Hillmorton Bottom approach

 

The temperature is much cooler now and the stove appreciated.  Also the wind is getting up again.  First job was to wind which meant using the stop lock twice, winding easily with the bows under the bridge at the junction.   The we started back to Barby, expecting to arrive tomorrow morning.  Starting before 8:00 am we encountered one or two boats, unusual for us, then a few more after Ansty but it was only after Rose Narrowboats that we came up against the flotilla, culminating in 7 successive opposite directions needing swift decisive action to get through Easenhall Road Bridge, then great care past the offside vegetation and moored boats on the bend by the car park.   After that, plain sailing.  There were spaces at Newbold but Rugby was largely full.  The last boater before we moored on the first bit of piling after Bridge 69 advised us that the “is a long wait at the locks” not surprising for a bank holiday weekend with only one side of the pairs working.   A good wind for the wind generator when we got it up.