Start of Spring

We set off from home just before 8:30 but called in Bodmin for some logs as well as to fill up with diesel. With a quick stop at Taunton Deane (Christine was ready for coffee by this time!) and a very short comfort break at Michael Wood, we arrived at Lower Heyford only a few minutes after 1 o'clock.

Nigel was keen to chat about the work they had done on the boat - as far as we can see all the scheduled work has been completed, including an engine service, new water tank overflow, repairs to leaks from pump and an automatic bilge pump.

Unloading the car did not take long but there were several things to do before we could set off, including putting up the new curtains. However, just after three we were ready to cast off and it took the customary 20 minutes to extricate ourselves from the mooring and to wind so that we could head southwards. We were already quite surprised by how many boats were on the move - perhaps the majority were just out for the day from local moorings, however.

It was rather cold but still very pleasant as we cruised south, passing through a couple of locks before finding a mooring at the old quarry. Despite the lack of a satellite signal - the trees and hill were in the way - it would not have made sense to press on as soon we will enter the River Cherwell although Thrupp would have made a better mooring!

There was sufficient mobile signal to know that Andrew was calling but Mike had to walk up the steps to the quarry itself to get be able actually to talk! Andrew's intervention with BW has meant that the proposed stoppage for bridge maintenance just before Devizes is no longer a problem.

The shepherd's pie which Christine prepared last night had only one failing - we wished there was more, even if it had looked at least sufficient when it was made! Must be something to do with being out in the fresh, but cold, air!