Tuesday 5/5 Barrow upon Soar to the middle of nowhere

This is my second attempt at today's blog. My first attempt, nearly finished was filled with drama and excitement (all true) and would have had you sitting on the edge of your chairs. But having pressed the wrong button and lost it, and after the consequent wobbly, you are going to get a condensed version.

Today was horrible. Only covered half the expected distance. Rising wind and river levels and the captain's "don't you worry about that" we're causing me to get increasingly anxious.

Whilst sharing a lock with the only other boat we had seen on the move, the husband who was working the lock with me advised that we get through the next 2 locks and moor up as the wind gusts were expected to reach 28mph+ in the next hour or so.

So with my levels of anxiety rising with the strength of the wind gusts as Lawrence found it increasingly hard to keep the boat under control, we finally moored up in still water after getting through Junction Lock. After a cup of tea and much deliberation and a few 'don't you worry about that"'s, it was decided to push on. Luckily, for my anxiety level had reach sub hysterical, a huge gust of wind just as we were undoing the mooring ropes changed the captains mind and here we have stayed for the night. Only 1 more boat has come past us late this afternoon, experienced boaters who were pushing on to their home mooring, who said it was horrible going and they had nearly given up a couple of times.

Today we did 5 miles, 4 locks in 2 hours. No pics of us on the move today, too fraught to even think of taking any.

After a light lunch Tim, Mike and I walked along the towpath 

to see if we could find any signs of civilization, we found a lone pub about 25 mins walk away where we had a lovely coffee. 

Neighbours, we could do with one of these. On our walk back to Aqua Life we debated if the spill weir levels had increased

Just before dark Lawrence went out to check the ropes and 

Came back in too cold to disrobe immediately. I know, I know, we need a bit of Rhondaising, but we have been boat bound since 1.00pm

P.S.  I'm thinking I might have to make some pumpkin scones.

P.P.S. Tim made us a lovely dinner tonight -  quiche and salad, followed by Apple pie and cream.