Paddington to Limehouse

Our guests Sam and Gemma were to leave for work at 08:00 and a full English was on order, so we were up at 6:30 to deal with this.  Once they had gone we left the mooring and set off through Maida Vale Tunnel picking up a few plastic bags on the way.  Arriving at Camden we were disappointed to find ourselves behind two boats with the habit of leaving both bottom gates open for us.  However, occasional opposite direction traffic broke up the routine and whilst waiting at St Pancras I took the opportunity of retrieving the bag collection from the propeller.  We had a clear run through Islington Tunnel but found two "continuous moorer" type boats on the City Road Lock landing (shown in the picture), thus necessitating a nose into the lock gate technique.  The lower lock landing and moorings were similarly obstructed, so it must have been a "rally".   Carrying on past Old Ford Lock with its tricky self opening bottom gates requiring have a top paddle before they will stay closed, we began to encounter a lot of blanket weed.  Not  serious problems yet, but I dare say if the warm weather continues it will get worse.  At Salmon Lane Lock Pat had a bit of an accident with the offside bottom gate paddles.  The pawl does not catch properly to leave the paddle up.  Whilst investigating, her grip on the windlass slipped; it spun furiously and hit her wrist.   We found a spot on the wall at Limehouse and reported our intentions to the lock-keeper, reporting the accident at the same time.  The lockie was extremely helpful, allowing us to stay until Sunday and proffering a range of literature (2 new editions of the tideway manuals, the lock availability guide and a local amenity guide.  Excellent stuff.