Up early this morning in the hope that the lock will be unlocked on the stopped section. So here I am in my PJ's having a cup of tea when I was accosted by yet another reporter, this time by Leicester FM who wanted an interview live on air. So we obliged, and of course made her (Jo) with a nice cup of tea.

At just before 09.30 the guy from BW arrived and informed us that we would be going, although the pounds would be very low and risk getting grounded. Keen to be off and making way, we set off for the lock and the start of what should have been about a three hour journey, through seven locks to Kilby Bridge.

 Although the water was low we did well until we got to Gee's lock. Here the water was to say the least very low and as Adam the BW worker had given us his mobile number, telling us to call him if we got grounded, we proceeded out of the lock, only to get stuck several times on the bottom. This was in the main due to the boats following us filling the lock and taking water from the pound. In the end BW let a load of water down from the next lock to get us floating again several times. The boat in front of us did manage to get well and truly grounded under bridge 100, and we all (that is the boats following) had to leave ours and assist him off and up to the next lock.

The rest of the journey went fairly well, meeting other boats coming down and vying for the centre of the canal, but we managed ok. That is until we got to Ervin's lock, or should I say just before it, when, Sally tried stepping off the boat to attend to the lock up ahead, but managed to stumble and fall in. It was very scary this time as she went under, but I managed to knock it out of gear, reach down and grab her arm, dragging her close to the boat and relative safety. But try as I may I could not lift her out, so held on till help arrived. With Sally laughing (out of fear I guess) we got her to the tow path and back onto the boat, where she was sent directly for a hot shower. We have decided that in future I will do the locks and Sally (bless her) can steer the boat in and out of them, at least I am a bit steadier on my feet.

With Sally showered, dried and changed we pressed on (she is so brave) finally reaching Kilby bridge and our goal for the day at 16.30, some seven hours after we had set off this morning. Water tanks full and chores done, it was time for dinner and an early night, and some cuddling from a very grateful Husband for a beautiful and forgiving Wife.

A good nights sleep ahead, and a start of around 09.00 tomorrow, on what should be deeper water.