Summer time

A Marina !

Left Wadenhoe continuing downstream through the lock. This one is hand operated but like several others is being electrified. A few boats seen on this trip to Oundle. On the way we called in to Oundle Marina, the first major marina seen since getting on this river. Both our boats need diesel and were charged 59p a litre for it. We also got a new starter battery as ours had failed a few days ago. Managed to start the engine using the domestic battery bank and Vic's jump lead. Then moved on to Ashton Lock where several other boats were already at the moorings, including Moore To Life. A Spotted Woodpecker, several Grebe, Greylag Geese with chicks, a few Heron and some Swans were seen while moving on this river Nene.

Oundle

Walked into Oundel with Ann n Sue across the river along a path through fields and past well kept gardens. Most buildings are of the local Jurassic limestone which stretches from Dorset through the Cotswolds to Yorkshire. "They did remind me of Dorset which my parents loved".

Oundle is an old market town and now holds a 'farmers market' once a month. We found a café called 'Beans' and sat outside in the shade consuming tea and toasted tea cakes while watching the world go by. Then visited the butcher and Co-Op before returning to the boat.

It's officially summer with a 'high' and calm sunny hot days. Next day Ann Vic and I walked into Ashton. Across a field past the mill and into the village with its old thatched cottages built of stone. Looking for the Peacocks, originally introduced by the Rothschild's who owned the estate.