Backwards and Forwards

Last night the wind and the rain continued and we went to bed with the sound of the rain drumming on the roof. At about one o'clock I woke up to silence, no wind, no rain and when I looked outside I could see the stars. The day dawned clear and bright, not a cloud in the sky but it was distinctly chilly.

We didn't rush to be on our way this morning as Rachel had said she would ring us when the washing machine arrived and all we had to do was go to Welford to post Margaret's birthday card, turn round and head back to North Kilworth. Rachel rang as Ray was on his way to the postbox so we headed back to collect the machine. We left Merlin moored near the junction with the Welford Arm so it would be easier to turn Morgana back round when we reach North Kilworth Wharf. We decided to buy a new leisure battery as well so after fuel, washing machine and battery, plus two birthdays (Margaret and Mandy) we are officially broke until the end of the month!

We rehitched Merlin and carried on in the autumnal sunshine for another hour or so then moored for the night. I had hoped to get close to Yelvertoft but the clouds started to roll in and we were soon losing the best of the light. Tomorrow's weather forecast is OK until the afternoon so we should make some progress.

Today's journey 7.1 miles and 2 locks

So far this year we have travelled 823.2 miles, 647 locks,  54 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 29 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 2024.9 miles, 1733 locks, 110 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 69 tunnels