UFO perhaps?

 Same journey, same problems. I'm talking of course of the offside veg and the problems it causes and especially a certain incident I will explain later.

 Glascote locks, had them to ourselves for once. Probably because we arrived at 7.45am. Even though both locks needed to be turned, we still sailed up the flight in 20 minutes.

Those blooming branches. Came through the M42 bridge to see a boat stopped at the worst possible place. Not moored, just holding the ropes. That branch obscured our view and unbeknown to us another boat was coming. Thankfully they reversed to allow us past. We found out why this chap had stopped, only wanted the following boat to go past but couldn't have chosen a more awkward place to wait!

The same bridge when we went through on the 5th. See what I mean about being a hazard?

 So remember this? 6th September

Going around a right hand bend, didn't see it and this happened.

To say I was horrified is an understatement. Parts of the scratch may come out with polish but the bit on the stern is too deep. Because of this incident we are going to email C&RT about this and all the other canals we have travelled this year about the way they have neglected to address the situation. It will only get worse as trees and bushes continue to grow. Young saplings along the towpath edge will become fully grown trees. If this is allowed to continue, soon we won't have a waterway to cruise along! Now...if everyone emailed C&RT with their concerns you never know, they may just listen and do something about it!

Before reaching Atherstone bottom we met Derwent 6 again. Had a natter with Del and not sure where Al was. They were being sensible ones and staying put for the weekend.

At the facilities and almost ready to leave when a boat came through the bridge. Blast a minute or two earlier, and we would be at the bottom lock of Atherstone first.

Gosh there was a lot of boats going down the flight. In fact at every lock bar one, a boat was descending. Thank goodness we were heading up!

Repair holding up well.

That's three waiting to descend and a forth coming.

Town mooring devoid of boats again. It was like that when we came through on the 6th. Here we stopped for lunch. Fully expected to be passed by other ascending boats but no, 40 minutes later we set off knowing that lock 5 would still be with us.

And met a volunteer at lock 4 who helped us the rest of the way.

I was warned to keep to the middle between lock 3 and 2. So many boats descending one would think the pounds would be full. But lock 3 had to be filled each time a boat descended drawing water with it. Still didn't account for such a drop in levels though!

Atherstone bottom to top in 3 hours 8 minutes. But take of the 40 minutes for lunch we managed it in 2 hours 46. And at the top still more boats waiting to descend!

Good job we didnt need the facilities on the right,

Oh and the reason for the post title. This was bizarre! Seen at Atherstone bottom lock, it rose slowly in the air and with that rope/string hanging down thought it was a balloon. But then a strange thing happened. It hovered for a bit and then shot of from right to left and with some speed. If it was a drone it's a lmodel I have never seen before. Anyone have any ideas?

Baking day as well today. Banana cake and apple crumble.

And wildlife,