Look who we found!

 I returned from Mum's this afternoon and re-joined MR at Stoke Bruerne - G moved there from Yardley Gobion this morning. Once he'd finished with the Grand Prix highlights we left the boat for a pint or two at The Boat. Walking up the flight we encountered NB Tacet locking down (still moving at a dizzy speed). Coming out of the pub we encountered NB Caxton starting to lock down. We borrowed a windlass and saw them through the first two before they moored for the night - I have to say that their entrance into the lock was excellent; even with an audience.

We've spent the last hour hopelessly trying to explain to the boys that Floyd and Fletcher are no longer on board NB Caxton. Muttley, in particular, is beside himself thinking his besty mate must be around somewhere.

Walk into Stony Stratford

Whilst in Cosgrove village itself, G set off early to drive into Bletchley to have a new clutch fitted in the 'new' car (grrrrrr). He delivered the car for 8.30 in Bletchley and was given a lift into MK bus station where he hung around waiting for a bus at 10.00 back to Cosgrove and the boat. When he returned he took off his coat and realised that he had the car keys in his pocket!!!! Our new acquaintances from NB The Boat (Stuart, Fran and German Shepherd  Jebs) took pity on him and Stewart drove him back into Bletchley Otherwise he wouldn't have been back 'til around 4.30.

Had a lovely walk alongside the River Ouse into Stony Stratford which has loads of independent shops and a huge Budgens for the practical stuff. We also found a bakery and two butchers shops. We had a good pint in the dog friendly Fox and Hounds (which had an interesting menu although we didn't eat there) - you didn't think G would walk that far without a 'carrot' did you?

 We met Jack en route and he seemed to want to come with us - in the end his owner continued without him saying, 'he'll follow when he's had enough'. Which, eventually, he did although we were starting to plan his adoption.

 Back through the Ouse Valley Park with plenty of time for a drink and a paddle (B and M not us)

 The newly painted aqueduct looking splendid in the sun

Goings on around Cosgrove aqueduct

Moored in the vicinity of Cosgrove aqueduct, this little feller was spotted by our neighbours - one of two that inhabit this area apparently (terrapins, not neighbours) - I'm amazed that they can withstand our weather

 There have continued to be stoppages on the aqueduct itself as the painters are working from this 'punt' on a pulley system

 Definitely need a head for heights for this job, especially those that were abseiling on the outsides

 There is a local story that the specialist Scottish team-responsible for the structural repairs-bodged it with filler and sawdust. Probably rumour but, just to be on the safe side, try not to bang the sides. Pontcysyllte it may not be, but it's still plenty high enough to make a mess of the best china!

Looks very smart now, although you have to nip down into the Ouse Valley Park to get this view

We were moored up on quite a tilt which caught Daisy out big time. She'd just caught a mouse when a dog came charging down the towpath, she shot through the front deck and out onto the waterside gunwhales but, due to our tilt, over balanced and fell in (again). She then swam down the remaining 60 odd foot of boat and climbed up the back button with her mouse still clenched triumphantly between her teeth - only to meet G who took it off her and chucked it away. Poor Daisy. I didn't take the pic until she'd dried out as her day had already been bad enough - she looks lovely and glossy now though 

 It was nice to see that this lovely Tjalk was still around

 And this, extremely large, man was bodily lifted off the ground (cart and all) by some strong winds

Saturday brought about a short visit from Adam (NB Briar Rose) who kindly diverted between London and Brinklow to share a cuppa and a natter on his way home from work. It's always lovely to see a familiar face