When we woke up this morning the wind appeared to have dropped, so we decided to head for Irthlingborough where the next recognised moorings are. About fifteen minutes into our journey the wind began to gust making steering 'interesting'. We managed to get through the first lock without too much difficulty. Luckily it is acceptable to leave lock gates open when you leave a lock on the Nene so I was able to get on board in the lock. Trying to fight with the wind to reach the lock landing would have been virtually impossible.
The next two miles to Ditchford Lock were a battle, including a close encounter with a willow tree. We collected a few twigs from where it overhung the river but managed not to entangle our chimney or satellite dish in it. When we arrived at Ditchford there was another tree which forced us towards the left bank to avoid it. The lock moorings were on the right, as Ray turned towards the moorings the combination of the current and the wind slewed the boat sideways and carried us across the lock entrance. Boats don't fit through lock gates sideways! After a 'heated debate' I took the bow rope and pulled us round onto the lock moorings, however this meant we were now facing upstream when we wanted to be travelling downstream.
As we were both now very cold and stressed we decided a cup of coffee was called for. The wind got worse and we decided to stay put. Tomorrow morning we should be able to push the bow out whilst holding the stern rope and let the current turn the boat to face the right way.
My day probably won't get any better as I expect Arsenal to lose to Barcelona tonight.
Today's journey 2.7 miles and 1 lock.
So far we have travelled 73.1 miles, 97 locks, 3 swing bridges, 1 lift bridge and 1 tunnel.
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