Final plans have now been made

Today we were able to book B & B for the 5 of us on the Monday night, just 5 km North of Nieuwpoort at Midelkerke. Prior to this we hadn't a clue where we would be spending the night as the boat won't be put back in the water until Tuesday. Our transporter said we could sleep in MR on the back of the lorry but with our top boxes and their contents and my kayak inside plus 2 dogs and a cat, it didn't seem a very desirable option. So that's that little problem ticked off. It also means that we can book the ferry - Dover to Dunkirk; so that's done now too: 2.00pm on 14th April.

That's 5 weeks on Monday - I'm getting quite excited now that most things are done.

We had a really nice day again today although the weather wasn't very cheerful. Somehow I managed to persuade G that it would be a good idea to walk across the aqueduct and down along the Great Ouse into Stony Stratford. It was nice to have some company instead of walking on my own.

 The iron trunk from above

 and from below - last time we were here they were painting it

 more inaccessible wood

 Clearly a diversion required here

 G was concerned about this diversion and anxious to catch up with his beer whilst his mottley crew struggled to keep up at the back

 Lunch at the dog friendly Old George had some interesting things on the menu in amongst the 'norms'. This was my roasted fig with roquefort and pancetta on rocket and pomegranate seeds at £4.95. It was gorgeous and G's chips were lovely too. 

 It didn't look like the sort of place that would do 'fancy' but it was nice to try something different. A really homely and friendly pub with 4 Real Ales - thoroughly recommend it

 I like this town - quirky buildings and independent shops

 and miles of good dry walking