Hungry in Hungerford.

There was rain this morning but by the time we were ready to go it had faired up and we good to go. Down one lock and then to the services at Great Bedwyn. There was a bit of to'ing and fro'ing as there  was a boat just finishing and another just arrived after us but it was quickly sorted out. We filled up with water dumped the rubbish and emptied the loo. I love it when all the tanks and stuff are as they should be.After another lock we came across a hire boat waiting for the lock so we shared for the rest of the day to Hungerford.

They were a Danish couple and hired from Aldermaston Wharf. They liked the boat and they were pleased with the hand over and training but they were un-prepared for quite how much work was involved. They were also expecting to stop at a pub for lunch and then move on to another for tea but found the mooring a problem for that. They did say they would do it again but would bring some friends to share the load more. I suggested there were better routes for the type of holiday they were looking for so maybe they will try again some time.

This fireweed, or rose bay willow herb was a lovely colour and made a real splash of colour.

It seemed that we were meeting boats at most locks so that made the time pass quickly as we progressed down the canal. Helen thought she needed some exercise today so she has been locking us down. By about 1300 the sun had come out properly and it was a nice day, if breezey when coming into the locks.

At Hungerford Marsh Lock there is a bridge in the middle of the lock. We had been told that the bridge was extremely difficult to swing but it was no problem for us today. Hungerford church is in the background. As we passed through the swing bridge next to the church there was a funeral going on in the graveyard. I felt a little garish as we passed through.

We managed to find a mooring just after Hungerford Lock and were quickly all fast and having soup for lunch. I was starving by that time. We then set off to have a look round the town. A quick shuffti up and down the High Street and then into Tesco's for a top up. Mind you I was unable to keep Helen out of the antique shops entirely.

It is hard to believe that in 1987 12 victims of Michael Ryan were killed in this High Street. It is a nice spot and tomorrow there is a market on so will be well worth a visit. Helen has her eye on second visit to some of the shops. I was looking at the prices for some of the things that we have at home. I think I will bring them down here to sell rather than 'up north'.

Once loaded up with Tesco's swag we decided to cross the bridge over the canal to see what was on the otherside and came across the John O'Gaunt pub. It had plenty of real ale and plenty of ciders for Helen but we only had money with us for on. Helen says that she will allow us a second visit, if I am good.

I'm not sure whether it is that we are in this town but I am starving and we are going to have meat pie and chips for tea. I will have to leg it up the High Street to get the chips though! Can't wait. Oh and peas for the 'five a day' fix.