Trip to Marsh Benham

A glorious sunny day today for our next move along the canal. Only a short distance, to Marsh Benham. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marsh_Benham

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/canal-and-river-network/kennet-and-avon-canal

It was my turn to set the locks and walk Dex along the towpath and John's turn to steer.

We went through the first lock and then past the Dundas Arms where we had met Pete and Tony for a few drinks last night, sat by the canalside. We decided not to eat there when the specials board advertised saddle of lamb for £70!! Ok it was for 2 people but even so...

At the next lock there were a crowd of people gathered and I wondered what was happening but then spotted the Horse boat. This is a tourist boat that runs out of Kintbury and Newbury and they are literally horse drawn. We had to wait for them to turn around and go back through the lock, turn around again and back through a second time before we could enter. They were wide so filled the lock on their own. This gave us time for photos and Dex was really good and passed close to the horse without any problems. 

The horse was untied whilst the boat was in the lock and was happily having a well earned chomp on the grass whilst waiting. 

Once they were ready to leave the lock they got the horse tethered again and they made their way out of the lock so we could enter. It was lovely to see how it worked. 

Soon we were on our way again, the scenery picturesque as ever. 

At the next lock there were a couple of ducks and Dex was telling them off and made them go in the water. 

As John entered the lock one of them flew onto the boat roof! Dex was going crazy about that! Unfortunately no more photos as my phone ran out of juice and camera on board! 

Dex nearly fell into the lock as the lock gate bridge was really narrow, usually they are 2 feet wide but this one was only 1 foot wide. He got across ok but on the way back he got scared half way and I had to grab his collar. Gave us both a scare and I won't be letting him cross narrow ones in future! 

We managed to moor past the winding hole at Marsh Benham and we were really hungry and thirsty by then so decided to walk the 5 minutes to the Red House pub and check it out. Glad we did as it's really nice and they do food all day. Had a welcome pint and a sandwich.