Friday 21/10. Branston Water Park to Mercia Marina

A lovely sleep in this morning followed by crispy bacon, perfectly fried eggs, mushrooms and tomatoes  prepared by Lawrence. Reluctantly we cast off at 10.45.

I missed most of the mornings travel. Once again L and I left the last part of our travels unplanned and accommodation not even though of. And as always seem to happen to us, school holidays started this week. So most of the morning I was incarcerated in the bowels of the boat trawling the Internet looking for accommodation.  First plan of a night in the Cotswolds was abandoned after the 4th sorry we're full.  Second plan of a night in the south of the Peak District was abandoned also after the 4th sorry we are full.  More discussion with L was required. What about Cambridge? Found a vacancy on the second try - phew.

Next was two nights at Chatham (historic boatyard and ships - don't you know!).  Yes, only 3 phone calls needed. Lastly a bed at Heathrow for our last night.

4 nights accommodation at half term - we could have had Aqua Life for another week and a half!

I did get to help Mike with the first lock of the day

From then on I had my head down and didn't resurface until we were about to moor for lunch at Willington.  In the Green Dragon about to get on with lunch.

Departing Willington

Nearing the turn into the marina

Made somewhat awkward by this boat and butty. FYI the butty (unpowered NB that is breasted up or towed by the other, powered NB). The butty is the one with the huge wooden tiller.

Making the turn, and no we didn't hit anything.

We were all a bit glum at this point

We turned right onto the Aqua Narrowboat moorings and that was it,  trip over :(  Lawrence drowned his sorrows in the shower and I drowned mine in the laundrette and shower block. And Tim and Mike wandered over to the restaurant to book us in for dinner.

However we had a lovely last supper together. Lots of laughs and remember when's and miracle of miracles a politics free night.

8 miles, 3 locks in 4 3/4 hours

And according to Lawrence, and pending verification by me, the grand totals are:

499.5 miles, 257 locks, 73 lift and swing bridges in 274 hours

Good night and good luck

Last quiz question, whose tag line was that