Devizes to London - Days 1 & 2

A daunting prospect.

We were off bright (sort of) and early (reasonably so) on our attempt at the North Face of the Caen Hill Flight (of locks).

We had barely started when we came across a group of vacationers, who agreed to team-up for the assault. They were a family of eight (two small children); so we would not be lacking willing bodies; even if rather untutored. However; they were quick learners, so we were several locks into the (total) 28, when our first recruits joined us ... Babs and Jim Hannis, from Gloucester. Jim is quite the talented melodeon player, so notes were quickly ringing around the locks. Shortly thereafter, Tony O'Neil turned up - from Maidenhead - so an extra voice was added to the vocal mix. About half-way up, our final recruit: Dave Field; came aboard; his personal windlass handle  at the ready.

WINDLASS HANDLE

Here's a picture of Moonston's locking crew after a restorative glass of ale! Where's Lyn?





Deciding to capitalize on a good start, Lyn and I we're soon back on the cut, for about 15 miles of 'lock-free' cruising ... getting almost to our the destination we had targeted for Day 2!!!

With lots of bird-song surrounding us (largely wonderful notes from Blackbirds) we were off early on Day 2 (07:30) in glorious weather. This was the perfect day, and season, for viewing the myriad of Blackthorn in blossom.




 Our conception of England as a crowded, built-upon, little island is being challenged by the beautiful miles of brilliant green scenery, with man-made structures nowhere to be seen.

So now we're in Hungerford; just a few hours cruising from Newbury; where we're hoping to purchase an anchor ... which we're told is 'an absolute essential safety feature' for river voyaging.






All for now, Tom.