9-12 December 2015. We do a bit of cycling, walking and eating and fit a new inverter.

On Wednesday there was no wind (or so it seemed) and the sun was shining so we decided to go back to Pitsford Water, this time with the bikes. We discovered that though there may be no wind on the canal, a large and high reservoir in December is a different matter. However, Robin and Scooby did the whole way round (about 5 miles) and Jo 3 miles (before retiring to the café) and a good time was had by all.


Robin and Scooby setting off across the Pitsford dam wall.

On Thursday we visited Towcester, 7 miles down the A5. It is built around the A5 which goes through it on the route of the old roman road, so that Watling Street is their High Street. There was a nice butchers and deli and we came away with goodies to top up the larder. We dropped Robin's finished book into a local charity shop and he bought another. The museum was open (staffed by volunteers) and told the story of the town, which claims to be the longest known settlement in the country. It is an interesting story and a good little museum. We came out to pouring rain and beat a hasty retreat back to the boat. In the evening we had our crew Christmas outing; dinner at The Narrow Boat round the corner. Unfortunately it was officer class only as dogs are not allowed in the restaurant. However, Scooby did enjoy some gammon brought back in paper napkins and secreted in Jo's pocket!

The Narrow Boat restaurant.

 Friday was sunny and with rain forecast for Saturday, we decided to make the most of it and after some domestic chores, went for a long walk around Church Stowe. It was very pretty in the low sun. We got back just as it was getting dark feeling tired but virtuous.

 

Church Stowe in the distance

Robin was very envious of this new fishing lake

The Church at Church Stowe

The footpath went under the railway through this tiny tunnel.

Saturday had an early start as the engineer came to fit our new inverter. The old one has been behaving much better since we ordered the new one, making it a difficult decision whether or not to go through with the expense. But we decided we would rather be safe than sorry and went for it. It will take some time to recover from the trauma. However, there is shopping to be done and Christmas cards to send so we will have to revive ourselves eventually :)