Wednesday 18 May 2011

Fenny Compton

Yesterday morning Mark was awake very early so we were on the move before 6am, 1st stop the water point & then the Napton locks, we struck lucky as all bar one were in our favour. We met just one boat coming down so they were pleased that all would be set for them. 
We exited the top lock at 8.30am, stopped for a coffee & then had an enjoyable cruise along the summit to Fenny Compton, the canal here twist & winds, you have to be on the ball as it's sods law that you'll meet any oncoming boats either on a bend or in a bridge hole.


but at least we won't get lost..

The hedgerows & canal banks are very lush now with the yellow iris looking at its best.

Arriving at Fenny Compton at 12 noon we found a spot on the 14 day moorings & after lunch we had a walk into the village to the small Co-op for some supplies, a lazy afternoon followed.
We're moored a few yards from The Wharf Inn & took advantage of  their 2 for £10 offer for our evening meal  & it was spot on, mushroom & garlic pasta for Mark & veggie sausage & mash for me, good sized helpings (I couldn't finish mine but did need to leave room for a pud!) tasty, fresh vegetables, pleasant staff & surroundings, definitely recommended. They also have a shop selling basic groceries etc & a launderette ( £5 a wash, commercial sized machines) All useful stuff for us boaters.
After our meal we were struggling to keep our eyes open no doubt due to full tums & our early start so it was early to bed, but it had been a great day.

 This morning the local swan family called by to see if we had any breakfast for them,
 they have 5 cygnets & they were all hitching a ride.
This was them later this afternoon

To counter the effects of the puds ( treacle sponge & sticky toffee) we ate last night we had a 7 mile walk from Fenny Compton up to Burton Dassett Country Park. It was a fairly strenuous climb up but some good views from the top though very windy.

 Mark studying the orientation platform

The hills used to be quarried for ironstone & a lot of the houses in Fenny Compton 
are built in the distinctive yellow/brown stone





 The yellow topped posts that help with way marking...
a tall one so it can be seen from a distance & over the brow of the hill.

It is our first anniversary as continuous cruisers as we left Goole 12 months ago today. 
We have covered 696 miles, done 498 locks, 24 tunnels, 41 swing bridges & 23 lift bridges.   And we've enjoyed every minute.... 

4 comments:

  1. Happy Anniversary !! We are still landlubbers with dreams of becoming fulltime liveaboards. However, until the time comes we are enjoying reading all the blogs including your's. The photo's are brilliant but even moreso are the little bits of information you provide in your posts. Keep em coming.

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  2. Well done you two, happy anniversary. You look a little lost on the orientation platform Mark, then again we all thought you were a bit dizzy.Take care, keep smiling and stay healthy and happy. Dave & Carol xx

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  3. well done and happy anniversary to you both. You look a little lost at the orientation platform Mark, then again we all thought you were a bit dizzy at the best of times. Take care and stay happy and healthy. Best wishes Dave & Carol xx.

    ps: must send Bri Wilson some jokes by text, he`d like that !!!

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  4. Cheers Dave and Carol. Brian will like that Im sure lol. Yeah I was trying to work out where I was, doh. Hope you enjoy your Skipton trip, take care, Mark and Julia

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