This was our expensive pampering day. However, since we actually woke early (6:30), after breakfast at 8:00, we climbed down the steps by Pulteney Bridge and along the river walk (below the weir). At this time of day it was favoured by mothers with young children who entertainingly threw bread for the ducks. Near the train station (we were well below street level), we watched two couples maneuver their holiday canal boat through a canal lock. Just as I saw in Oxford a few years ago, the women used the winches to open and close the lock gates while one man steered and the other took photos. After one misdirection, we continued our walk almost to the bus station. By this time, our schedule dictated going to the Thermae Spa, having bought discounted tickets from our
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