Where yesterday was more of a gentle introduction, today was more of a baptism by fire.

It was another bright, clear morning, this time experienced at 5:30am because I left the curtains open. The dew was really heavy. I should have worn better footwear for this morning’s leg stretching walk with Sam. Only went for 20 minutes but when I got back I could have been paddling.

You will find that I will occasionally throw something in when it occurs to me. And that’s just happened. It occurs to me that I should mention that if you are expecting a meticulous log of times, locks and distances, you are going to be sorely disappointed. What you very quickly realise, when you get into boating on canals, is that it’s about slowing down to learn that it’s not about times and distances, but savouring what is happening now

Despite saying that, I was on a bit of a mission today. And that was to tackle my first flight of locks flying solo. But we had to get there first. The first order of business is to get Sam installed on the roof. She does not enjoy sitting on the rear deck. Perhaps it’s the lack of space, or the vibrations from the engine, or that fact that she once fell off the back. So instead of keeping her shut inside the boat, Heather suggested I try her on the roof, tethered to stop her jumping off. She does seem to enjoy it, eventually. First problem, she cannot jump up, so has to suffer the indignity of being picked up. The second problems was that, whilst the non slip coating on the roof works well for human feet, it was more like ice for doggy paws. Hence the array of rubber mats, and only the human has problems with the rubbery smell.

So when she’s first up there, she’s very unsure  if she likes it.

Then she settles down and gets more confident.

And she gets really into her new hobby – sheep watching.

So, with the dog settled. There’s time to admire the world’s smallest narrowboat lake. Some people will go extreme lengths to avoid paying CRT mooring fees.

Arriving at Marston Doles, the top of the Napton flight, I was met by Gordon, a CRT volunteer lock keeper, who helped me down most of the flight (thanks Gordon). Something occurred to me in the second lock down. I should perhaps show you what our boat Heron looks like.

 

 

 

 

 

 

And then we were in the bottom lock. It’s surprising what some help and some engaging conversation can do to make the time fly by.

 

Then it was time for some refreshment at the Folly Inn before a short cruise to another favourite mooring spot on the way to Braunston.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tomorrow is likely to be a shorter day, although there is the distraction of Midland Chandlers at Braunston that could seriously lengthen my day.