Short trip to Somerton

We drove up from Cornwall on a bright and sunny day - only for a short stretch was there any spray from earlier rain. We arrived at the boat just a couple of minutes after 1 o'clock, even with a coffee stop at Michaelswood Service Station.

Despite the phone call earlier in the week to discuss the replacement water tank overflow, they boatyard had not been able to completed the repair but it is not unduly urgent. Pressure of other work meant that they had not fitted the automatic bilge pump or changes to the water pump plumbing. However, nothing was to stand in the way of making at least a short trip out.

As we are probably going southwards next month, we opted to go northwards. It was a wonderful afternoon and so we were very pleased with the trip up to Somerton.

As we were cruising along, close to the railway line, we suddenly spotted a steam loco on the move! Alas it was too fast for us to capture it on camera - or indeed even to make out its number - but it was green!

Just above the Deep Lock is the nearest official winding hole. It was almost sunset by the time we turned around and moored for the night.

Mike spent some of the time modifying the rear doors to make them shut better. The piece of wood he brought was too thin so he tried another piece already on the boat. This is a bit too thick but at least it works!

We are really here to help with Alice's birthday party on Sunday and we will be child sitting tomorrow evening so that parents can have an evening out. This means that we have to make the return to Lower Heyford by lunchtime tomorrow.