We were dry, a least the tent was which made for easy packing away. It was cold but thawing. We got packed up and away by about 8.10 ,abit slow but we were dealing with the wet cold gear.
We left a thank you for our hippie host and continued along the lane to drift through Castle Eaton a mile on.
We stumbled along the rare sight of the Thames , which was still surprisingly wide. We entered Cricklade about 4 miles on.The past route had not recently been walked not surprisingly.
In Lechlade we headed for the high street to get something warm. We were tempted in by a cheap hot drink but got stung on the expensive egg bap. We left for bics. The woman in the shop had been unsure if the famous North Meadow was flooded.
It started off ok but got worse, thaw around a muddy horse paddock made for wet work. Felt sorry for the horses.
We walked on to where the sign for the meadow was to come to a halt, the way ahead was blocked by a flooded ditch. There was no where around so it was either go back or improvise. We attempted to bridge the ditch by the climbing overgrown hawthorne.
My attempts to get through were stopped by bulk of pack.J got through but the rotten branch he held onto broke and he fell into the cold foot deep water....wet feet!
I gave up on my route and took J 's route but held onto solid branches and got away with dry feet. It had taken over half an hour to get over.
From here it was improvisation, avoiding flooded fields to wind our way through Cleveland Lakes, a network of old flooded gravel pits now bird reserves. It was wet, slushy going and only determination and wet feet got us through.
We walked into Ashton Keynes, almost an island in this area of lakes. Josh went for goodies while, I sat and waited for a change.
The walk out to Neigh Bridge country park was a similar but drier affair. Smew were seen on the lake near the new housing estate...trendy estate.
Due to very wet ground we took the family friendly lane about three miles on to Ewen.We felt justified considering the fights we had getting to there.
We walked through the very tidy Ewen to Ewen Mill which was now a cluster of old and new build in cotswold stone.
Unsure who to ask we knocked on the biggest looking building. A chap called Jim let us pitch in his large garden/ paddock next to the steaming Thames. It was going to be a cold night.The sun had shown itself and the sky cleared.
We cleared the snow and pitched the tent trying to warm the poles as best possible to prevent breaks.
Same routine, except we put on dry socks. Noodles and a chat with Monique and the boys on the phone...I miss them.
Radio 5 tonight , good listening about future 6 nations rugby.
If we get to Bath, the end of the Cotswolds Way, we will be able to get a hostel ...bliss , however six days away.
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