Friday 11th June

As we didn’t have far to go today we had a leisurely start. We noticed that the canal was running quite fast which is unusual but it meant less power was needed! We actually found another boat going our way so shared a couple of locks with them but then stopped for lunch in a lovely setting – it was so hard to believe we were so close to London or at least Uxbridge/Hillingdon/West Drayton. I remember them as being very built up and, I hate to say, rather a dump!! We arrived at Packet Boat Marina at Cowley, Uxbridge around 4pm and were made to feel very welcome by the manager who directed us to our mooring – home for Mary H until Friday 18th. The marina is very nice but the boats on both sides are occupied so it was rather like being in a goldfish bowl! However both sets of neighbours were extremely nice. We went to the local pub for a drink and a meal and sat outside in glorious sunshine then went back to Mary H and sat watching the sun go down.

It has come to my notice that a certain cat is being spoilt! We had chicken baguettes for lunch and Millie was sitting on Richard’s knee having her own chicken! She is getting away with so much more than she would at home – she is in for a shock when she goes back to Somersfield on Monday!!