A welcome lie-in this morning. Then across the canal to top-up with water. The sun shone (make the most of it, the rain is coming) and we hoovered and laundered while we waited for the water. Nb Layla, which we have seen regularly since Reading, was going through the lock so we joined her. She has a crew of two humans, two cats (one disabled) and a dog. The canal is edged by reeds for much of the time. We saw reed buntings and a newly hatched moorhen. The views gradually diminished as we went down the four locks. Semington Aqueduct has a central reservation and is one-way. Moored nearby was the ultimate hoarder boat.
We have been seeing herons again. This one stayed put while we motored past.
We passed the spot where we spent our first night on Harold after picking him up at Semington. We stopped at the boatyard at Hilperton to fill up with diesel. Robin bought a water filter which he will fit just to make sure that water from the tank is totally safe to drink and we can dispense with the big bottles we have been using. Jo bought a lightweight aluminium windlass as an extra extra birthday present. As we approached Bradford-on Avon it got increasing busy. We saw the crew of Layla helping another boat to moor and they said it was chock a block. The canal edges are deep here, but the banks high with lots of reeds and stinging nettles. We decided to pull over and they helped us to moor too. After a bit of nettle bashing and messing about we managed to get a safe-ish exit for Scoobs.
The forecast is rain tomorrow, although it keeps changing. If so, we can pootle about in Bradford, which is a nice little town. We have a date for lunch on Wednesday, possibly at the Cross Guns at Avoncliff just a couple of miles up canal.
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