Harecastle or bust!

7.30 this morning and a BW tunnel keeper knocks on the boat, "you're going through first - ready when you are!" Frantic slurping of coffee mixed with untying of ropes and calls of 'good morning' down the queue of boats ensued as we all readied ourselves to enter the tunnel.

Being the first boat through again, the mist hadn't quite cleared and yet again there was a patch where we couldn't see the front of the boat.

According to the tunnel keeper, the water level was at maximum height and this was born out by the fact that I have never seen the bottom part of the roof so close to the top part of the boat!

Clive, dads friend and the person who so kindly ferries dad to and from meeting me whenever we travel north, arrived during the first flight of locks and helped lock-wheel through all todays mammoth locks on this section of the T & M. True to the forecast, the weather was very warm and sunny all day which aided the mood of relaxation as we queued behind 2 boats at least at every lock!

It's interesting to see that whilst bollards are the big talking point of the Oxford Canal and the useless waste of money that installing them has been, around here the topic of conversation must surely turn to the condition of their bollards!

I'm not sure if the bollard was holding the boat secure or the boat rope holding the bollard secure!

26 locks and 7 miles later saw us arrive at bridge 157 just above Wheelock where a lovely little spot enticed us to moor. A quiet secluded spot with a wide tow path for the BBQ and open fields all round - perfect!

Tonight, Clive and his wife are joining us for a BBQ and then tomorrow onwards towards Middlewich and beyond.... in the rain!