Some boaters should not be allowed on the cut.

 29th December

 It was wet again, and yes with much reluctance on my part, we set off!  I did try to stop Ian from putting on the wet weather gear, said it would most probably dry up later, but no, "The more miles under our belt the better," he said.

I had the helm when the rain really got going, Ian had gone below on coffee duties so with him not by my side, the brolly came out. Have I mentioned he hates the brolly? Anyway he reappeared with two mugs, took one look at what I was clutching in my hand, passed me the mug and disappeared below with the words ringing in my ear. "Let me know when it stops!"  

What is it with some fishermen, I clocked the pole across the cut but no sign of its owner. Those poles are worth a fortune, some well over a thousand pounds and to leave it stretched right across the canal with no idea if a boat was coming, is madness. Still that's his lookout, I thought. If I can't see him, well it stood to reason he wouldn't see me. It was withdrawn rather rapidly as my bow came in line with that moored boat. Bet it gave him quite a shock!

We stopped for an early lunch, not planned but had an idiot boater who seemed determined to catch us up, not even slowing for moored boats. The last thing we wanted was to have to do locks with someone who couldn't give a damn about other boaters. In fact, as we pulled in, Ian only just about managed to grab the bow rope and I was pulling hard on the center rope before he tore past without a glimpse in our direction or a word said. FS took off and we had a hell of a job from keeping FS from hitting another boat. People like him should not be on the canals!

We did get away an hour later and approaching the bottom of Buckby flight, managed to lock up with a couple heading back to their marina on the Soar. 

 

Chatting as you do, and mentioning dogs (they had a rescue Staffy) we got to talking about how the rescue centres are very anti boaters, so much so that to apply to any of the charities means immediate rejection. And all because those living on a boat don't have secure gardens! But we struck lucky with this pair. They, too, had been rejected but heard of Nanna Pet Rescue place in Northamptonshire and the owner was more open-minded about allowing rehoming to boaters. The number was given to us, I'm pretty sure we will phone in the New Year.

All we needed was a plane!

 That wind had really picked up and trying to keep FS away from the side was getting more challenging. Allowing her to go up against the edge caused her to get 'pinned'. This became a problem whilst Ian was at the lock getting it set. Every time I pushed the bow out, raced back to the back to put the power on, the bow swung back again. I resorted to keeping the revs on, tiller over toward the bank to swing the bow out and running the stern along the edge until she eventually came out. Not good for the paintwork or the edge! I did try reversing off, usually this would work but not today! So after 5 locks we moored. Our locking partners carried on. Tomorrow we do the last of the locks and head for Braunston.
 

And wildlife,

Collared Dove

Red Kite