Cropredy

It had been a chilly night with clear skies.  We awoke to a sunny morning with shrouds of mist over the fields and canal which cleared very quickly.  We set off at our usual time and cleared the first two locks by 8:30.  Rounding the corner we saw some mored boats ahead and some activity on one, then a cloud f blue smoke as the engine fired up.  The owner must have then sen us, because he ran down the length of the boat throwing ropes abord with wild abandon, leapt to the helm and set off as fast as he could - all so that he could be in front.