Some people need to get off the cut!

My blood boiled today. Not because of the temperature outside but because of a certain moron who had no respect for other boaters. What happened was this. I approached Hillmorton bottom locks, dropped Ian off by the water point and carried on towards the lock. I was then informed that a queue of boats were waiting to ascend, No problem I would just hang back. On arrival two boats were moored just off the lock landing and two boats were waiting on either side of the lock. Again not an issue as I could breast up and wait by one of the moored boats. All went fine, two exited the lock out and the two waiting went in in. Then it was my turn. Again all went according to plan and up I went. A volunteer lockkeeper was on duty and a very good job she was too. I came out of the lock and noticed the boat that had left before me was reversing back through the bridge 'ole. This baffled me but I kept slowly going and finally 'that' boat pulled forward. I then went into the bridge 'ole and much to my horror 'that' boat in front started reversing again. Suddenly he saw me and edged forward but not enough for me to leave the bridge. So, there was I blocking the bridge hole, boats were coming up behind and I knew from Ian's hand gestures that two boats were coming down the lock. The idiot in front ( I was starting to get cross now so my language will probably get worse) reversed again but this time jumped off his boat, grabbed his center rope and rapped it round a post by the hedge thereby blocking the towpath to any walkers! Now I was really baffled and asked him if he was mooring. He said no, he was waiting for the lock. I couldn't believe it. This was not a hirer but a private boat owner. I then, in no uncertain terms, told him to move nearer to the lock so I could get in behind and clear the bridge. His reply was he couldn't as he had nowhere to tie up to. I looked toward the lock landing and in full view was a bollard.  Now I was beginning to get really, really mad and told him to move forward because I was blocking the bridge 'ole and stop at the lock landing. He shouted for me to keep my hair on, untied and move forward but still not enough. He just wouldn't tie up to the bollard! So in desperation I  started edging up to to him. Then one of the boats exiting the middle lock came round the corner. This was a hirer and instead of turning hard right to miss me, just kept going. I expect she was as panicked to see two boats blocking her way as I was seeing a collision in the making. She had no idea what to do. So here is the scenario. This idiot of a moron was on my right and no where near the bank let alone the lock landing, me with my bow up his backside  and my stern sticking just out of the bridge ole, and a hirer heading straight for me. I completely lost it. Told the b**stard on his boat AJAX  ( yes you if your reading this) to f' ing move forward and if you couldn't even get off the boat to tie to a bollard to allow other boats to come in behind at a lock, you shouldn't own a boat let alone try and handle one! Now I never swear normally but I couldn't believe his 'I want to do it my way and blow anyone else' attitude. To avoid a collision I had to reverse back nearly through the bridge ole much to the annoyance of those behind and then do a sharp left just so the hirer could come in between. We did miss each other but it was no thanks to that pillock. He just continued into the now open lock without another word to me. If I ever EVER meet him again much stronger language will be used and that's a promise.

Waiting at the bottom of Hillmorton with THAT boat on the left.

He just wouldn't move forward onto the lock landing. I'm trying to tuck in behind.

Reversing back, so the hire boat can come in between. Notice the idiot had to move to bank side and has power on to get into the now open lock!

Rant for the day over, I should say the journey to Hillmorton was good but busy. More boats have passed us today than at any other time since starting on our journey. Newbold tunnel used to have a spectacular light display. Now its all a bit pathetic really.

Only two lights left.

Meeting these swans just before the exit. Wonder how many times the Pen and Cob has brought the cygnets through.

We stopped at Rugby to do a Tesco shop and after setting off reached Hillmorton around 3ish. The usual moorings at the top of the locks were full so we have finally found a mooring past the bridge. I am now sitting down with a low alcohol beer  (I find Kaliber very refreshing) and trying to calm down and chill out.