Thursday 6^th September; well my Son Karl and the family came around last night giving us a chance to speak to Rebecca my granddaughter before she goes off to university later this month in Southampton.

We set off from Wellingborough this morning aiming to get to White Mills Lock our planned stop for the night, but first we have to meet up with Nick and Polly who went on ahead yesterday and moored just passed Doddington Lock. Leaving the mooring we did not have far to go to our first lock of the day where we met a guy who was keen to help us get through. As the lock filled we could see masses of cut weed blocking our way out of the lock, so as we left we manoeuvred very slowly so as not to foul the prop, but to no avail as it wrapped itself around almost stopping us. We did manage to get some off by reversing the prop and so carried on until we reached Woolaston Lock where we moored at the landing stage and delved into the weed hatch.

No freedom, total freedom

Just before Woolaston we spotted a weed cutter, who were busy cutting the back channels and although they were lifting the weed out, a lot escaped to flow down the river and catch any weary boaters.

 

With the lock behind us we made for Doddington lock and once through we met up with NB Thomas Ryan 2, and Nick and Polly who tucked in behind us making our way up river. Next came Earls Barton and on to White Mills where we moored for the night. Nick and I had a walk back to the weir to check it out for a bit of fishing later however “No Fishing”, “Private” so we had to give it a miss, and what a shame as it was full of excellent fish. (but we did have a go off the bridge).

 

 

Friday 7^th September; it was Sally and my intention to reach Northampton today ready to climb the 17 locks of the Northampton Arm early tomorrow morning, however Nick and Polly wanted to stop at Weston Favel and do the rest tomorrow, and either way it meant one day would be a long one. With eight locks in front of us we set off at 09.30 a bit earlier than previous days and made steady progress until we reached Cogenhoe Lock. Here Nick and Polly informed us of their decision not to go up to the canals and suggested that here would be a good place to say our goodbyes so that we could press on. We were both disappointed as I am sure they were, but it made sense as they had things to do at home and didn’t want to get stuck so far away. So with regret it was Man Hugs and Hugs all round as we said our goodbyes, with the hope of travelling together next year. (You guys, it has been a pleasure travelling with you).

BYE GUYS

Pressing on we reached Northampton after topping up our water tank and doing the usual chores at 15.00, mooring up ready for an early start tomorrow. A text from Nick informed us that they had turned and returned to White Mills to spend the weekend in the country.