Harmony

Fabulous sunny and warm day yet again. Shorts and sandals for the first time this summer. Currently on the Grand Union canal, Leicester arm, having completed the North Oxford, Braunston tunnel ( one and a quarter miles) and now heading for Crick and Leicester. A bit of a mutiny last night, largely about methods of mooring. In the old days it was possible to tie-up the boat onto a mooring pin without the risk of some moron untying it for a laugh during the night. From there  it moved-on to tying mooring ropes to the bankside  boat stud, but the moron's evolved to untying them from there.  So the latest recommendation is to tie to the waterside boat stud so if any moron wishes to untie it they have to walk over the boat, alerting anyone aboard. However, some crew members have failed to evolve at the same rate as the moron 's and thus a lively discussion ensued regarding mooring techniques. Perfection leaves little scope for reason, compromise or humour. After a quiet night and an apology all was back to "normal" this morning. On the way to Braunston we spotted a man on the bank wearing a hat and what appeared to be little else. Closer inspection "revealed" he was, indeed, not wearing anything other than a flesh coloured loin cloth and a rucksack. It was a hot day but not that hot, although Margaret and Lynne were certainly sweating. The north Oxford is very pretty with long straights and many bendy bits, but heavily overgrown. The towpaths are knee deep in mud, so certainly not recommended for cyclists. In contrast the Grand Union is better maintained, with excellent towpaths. Braunston tunnel is in good condition but wet weather gear is recommended. Fortunately our headlight and navigation lights worked well. We went through 6 sets of double locks with another boat and very friendly crew, which made the experience enjoyable. Healthwise I feel 100 per cent better, a great recommendation for the boating lifestyle.