A Windy Trip

2.36 miles, 2 hrs 16 mins, 5 locks, 2 swing bridges, 3.25 lm/hr

The weather forecast for today was not brilliant. It was going to get colder, maybe a bit of rain.

We had some persistent ducks in the night that were tapping away on the side of the boat eating the algae! Then this morning the lady from the Granary restaurant just by the moorings came out and was feeding them with loads of bread. They certainly have a good life in Hungerford – it is no wonder there are so many ducks, drakes, swans and geese there!

Hungerford is good for shopping too. There is a Somerfield and a Co-Op, Post Office and lots of interesting little shops. We only needed to top up the larder so went to the Co-Op although I was tempted into the kitchen shop to have a look around! I came out without anything – this time.

As usual we set off after lunch and by then quite a wind had sprung up (not forecast). It was hard going through the next few locks as we were headed into the wind. Some skilful helmsmanship was called for at lock landings! The swing bridge at Hungerford that gave us a lot of trouble on the way down was much easier but the one over Hungerford Marsh lock (73) was still extremely heavy!

By the time we got to Froxfield Bottom lock (70) we were ready to moor! This lock was slow as only one upper paddle was working but fortunately there are some moorings just below the next lock – Froxfield Middle lock (69) so here we are, moored using the hooks as there is some piling and being buffeted by the wind still! However it is peaceful, surrounded by trees and the odd train passing by.

I have not uploaded any photos tonight as we were too busy to take any and anyway in this weather the canal is not at its best!