The Kennet and Avon canal was finally closed in the 1950’s but for many years before that it had fallen into disrepair. One surprising use was as a line of defence during the second world war. The idea was that the canal would form a barrier against the invading Germans and all the bridges along the canal have WWII pill boxes defending them, Captain Mainwaring and his chums would have been holding the invaders back. An unlikely scenario but it seemed like a good idea at the time.
The pumps mentioned yesterday have now been fixed so the locks are ready for two intrepid explorers to go through tomorrow – all 29 of them, foolishly Peter and Jane have volunteered to help, that will put them off boating for life.
We have extended our holiday by a week so will not be home until the 25th July. That will leave us a little over a week to do our washing before the next holiday, it is hard work being retired.
Today was a fairly easy cruise through the countryside stopping a nice pub for lunch which has restored my faith in eating out in the UK. It was so nice we have booked a table for next Saturday when we pass on our return journey. Our boat is shown moored opposite the pub, the tables are under a very posh marquee.
One rather strange thing, Gills cranberry juice had the motto “Courage without the Dutch”, is this a new insult to our European neighbours? Or do you need to be brave to order cranberry juice (I stuck to wine).
Just before the pub we passed Littleton Mill where in 1802 the Luddites smashed the powered looms in protest at them taking their jobs, a bit like railway workers striking over the introduction of electronic ticketing. One of the workers, a 19 year old called Thomas Helliker, was hung for his actions!
Comparing this canal with our previous canal holidays in the Midlands and the North of England there are a lot more joggers on the tow paths. Some are puffing their way past before it is light at 6am, we pull the covers over our heads and try to get back to sleep. We don’t remember such lunacy on our previous holidays, it must be a southern thing.
After tomorrows exertions we will probably have a day off and visit the Kennet and Avon Canal Museum where I can pick up all sorts of information to make the blog even more boring. I bet you can’t wait.