The mission concludes, but not the way we had planned

Thu 16th Jun  Water Eaton

We found out today that two otters had been seen last night, coming down the canal by the Red Lion, where they came out to bypass the lock, in full view of people seated at tables. Sadly, we were inside packing up, so we missed them.

After a strenuous evening previously, we struggled somewhat to lead the worship at 8.30am. James’ voice was croaking a bit.

We were involved with boat trips on Beacon, arranged with the local Brownies. We had other things for them to do such as instruction in rope throwing, a chance to visit Kew, our historic boat, and playing a silly rabbit race, where slowly and carefully wins the game.

Waiting for a boat ride

Brownies on Kew and Ten Thousand Reasons

Rope throwing

The rabbit race instructions

Rabbit race

We took Beacon for a late run to the facilities at Fenny Stratford, and had a takeaway pizza and a drink at the Red Lion. It was much quieter there than last night!

Quiet drink and pizza

The Red Lion at night

No boating on Gabriel today

Fri 17^th Jun  Water Eaton

Again, James was having trouble singing. Paul did a Covid test, and it was positive. So, Ten Thousand Reasons was out of action. Also, David Litchfield had a positive result, so Kew was out of action for visits. We both tested, and were negative, although we both had a bit of a cough.

It was a very hot day, with temperatures over 30 degrees.

The Friday Club arrived, a lovely group of people with learning difficulties, accompanied by their carers. We used Beacon, and had to make short runs, as there were twice as many trips to do with only one boat usable. One particularly heavy guy returned to his seat and sat down hard, and the seat collapsed beneath him. It was new this year, to replace the one that gave up after 18 years of use. Fortunately, he was OK, and was very jolly, singing loudly as he left.

Friday Club going for boat trips

Broken chair

No boating on Gabriel today.

Sat 18^th Jun  Water Eaton

We had our usual team meeting at 8.30am, and the worship was led by Gill Speight, who did very well. James attempted to sing and found that he couldn’t. He announced that he would not be able to sing this afternoon at the fun day, or at the Church service the following morning.

We took Covid tests, and discovered that James was positive, although Hazel was negative.

Covid tests

Sadly, the day was damp, although there were still a number of good conversations. The church had laid on a barbecue, but we personally couldn’t partake.

No boating on Gabriel today

Sun 19^th Jun  Water Eaton

An early morning Heron

Reflecting

Seconds later

We followed the church service on Zoom. Chris spoke very well, and there was a good testimony from Fiona. Peter Braybrook had the youngsters playing the part of the disciples in the boat during the storm. The worship was led by Gill and her daughter on guitars, plus Sue Smith, backed up by the church keyboard player.

Andy and Sue went with Sally on Kairos, and Chris and John Froggatt took Beacon, apparently arriving in Marsworth at 9.30pm.

Farewell to Kairos

We decided to go to Fenny Stratford for facilities. As we pulled out, our propwash moved the rudder on Micah, and it knocked their water hose into the canal. We retrieved it with our boat hook, and left it on their roof.

Wet hose

We took Gabriel up to Fenny Stratford, turning in the winding hole before, and reversing through two bridges so that we were facing the right way for the water point. The rubbish had still not been collected.

Rubbish bins full

On the way back, we had to pass all the mission boats, and then went under the last bridge in Milton Keynes – number 99. Then came Willowbridge Marina. We spotted a wooden hulled Dawncraft boat called Purple Dawn. We tried to find its history online but could find nothing. It has to date to before 1966, which was when the last wooden ones were built.

Bridge 99

Purple Dawn

We turned shortly before Stoke Hammond Lock. The winding hole was not easy to identify – there were no signs, and our Nicholson Guide had it marked a bit further on. Thankfully, we decided to turn in a slightly wider place, and discovered later that it was the winding hole.

Is this the winding hole?

Not much of a hole

Back to our mooring

A number of the team have gone down with this Covid, and Sue Standley had to be rushed to hospital, as Paul was having difficulty waking her. She returned in the small hours having been restored somewhat.

David Litchfield had to go to look after Mary who was unwell in Fazeley. We are not sure whether she has Covid, or what will happen with Kew. The boat has been sold, and this was her last BCF mission, and was to have been followed by the Braunston Festival. 

Kew's last mission

Barbara, who entertained us so well in the Red Lion, has also caught Covid, and can no longer perform at Braunston.

There was an unusual yellow sky in the evening

Beautiful yellow colours

0 locks, 5 miles. Dep 1405, arr 1655, including 30 minutes at the water point.

Next: At some stage taking the car back to Aylesbury and returning by bus, depending on where Covid takes us. Then we shall head north. We might accompany Paul and Sue but it depends on how everyone is.