We plan an early start as we need to return the boat by 09:00. This is not so difficult as we intentionally berthed just two miles away from the yard. After breakfast we set sail, during the hour it takes for me to drive the galley slave, now cabin steward, packs everything, and also makes lunch - what service!
Although the training chap told us to moor above the lock, the “man at the door” tells us to drive into the lock so for the first time ever I pilot the boat into a lock, but because of distancing I can’t remain so jump off and run the lock too. Whilst I’m fetching the car and dealing with the paperwork Hubby offloads our substantial baggage and soon the car is packed, probably breathing a sigh of relief that the payload is significantly lighter.
Having met the delightful couple Tim West and Pru Scales many years ago on QE2, we have really enjoyed their canal journeys on TV, and maybe those programs encouraged this adventure - who knows? However we are quite happy to hand back the keys to the boat. Was it terrible? Not at all, but it’s definitely hard work for two and there’s not much time to relax on a short journey. Maybe if one tokes longer and rests up between travel days, which we would do on a land cruise, it would be easier. Having said all that we have had a good time.
Moving on, we plot a course to our next destination. It’s only 50 miles to Bibury but we plan to make several stops as we enter the Cotswolds region. Shipston-on-Stour, Moreton-in-Marsh, then Stow-on-the-Wold are all very pretty although fairly busy, we walk round enjoying the beautiful old buildings.
Next we descend on Bourton-on-the-water and are horrified to see people swarming everywhere. Certainly it’s a beautiful village and a worthy tourist attraction but the mêlée is off-putting and our instinct Is to beat a hasty retreat. However, back on the A429 (the incredible Fosse Way) we spot a good parking space from where we can wander back as far as we think safe. We enjoy lunch on the bank of the beautiful stream or river that runs through the village, which I cannot find the name of, then tentatively wander back in to look at the hordes. It’s a scary sight, but on closer inspection people are mostly being sensible, however it’s hard to wander with so many contagion vectors so we head back to the car and continue on the Roman road Fosse.
Turning off, we soon arrive in Bibury and luckily bag the Swan Hotel’s remaining parking space. When we were here nine years ago with our lovely friend Sheila we remembered how difficult parking was, needless to say it’s even worse now. Hubby checks in whilst I do baggage handling, and before long we’re in our beautiful room right above the entrance with a perfect view over the village. We quickly head over to the gardens, an island across the road, and settle down to read the Sunday paper with a shandy, and later a bottle of Chardonnay.
After a lazy afternoon, our first this holiday, we shower and dress for dinner, then descend to the hotel’s courtyard for a complimentary Prosecco. We wonder about dining outside but it’s a bit noisy with children and a pissed couple, so head in to find our reserved table in the restaurant. We aren’t quite sure why, as Maître d' is a bit vague, but our first choice starter and our first and second choice mains are unavailable. Anyhoo he offers us scallops followed by venison, both of which are fabulous so we’re happy again. The cab sauv from Calif. works really well too.
We’re slightly bemused by the covid security now, at check-in all was done very carefully but in the restaurant there is a far more relaxed relationship with the virus as staff bustle around, possibly because the region has a very low incidence rate - let’s hope the tourists don’t change that!
After dinner a short walk along the river completes our day.
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