So the missus said, "I was thinking about going for a ride before it got too hot" and I said fine. The she appears all togged up (sortof) and I realise she meant it. Five minutes later I've changed ready for the ride, but she's faffing around ....
So off we go, and what should we see but your friendly neighbourhood heron. We of course stop to take a photo but he'll only let us get so near.
before moving further along the bank.
It was quite noticeable that the foliage had grown up a great deal since our last foray in this direction, more so that the canal path to the south. Looking across the fields I noticed a building missed before - clearly with my confidence rising I'm no longer concentrating on the path surface so much and have started to look around. Mind you, one or two lumps of concrete did take me by surprise.
We stopped by the boatyard, which is by the railway, actually the whole canal is by the railway, and a Virgin Train put in an appearance. Mrs MY found a convenient bush while I observed a couple who were having a friendly discussion. He seemed to be having the best of it until, walking along the edge of the boat, he slipped and went in between the boat and side. Interestingly he was only chest deep, but deeply embarrassed.
He clambered out and started to get sorted when some more cyclists came along. He was unhurt, but rather wet.
There seemed to be quite a few cyclists out, with the fine weather, but no tourists were seen. I assume they were all like us, just out for shortish rides. Wifey had suggested that we ought to think about making a day of it one day and stopping somewhere for lunch, so I suggested that stopping in the supermarket for sandwiches today might make a good trial. Why is it that cycling with Mrs MY always results in a trip to a supermarket? So we bought some sandwiches (me) and fruit (both) and sat on some old lock gates in the shade. On the way out a heron was obviously thinking of popping into the supermarket as well.
It was uncomfortably hot at times, but a spin down a country road parallel to the canal did produce a bit more of a breeze, and raise our maximum speed. Most of the canal path is very bumpy and not very pleasant so it made a nice change. Mrs MY's
saddle still slips into a uncomfortable (45 degree) position and seems to have developed a port/starboard list as well. I really must get a new bracket for it. She was complaining of discomfort quite a bit.
And yes, I did ask the guy on the narrowboat if he had dried out, on the return trip.
10.9miles max 17, avg 5.6 mph. Year to date, 184.4miles