Laughs, Locks and Liquor

After shopping at Sainsbugs Thursday morning Pete and Dizzy arrived about 6ish. The day had been very hot and storms were forecasted. We had dinner and decided on a walk round the town. Getting back to the boat we had a game of cards and waited for the fireworks to begin. We were not disappointed at all we had the biggest, loudest and most spectacular lightening we have seen for a long time,and boy did it rain.

Friday 18th started a little grey but turned out to be another glorious day and we finished in Seend Cleeve opposit a lovely pub The Barge Inn. Went for a walk up to the small village, then back for dinner and cards, Pete did not seem to win much, unusual for Pete, and Baz did his usual at Uno lost!

Sat morning again a little cloudy but thought we ought to get out for a walk so walked to Sells Green had a pint in The Three Magpies, then set off back. We got caught in another huge thunder storm thunder and lightening that made us jump! After drying ourselves off and having lunch the clouds cleared and we chugged off down to Foxhanger, at the bottom of Caen Hill Flight. The locks we have planned to do Sunday.

Sunday got started to leave for 9am, but already about 5 boats went passed us. We set off, in hindsight we possibly should have waited about half hour or so because we caught them all up after the first 6 and the Lock keeper asked us to wait as nothing coming down. Hard work for us all, and alot of hanging about for Captain Bazza. Nearly got to the top when the lady on the boat in front of us fell in the lock. She was ok just abit shaken and bruised ribs a Boater for over 20 years and had never gone in until then. So we all helped that boat get to top. We where all knackered on arriving in Devizes. But after a few beers normal service was resumed! Early night though!!

Monday  21st July I had booked for us to go on the Wadworth Brewery Tour. And very good it was, tasting several beers at the end. 

A wander around Devizes and then back to boat for a late lunch before saying Goodbye to our fabulous friends. I think they enjoyed their stay even though we made them work their passage!

Tuesday 22nd July. We decided to explore the countryside around Devizes so caught a bus to Avebury. We saw the Stone circles very much like Stonehenge but on a smaller scale. 

Then went onto Marlborough for lunch by the river Kennett. A very classy town and prices reflect!

Buses where few and far between back to Avebury so got the 70 to Swindon, had a cuppa there and back on the 49  to Devizes.  Did not get back till about 7pm so picked up a delicious curry from The Taste of Bengal, one of the best we have had.

Wednesday after filling and emptying the boat with water etc left Devizes about 10. Slow going as we seem to have hire boats popping out in front of us on every bend! Moored up at Honey Street not our favorite place so many 'travellers' here. Our nice clean boat does not really fit in here!! Still haho off tomorrow.