Hungerford

Canal today : Kennet and Avon

It was a very but dry day as we set off. The cuckoo was still around for a little while.

Christine and the two girls walked between the first two locks, looking at all the wild flowers - and the many slugs out after the rain yesterday!

Few boats were on the move today but we still seemed to have most of the locks against us.

We made full use of the services at Kintbury - the last water point was at Tyle Mill so it too some time to fill up.

After a further lock we pulled in just after the lock landing to have our lunch. Eggy bread seemed popular today. Must have seen Mike secretly cooking some yesterday!

The towpath above Brunsden Lock is in poor condition with several sections eroded sufficiently to allow a continuous steam of water to escape from the canal. Let's hope that this is not another breach in the making.

As we were ready to resume cruising, the restored work boat came up the lock and we went through the next couple of locks together. The boat was originally built in 1930's as a standard 70 foot boat but was later shortened by BW and a longer cabin added. The family on board live aboard a wide beam boat at Rickmansworth but use this one for trips away from base.

We stopped at Hungerford Wharf so that we could do some shopping. The main street is adjacent to the wharf bridge.

After returning to the boat with fresh supplies we ascended the nearby lock. This lock appears to have had recent extensive renovation as well as new gates which fit extremely well.

By now a light drizzle had arrived and was now giving the impression of hanging around for some time so just above the lock we moored for tgenighgt in a convenient space on the visitor mooring, complete with rings.

Xx miles - 8 locks