If I ruled the world

If I ruled the world the rain would fall between sunset and sunrise, the wind would never blow at more 8 mph during daylight and other boaters would always know which side of the canal they are supposed to be on.

Admittedly it probably wasn't entirely their fault that they were on the wrong side just as we came through a bridge with blind bend after it. It might just have had something to do with the wind. If they had been on the right side of the canal it wouldn't have been a problem but we came through the bridge to be confronted with a boat on our side of the canal. Much full throttle reverse ensued and we managed to avoid a head on collison. The problem then was that we were now blown hard against the bank by the wind and it was great fun getting underway again.

We managed to stay mostly dry, reaching the Wolseley Arms just after three, not bad as we didn't set off until nearly noon because of the wind. The sun actually shone for a while after we moored and we went for a stroll. On the way back the sky got blacker and we had only been on board about ten minutes and there was an almighty hailstorm. It's stopped for a while then started again. At least I'm inside and it is bound to stop before tomorrow morning.

Today's journey 9.1 miles

So far this year we have travelled 196.4 miles, 122 locks, 5 swing bridges and 5 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1398.1 miles, 1208 locks, 61 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 45 tunnels