Bartimaeus

It is common for Shane to plan a route for a walk or any journey, especially cycling, taking into account the weather forecast including wind direction, the timing of when it might rain and the amount of traffic. We had walked to Knowle before and he took a different way the next time, partly because it avoided the road and partly because he had found a garden he thought might be attractive on the way. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to him the garden was inaccessible because the building beside it, the library, was having building work done. The path past it was pretty anyway.

Sometimes I have complained that I don't know the plan and so I have not been appropriately shod, or did not realise the length of walk. He tries to give me distances and a short description now, but still keeps back some surprises, perhaps because he doesn't want me to be disappointed if the expected treat doesn't materialise. While he is optimistic, he tries not to over-promise at the risk he will under-deliver. 

Little walks often turn up unknown interests. Hidden in the trees beside the short stretch between the Grand Union and the basin in the Stratford canal are some carved seats. We weren't needing a seat but found them in an evening stroll.

At the basin we encountered a heron on the towpath. I hoped to sneak up close but it saw me coming and I didn't get very near.

It flew across to the other side of the basin, where there are buildings and facilities. It chose a much quieter spot. People can't walk past, but have to go through the woods over bridges and round the other side of the building to get to the next lock.

When we actually turned towards the basin with the boat, the next day, I tried recording the junction but found the entry bridge, while steep and memorable to walk over, was exceptionally plain from the boat. I was disappointed that the route to Stratford didn't look that exciting. Shane remained focussed on the steering.

At the junction I took the mundane task of getting rid of recycling at a boaters rubbish point, which Shane had checked out the previous night, on the aforementioned stroll, while he set about filling the water tank. No heron this time but several volunteers remarking how quiet it was, but for some reason not working the locks. Some were very stiff, but we managed. I did the first few and then Shane did some since he also enjoys locks. The Stratford locks are quite pretty, feel a bit rickety but the setting is lovely too, lots of lush green trees and fields most of the way. The basin is between two sets of locks and so the numbering didn't start at one. There are various named sets of locks but the numbering goes through the whole canal.

Considering these locks have been closed for a bit and only recently reopened, it is surprising there weren't lots of people keen to travel. Perhaps people have just got used to staying put. We certainly took advantage of a nice spot to stay still for a few days. Although we won't be there for a while, Shane was looking ahead to the possibility of being on the Avon and  and got out the Avon navigation and visitor guide to revise the river regulations while sipping his Pimm's in the evening.

We found ourselves moored next to other Ortomariners, Pauline and Matt on NB Felicity, accompanied by Lucy, a very friendly quiet and good natured dog. We introduced ourselves to Pauline when we saw her out with Lucy. She was preparing to make blackberry and apple crumble for guests arriving later. She wasn't in a hurry though and we enjoyed the chat. She leaves almost all the driving to Matt and never drives into locks, but she enjoys working them, so that seems to work out fine for them. We shared that I understand the feeling of panic when things are not going smoothly or it looks like there may be a crash but am much more relaxed now, but I do still avoid the trickier manoeuvres. Shane often says they are well within my ability even if I am unconvinced. When we first started Shane said he expected I just needed more practice but that if I really didn't like driving or locking he would do it all. Presumably he didn't think that would be necessary, but he does usually ask me which I would prefer to do, drive or lock, as we approach.

The next day we met Matt as well when Pauline invited us round. Of course there was lots of boat talk, but we also found Lucy was trained as a guide dog, which may explain her excellent behaviour. It's not her fault I am allergic. I normally avoid petting dogs but she was so soft I had done the day before and then felt itchy but an anti histamine before visiting prevented that. Having had the ice cream shop in Henley in Arden given a good review I was happy to agree to Shane's suggestion of visiting the next day.

He had scoped the route himself when shopping and as we cycled he pointed out something of interest that he knew to look out for. We went past too fast for photography but I thought I could stop and do that on the way back.

The town of Henley in Arden is certainly worth a look. There were two exceptionally close churches with the same vicar. We didn't meet her but her face smiled from the notice board. Both churches had similarities, probably instigated by the vicar. They both had similar modern hangings and a prayer tree, where people can hang their hopes.

I liked the windows which let in a lot of light and were delicately decorated.

There was a very old plaque thanking a benefactor to the poor from several centuries ago. It was a strain to read the faded script painted on wood.  Another plaque caught my eye on the way out. It was lower down and easier to read. It came as a surprise to see the notice was a dedication to electric lighting. In 1931, people didn't take electricity for granted.

St John's was medieval but the other church was advertised as much older, 12th century. It was smaller but had evidently been extended, but still showed its Norman beginnings, inside and out. 

While St Johns was on the main street, St Nicholas was in its own grounds with a lychgate. Inside the windows were again light along the side, though a grander colourful one was at the bell tower, though partially obscured by the bell ropes. The window depicting angels playing instruments drew me more, being a bit unusual. The harp is a common image, but a violin, not so much.

Between the two churches was a walled garden and it was open. The Guild Hall had someone working in an office inside. The building is still in use but mainly  as venue for events and their garden was available to hire or just look round. A small space beside a cottage was designated as private but the rest was freely available.

We enjoyed lunch in a bakery, with thick sliced brown bread and went to get a loaf of the same. I also saw what I thought was a fruit loaf and suggested that too. The server told us it was an onion loaf, and she recommended  it. It might not have been what I expected but I said I wanted it all the same - two loaves for the pannier.

We knew what else we wanted, ice cream. There were probably over twenty flavours. Lunch had been pretty huge so we wanted one scoop only each. I had honey and ginger, while Shane had dark chocolate.

On the way back Shane had chosen a different route, so how long have I known him? Why had I thought I might get to see something on the way back - as if he would retrace his steps, when a circular was possible.

But luckily for me, he planned a return visit the next day. when the heritage centre was open. I am enjoying the slow pace, with time to see what we want.