Savernake Forest

Wonderful walk this morning in the savernake forest. Came across St Katherine's church in the depths of the forest, really beautiful. Hadn't realised how lovely Great Bedwyn is, so many fabulous houses. Dex chased a squirrel and a hare but luckily no chance of catching either. Gorgeous pink and white foxgloves.

Great Bedwyn

We set off early today as wanted to be settled on our mooring by lunchtime. It was raining and it was my turn to set the locks and John's turn to steer. So Dex and I got wet but we weren't too bothered. Filled up with water at Crofton and saw the Canadian geese family. Met up with a hire boat and did all the locks with them which was great and so much easier. We soon arrived at Great Bedwyn and we are here til Thursday/Friday now. Managed to do 2 loads of washing and it's all on the rotary washing line now as it's stopped raining! So far managing well with the daily chores.

So funny earlier as a pair of ducks were walking along the towpath and looked in the window. They then hopped onto the back of the boat, walked across to the other side and jumped down into the canal! Dex watched them, he was so gobsmacked he didn't have chance to chase them luckily 😀

Trip to crofton

Had a mini drama last night as just about to go to bed when John noticed the water level had really risen and our ropes were really tight. He went up to the next lock but couldn't see any problem. He decided to call the Canal and River trust and they said they would send someone out as often had problems with lock paddles further upstream being left open so the water kept flowing down. John saw the boat next to us was already tilting with the strain on their ropes so he had to wake them up so they could adjust them. They were really grateful and luckily a problem diverted!
Today another glorious day, can't believe our luck with this fabulous weather! Left Wootton Rivers early and made our way through the seven locks to Crofton. I was steering whilst John did the locks (with supervision from Dex) 😀 when we approached the Bruce tunnel I could see that it was totally clear with no boats in sight so I started going along it. Then another boat appeared at the other end but I thought he must have seen me so would wait. But he just kept coming towards us and another boat behind him! I struggled but managed to keep Prairie tight to the wall so they could just pass us. Nightmare with people not having patience or sticking to the rules. The sign says not to enter unless it's clear. Still no damage done and the rest of the trip was fine. Enjoying a relaxing afternoon whilst John walks back to Wootton Rivers to get the car.

Wootton Rivers

So today we said our goodbyes to Pewsey and the mooring. Quite emotional really as not sure when we will return. We have only gone a short distance however to Wootton Rivers. Basically the next village 😄 Everything is so slow and relaxed on the canal. Fabulous weather so making the most of it.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wootton_Rivers

Our route to Hungerford

Click to view our route to Hungerford

Had lovely walk from Jones mill to Wootton Rivers and back. Gorgeous meadow flowers and irises on the canal bank. Should be on the move tomorrow hopefully!

Jones Mill nature reserve

Amazing the wildlife you see on the canal. Never expected to see a crocodile at Pewsey wharf! Enjoying the sunshine and getting everything sorted for our trip. At the moment we still have the car but soon it will be just us and the boat.

Lazy Sunday

Weather so gorgeous today time to relax and enjoy a BBQ 😀

Couldn't post anything yesterday as no signal! Joys of boating..
Had a great day as it was gorgeous weather and we took Prairie from Horton to Honeystreet. I took her most of the way by myself whilst John walked Dex. Managed the swing bridges too! Saw a swan and cygnets. Had lunch at Honeystreet and met up with Derek who we haven't seen for ages. In the evening had the prosecco and quiche deal for £5 and met a lovely couple from Avebury.
Today took the boat back to Pewsey for the weekend. I walked Dex back to Honeystreet to get the car.

Well the day of our departure is here and it started bright and sunny! Good sign we thought..we had a lot to sort out in the morning and food shopping etc so it was lunchtime before we set off. Well actually I took the car to the Bridge at Horton and John took the boat. Where we had left her in Devizes marina to get the heating fixed and new hatch doors, they had moved her to a different area and when John tried to cast off she was stuck fast on the bottom! Eventually had to get towed out by one of the hire boats so not the most auspicious start! Anyway we are here at Horton and all well so far. We have new cushions for the back and the bell which was one of my retirement presents from work is in place so all set.

We hope to catch up with as many friends and family as possible on our journey so if you have a canal or river linking into the canal system we hopefully will get to see you at some point along the way..however as we can only travel at 3 miles an hour and we want to visit places of interest along the way it could take a while! 😀

Setting off

We have been planning an adventure on our narrow boat Prairie for some time now. Currently Prairie is at Devizes Marina having a few last minute jobs sorted but we hope to set off on Thursday 18th May.