…….. Day 7 (Sunday 3rd June 2007)

That first night, all that time ago, I sort of knew the area. Knew it was a long way from any village or such like. It was raining and it was a good way from a road. So I thought there was little chance of anybody happening by to kill me in my sleep.
As I work my way down the river, come time to start looking for somewhere to camp I would study the OS map in the first instance to make a judgement on any potential danger and then, if I’m not sure, not set up camp until it starts to get dark. By now it’s just a case of ‘if it feels good do it’

Got a right shock when I woke up to this, this morning. Not that I don’t appreciate the company. But the boat has been pretty well rummaged through. There’s a pair of socks covered in cow slobber, and one of em is about to take a munch out of my hat. Been guilty of ignoring one of the things I’ve read before setting out about not setting up camp where there is a sign that its were animals make there way to the water. With thoughts of a cow falling on me, I pack up quick enough and get underway.

Drift down on the other bank, slowly waking up with my cuppa and noticing the finer details.

Coming towards Hazleford lock I get a river pilot. No hassle this time, I’m not looking at him, and he ain’t looking at me. But he’s making sure I’m going were he wants me to go.
Stopping for an extended yarn with a character who used to live on a barge in Gas Street Basin in Birmingham I learn my pilot was one of a pair of swans know locally as Boris and Doris who have just had three chicks. Only yesterday Boris landed in the back of a speed boat which was invading his space.

Half a mile down river, Fiskerton, with grand old Merchant houses and a busy pub and shop I have a good Sunday Lunch. But, I don’t know, as I’m turning more and more into a river tramp, I’m not comfortable amongst the busy family atmosphere. With my limited wardrobe I must be beginning to hum a bit. I suppose it’s just going into a fancy place in your work clothes. I’m glad to return to the boat and find a good old oak tree and have an afternoon siesta.

Time to do some washing before I turn in tonight. Just round the corner from Newark on Trent.