Lazy Sunday

We really are making slow progress. We woke to another stunning day and made the decision to go to the Family Service at All Saints which doesn't start until 11.00. This meant we could have a very lazy breakfast before strolling, to the sound of the bells ringing , up the hill to the church. As always, we were greeted warmly into this rather special building, the Cathedral of the Canals . The lively Ascension Day service was lead by the Rev Sarah Brown, who once again gave a thought provoking talk which started with a riddle, always a good opener  and some of the children were encouraged to join her to help with the visual aids. It is always so good to see the youngsters involved with the service.

We emerged from the church into the gloriius sunshine feeling uplifted and with a spring in our step which took us back to Hunters Moon via Wharf Narrowboat,  where Sid needed to buy some paint and brass restorer!

After a good lunch we set off. Then low and behold a familiar face appeared walking along the towpath. It was Richard and Megan, his dog from nb Clara Paye who we had descended the Caen flight at Devizes with last summer! We had a catch up chat as we motored and he walked on the towpath beside us. We are sure to cross paths again somewhere along the way. Small world the narrowboat world!

We only moved just out of Braunston to a pleasant mooring where we hoped to catch the afternoon and evening sun. Our mooring in Braunston had been partly under a tree!  We were also under a bird's flight path to this tree! The results of which were all over the front of Hunters Moon! Hence,  Jenny spent much of Sunday afternoon cleaning up the bird's mess. This done, she decided it was time to sit, relax and enjoy the beautiful afternoon.

Now, many of our readers may know that Jenny isn't the greatest of dog lovers! Well, what happened next does not endear her to dogs, or should it be their owners?  Jenny sits taking in the sun when suddenly a huge dog bounds up to her. Startled by being accosted by this panting dog who seemed determined to jump into the bow of the boat her first thought was to shout for help, that is "Sid!" The dog appeared lost and was bounding about and just wanted to jump on board!  Sid shut up the boat and left Jenny outside with this obviously,  young and slightly crazy dog. We expected to see it's owner appear along the towpath but the minutes ticked by and no one appeared. The dog bounded back and forth a short way along the towpath and eventually we heard someone calling. The dog did not respond. After about 10 minutes a man came up to us and claimed ownership of said dog. Apparently, the owner had last seen him chasing pheasants in a field and he thought that was what dog was still up to! We were astonished, particularly with there being so many sheep in the fields, How irresponsible,! And my afternoon had been disturbed! How thoughtless of the owner who just seemed unconcerned.  His narrowboat was moored some way back from us.

Peace restored to our mooring in the last of the evening sun

Docile four footed neighbours

You haven't got beef on that bbq have you?

Imagine our consternation when, as we were enjoying our bbq later, there was the sound of paws and panting coming along the towpath. We both jumped up, to protect our food and drinks, expecting to see our friend from earlier! Fortunately it was not and after a chat with this dog's owner, who had him well under control, we were able to resume our peaceful evening.

Sky blue pink!

Beautiful sunset!

The next morning as we were preparing to leave Jenny heard Sid talking to someone.  Guess what? It was the chap who's dog had bothered us the day before. He wanted to know if we had an inverter because his was not working and he couldn't charge his mobile. Sid kindly agreed to put it on charge for for 30 minutes which would give him enough charge to get through the day. Somehow we have a feeling we may see him again!