Thursday, March 29, 2018

Dumb decision and a long wet walk

So...Day 1 of our travels started off with sunshine melting the frost from the jetty, and a good bump into the canal. It felt quite wonderful to be on our way nice and early.



We cruised gently through Milton Keynes, past Great Linford and Wolverton and names that make my Australian head giggle with delight, such as Thrupp and Yardley Gobion. Once past Cosgrove lock, the canal winds through pastures and fields....tiny lambs bleating, protesting the noise of our passing, and all manner of water birds gliding out of our path.the rain came 


However!
It was a day of distinct halves.
We got to our first flight of locks at Stoke Bruerne and I ended up on the wrong side of the towpath Now...instead of sensibly walking back to the bottom lock to cross to the side I needed to be on, I thought..."I will just keep walking ahead...they'll be a place further down" oh dear!
All of a sudden I am walking down the A508 and the canal is nowhere to be seen. I've already walked for half a mile and the sign says another half a mile to the top lock at Stoke Bruerne. Okay I thought...I'll get to the top and wait for Augusta and Dave. 
Oh so dumb
The rain buckets down
Soaked to the bone
I sit on a bench and wait.
And wait
And wait

Meanwhile poor Dave has not continued to lock through. I have disappeared. He goes walking trying to find me. Friendly boaters try to find me. I am lost. Dave is getting very worried and eventually tries calling the police.
By now the rain has stopped, I'm freezing and wet and getting worried myself. So I begin to walk back down the towpath to be met with "are you Lonnie? Your husband is very concerned " oh God's! I am so embarrassed and ashamed. What a dumb dumb move.
Dave only shouts for a little while.
I am grounded.
Not allowed off the boat without phone or walkie talkie...or perhaps a leash.
Still warm and dry now...tea and dinner in front of the fire.
Fingers crossed for a better day tomorrow.

5 comments:

  1. Lovely to be warm and dry after a cold wet walk. Yes, take the phone next time. I want to see the meandering photos.
    - Josephine F

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  2. That was brilliant - poor you though, and poor Dave but WHAT a wonderful adventure and years of dinner time story retelling...the hot cuppa and warm fire is a lovely ending ! cheers, Lindel

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  3. Oh, this made me smile. You should try selling these blogs to a magazine or something Well written

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