So much rain! Today mostly drizzle. The only major obstacle this morning was the 3 Hillmorton Locks. We departed Newbold early as usual and reached the locks at around 08:30. We had empty locks all the way. Martin was at the helm and I was walking. Soon we were on our way again and almost straight away met a flotilla of hire boats, maybe at least 4, then nothing. Once moored up it didn't take long to shut the boat down and then we hit the road.
Thoughts for this cruise? All in all very wet with some spectacular downpours. Canal water levels were up a few inches. No major lock issues apart from the odd ground paddle being U/S. The one at the top of Meaford had been fixed by the time we returned. Colwich lock ground paddle remained out of use. The failed lockbeams with the makedo repairs using angle iron was a first and I suppose it is down to a "bad" supply of wood in the first place. Towpaths were good throughout as far as mowing was concerned. So inspite of a weather, a good trip. Now I have to return to the Caldon Canal to finish the last few miles when there is no time imperative.