High Water

The day dawned bright and dry, only a slight wind so after watching the qualifying session for the Grand Prix we set off for Islip.

The river was a bit high but with only about 20-30cm above normal levels we reckoned we had enough clearance under the bridges for our planned trip. All went well until the third lock where the river levels seemed to be up about 40cm, we slipped under the bridge with about 15cm to spare, the height board reading 2.3 metres. We re-checked the bridge heights and decided Islip was risky but that we should reach the moorings at Nine Arches near Thrapston. The bridges on that stretch had 2.6 metre clearances with normal levels and we had come under one that was 2.5 metres under normal levels.

The height marker at the old rail bridge.

And here's a close up!

When we reached Woodford Lock the clearance at the lock was 2.2 metres, we exited the lock and moored up. The old rail bridge was showing 2.1 metres, we had a quick measure, we reckon we are 2.07 above the waterline, far too close to risk it.  We had three choices, turn round and go back, take everything we could off the roof including our new roof box or sit it out and hope the level drops. We decided that we would stay here overnight and reconsider our options in the morning. We don't really want to go back but even with everything off the roof we would still have the gas flue from the water heater to worry about so we would still be about 2 metres.

Ray took a walk back to Woodford Village to get some milk and coffee then we settled down to an evening of TV,with homemade pizza and jacket spuds.

Today's journey 5.5 miles and 4 locks
So far we have travelled 81.6 miles, 103 locks, 3 swing bridges, 1 lift bridge and 1 tunnel.