – 839.5 miles – 29 Bus pass uses.
