Quintessential English canal evening

This is one of the reasons we enjoy this life. This scene is, well, normal. But each time we see a scene like this, it feels special. A gorgeous night.

Braunston again

This is one of our favourite moorings, down at the bottom of the hill looking up to the Braunston spire. Gorgeous.

We set off from Hillmorton today with Pete doing an amazingly expert reverse of Bella to the winding hole at the bottom of Hillmorton locks. The expertise included passing moored boats, passing moving boats (which confused them as we were facing the same direction) and then turning in the ideal moment as the locks were bringing boats down so that we were ready as soon as they opened. Star.

The locks were busy indeed, with Elizabeth at the tiller in between locks 2/3 and 4/5. Bridge, sharp corner, two boats out, others waiting, still she managed to bring Bella into lock with not a tap. What a team!

OK. Enough for the cruising. Now for Maxwell. We continue to be amazed. A. Mazed. We walked him up this gorgeous hill to the villadge. Two country swing/arc gates and he knew what to do. Next one, he waited on the right side for the opening. No barking at people. Almost no noticing of people. First trip to the pub with us. Drank water put out for dogs - Josie never did this, no matter what. No barking at dogs in the pub garden. Unlike Josie. Wagging tail with people. Who knew dogs could be like this? Not us, for sure. Walk home, some dogs met, most ignored, some quickly moved away from. Woooo. We have a nice, hospitable, beautiful dog. Wow.

Oh, and it's a nice mooring.

Watering up

Here we are, watering up below Hillmorton locks. Pete had a half day time off in lieu, so we untied and travelled north on the Oxford, cruising past our old home mooring of Hillmorton Wharf Marina. Elizabeth spent the cruising time at the desk, with Bella variously moving in and out of data coms. 4G was enjoyed to the east of Rugby, so we should be in connectivity when we moor up. Fingers crossed.

Maxwell watches for boats

Well who knew. It seems that one of Mr Well's favourite pastimes is watching boats. We have somehow managed to train him not to bark at the boats, or their people, or even their dogs. So he either sits, stands or raises his head from a nap as they go by. We can't believe how lucky we are!! Reinforcement for his quite laid back attitude comes from boater after walker after boater who comment on his gorgeousness.  Walkers stop, talk to him, stroke his head, and praise him heaps. Everyone of you who knew Josie will realise what a shockingly fabulous bonus this is for us. A. Maze. Ing.