Day four!

A grand total of 11 miles achieved today in 10 hours of engine running time! To be fair, we did also achieve 20 locks and 2 swing bridges, (twice.) The BW lock keeper was up and about the flight at 7.45am and, shrouded in mist and with a golden ball of fiery autumnal sun, Khayamanzi and her crew picked her weary way down the 10 staircase locks at Foxton. The good thing was that there were no gongoozlers at that time of the day, the bad part was that we still had to wait about an hour in the middle of them for 4 upward bound vessels to pass!

We headed off towards Market Harborough and turned for the return trip.

An interesting trip back where we came across a huge wide beam that was attempting to pick its way along, grinding to a complete halt at every bridge as it made its way through with cm. to spare.

Fortunately they soon let us past and we arrived at the Foxton locks again at around 1.45pm to buy the obligatory bridge plaque plus a few spare grocery items etc. We were informed there would be a long wait before we could go up and it wasn't long before another private boat pulled alongside with a lovely family on board. Time was passed in conversation and shared stories and over 2 hours later we were not only heading up the flight but had also 'bribed' 2 of their children to lock-wheel with us! (Actually they volunteered but we did give them some 'pocket money' for helping us!) It's amazing how time can fly with good company and conversation!

Before long, we were through the locks and cruising through golden autumnal leaves with the low evening sun shafting through the smoke of our stove and with nothing but panoramic views, rolling countryside and steep grassy or wooded banks with sheep lazilly grazing. Our final mooring is opposite a steep green hill with a copse of trees on the top and the owls have already been serenading me while I re-packed the stern greaser and tightened a loose bearing.

During the return journey, I also spotted this tug - a little over-kill I felt for the Leicester Arm of the Grand Union!

My final offering of the day is this sign seen just above the waterline - does anyone honestly have a clue what speed that is? "Honest guv. I was only doing 6.42 KPH!"