Christmas Cruise - Day 3

This morning dawned a lot brighter than the forecast had suggested.  We had a cooked breakfast with bucks fizz (well, it is Christmas!) and set off just after 9.30.  At Hillmorton, the pound below the top lock was very short of water so we ran some down, then went down the lock.  All three were against us.

After the locks, we saw our first moving boat of the day, Bisous.  Shortly afterwards we passed two canoeists, then the only other moving boat, Snipe, which used to be part of a hotel pair; not sure if it's still a hotel boat.  The tow path was quite busy, though, with plenty of cheerful dog walkers.  We had some mulled wine, and were soon heading past Brinklow Marina, heading for All Oaks Wood.

We moored up just after 1pm, and were surprised at how few boats are here.  In the summer, it's often difficult to get a space.  We started cooking our turkey, and ate our meal at around half past three, washed down with champagne.  We've also spoken to our families, and all seem to be having a good day.  Currently, a Christmas pudding is steaming in a pan on top of the stove.  By the time it's done, we might just be ready for something else to eat.  As far as presents go, one that Adrian got me was the biggest tin of Brasso you've ever seen -- a whole litre!

9 miles, 3 locks.  (28 miles, 6 locks)