3rd April 2012

Time for a bit of catch up as we have been out in the sticks with little or no Internet coverage.

We woke early at Kilby Bridge ready for a run through to Smeeton Aqueduct, and to meet up with John and Jo on NB Acen, a lovely couple who we met last year and who blessed us by attending our wedding. The first thing we did was to top up the water and the usual chores before heading for what was 12 locks up to Kibworth, and after Sally falling in she was instructed to drive the boat while I did the locks in order to reduce the chances of her falling in again. This part of the journey was again shared with NB Sentosa 11 with Philipa and Peter, sharing the locks and taking turns in going ahead to prepare the next one.

The weather did manage to stay dry on the way up, however there was a noticeable chill in the air, that is until we did the last lock, and then the rain started to fall. We called John on the mobile just before we entered Saddington Tunnel to check on his location, the tunnel being a mere 881 yards long, with the end clearly visible as we entered it. With the tunnel behind us we were once again in open countryside, and rounding each bend brought us closer to NB Acen, there she was, through the trees, so I blasted the horn to let them know we were close. Rounding the last bend to see them waiting and snapping away with their camera, and with a helping hand we moored up.

The dogs, that is Socks, Purdy and Darcy had a good run in the rain before we went on board Acen for tea, biscuits and a good chat (it was good to see them again). Then after a long day it was time for a well earned rest and bed. (Too wet to get the new camera out).