Saturday 3 October 2015

Another dull start to the day.  Unfortunately it didn’t get any better until early evening - just when we had got used to this Indian Summer we are having!

Mum and dad came to meet us for lunch and pick Lou up today so we had to stop somewhere where there is a pub so I could give them a postcode to find us.  We had a choice of only two places that we could reasonably make in a few hours, one only two locks further up the canal or the next one which was 10 locks away.  We opted for the 10 lock stop whilst we still had our little helper!

I’m pleased to say that these locks were not quite as difficult as the previous two day’s locks.  These were set out as two individual locks then a flight of eight.  The first lock was empty in our favour which was handy but after that they were all full so we had to empty them before we could go through.  We were lucky with the last couple as there were two boats coming down the flight so we left gates open for each other.

We saw a Lynn Union boat that used to be moored in Ely.  The guy on board said he had only owned it since July – nice to see it moving again as it had been standing still for a long time.

We arrived at the Boat Inn in Birdingbury but decided it didn’t look too inviting so when mum and dad arrived we jumped in the car and went to Southam!

It was lovely to see them.  It was a shame to loose my lock helper/evening playmate but I know Lou enjoyed her time on the boat with us!

Evening in tonight to catch up with paperwork etc now that mum and dad have brought our post!

Through Itchington Bottom Lock - don't you just love that name!

Past the Blue Lias - only two locks along the canal from where we were but looks quite nice.  Anyway we didn't stop here!

Popular place to stop at the bottom of the Stockton Locks (flight of eight).

OK we're ready to climb again!

And out through the top lock - the sun is staying away today unfortunately.

Moored up at The Boat Inn waiting for mum and dad.