Sykes Hollow

We cruised a bit further than we usually would, taking a break and restarting in order to reach Sykes Hollow; a beautiful recreation area specifically for boaters. Much of the stretch of ring moorings has a broad towpath, backed by a bank of shrubs and trees. We got lucky though, when we found space at the small hollow dug into the bank. There were 3 wooden picnic tables with bbq stands and the ground was covered in meadow grass and wildflowers; white and purple clover, yellow trefoil, buttercups and vetch. It was alive with the buzz of pollinating insects and several different types of butterfly busily flittered from flower to flower- heaven!

The next morning it was clear Vicky needed a duvet day so Will got in the canoe and paddled on to Venetian Marina. Richard and Ruth Chamberlain who used to run a fuel boat have taken over the chandlery there and Ruth paints and sells traditional 'castles and roses' canalware in the shop. We'd visited Venetian once before, when a guy who also lived on a boat built by Cain Narrowboats flagged us down. We'd learned over tea and cake in the café that they were moored permanently at Venetian but hoping to get out exploring when health allowed. The café had been taken over by someone new but the extra large slice of coffee and walnut cake was very enjoyable.

There was a mooring limit of 48 hours at Sykes Hollow but there were hardly any other boats around. Knowing we wouldn't be preventing others from tying up we cheekily decided to stay a third night. Will set and lit our BBQ and cooked vegetable skewers to go with the pitta bread he had made from scratch on the skillet earlier in the day. It was a perfect evening!Read more