shattering the peace of the countryside

Our constant companion, as we travel at the moment, is the sound of breaking ice - it's loud enough outside the boat to prevent conversation; inside it's deafening although Daisy (the only one inside whilst we're moving) doesn't seem overly perturbed. Our other travelling companions recently have been Robins; the little fellow here was hopping around Lesley's feet yesterday and in and out the hedgerow, quite unconcerned by our presence. When we left the Market Harborough arm, another Robin hitched a ride on our roof and rode with us until we reached the junction when he hopped onto another nb.

This is the FIRST time I've had a signal int the boat since Xmas & now they are all waiting for me to finish so I must go!