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We checked out of our hotel and headed off to Mum's house for breakfast and some fruit picking in her back garden. We then headed out to nearby Irchester park for a walk and perhaps a coffee. Well when we got there we found much more than we expected. The park is an old ironstone mine and has been set up as a public outdoor activity park it has a number of walking trails through woods and wetlands it also has a magnificent play area for children. There are extensive bar b q and picnic areas alongside a large food and drink kiosk and a cafe / restaurant.
We had a stroll around part of the park and found an active display where chainsaw woodcarving was being done. Some very impressive completed works were also on display and for sale. The demonstration that really interested us though was the guy making furniture and other useful items using axes, drawer knives and a traditional pole lathe. It was amazing to see how quickly and easily he could transform an Ash log into finished pieces. He was able to turn pieces on his manual lathe faster than anyone on an electric lathe. By the time we had finished watching his demo we were getting hungry so headed off to the cafe for lunch where we had a lovely traditional English Sunday Roast.
Our time was running out so we headed back to say our family goodbyes before hitting the road again bound for home. On the way we called into Harefield Marina on the Grand Union Canal at Uxbridge to see George and Maureen who have a narrow boat there. We had expected to just have a look at their boat and maybe a cup of tee before carrying on home, but they had other ideas meeting us at the wharf all ready for a trip down the canal. On our way down the canal we passed through four locks and beautiful countryside. It is easy to forget that beyond these beautiful tree lined banks the modern world of hustle and bustle goes on close by. We passed many people enjoying the canals in different ways, cycling and walking along the canal tow paths, fishing or just sitting enjoying the tranquility of the canals and of course traveling along like us in a narrow boat
Many people live permanently on their boats moored up along the banks of the canal.
I have often watched the people opening and closing the locks as they negotiate their way up or down the canals and now I was finally able to join in. All too soon it was time to turn around and and head back through the locks again to the marina. Much indecision prevailed on the return journey as to where and what we should do for dinner!! We passed a number of excellent pubs serving good food and finally elected to stop at the last one opposite the marina. Unfortunately they had closed the kitchen by the time we got there, not to worry George and I were sent off to walk up the road to the 'chippy' to buy some chips to go with ham and eggs that Maureen would cook! Only trouble was they had closed too by the time we got there. Last option was Chinese take away!! So Chinese take away in hand we returned to the boat to share a meal and drink aboard before saying our farewells and heading back home promising to join them next year for a much longer trip on the canals.
We arrived home very late but very satisfied after a very full and pleasant day.
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