Steve dons his bowler & pipe for the proper start to a month out on the Cut

Viv’s keen to take the helm


A truly beautiful day – a following wind, hot sunshine and wonderful fields of wheat, an abundance of flowers … dragonflies … wonderful.

And lunch on the go – Viv made a marvellous ham, lettuce, tomato and radish sandwich (thanks to Colin for those). Note Steve brought his chilli plant on board, “they’re only mild”, says Steve . .

I let Viv and the dog off for a stroll … which gave Viv that photo opportunity. Rain tomorrow and lots of locks. We aim to get to Foxton early before the rain. Hopefully Kilby Monday night …