Well we set off from Napton to Norton Junction, Roger Spurr writes.
Well aware progress further north than Foxton was impossible but looking forward to a few days on the long pound from Watford to the inclined plane site. Broken paddle at Watford Locks
I joked to the chap in the boat paired with us going up Braunston that a broken paddle would scupper our plans notwithstanding the specter of low water levels.
After mooring just short of the Watford turn my fellow traveller ran back to inform me of the stoppage. Which CRT tells will not be repaired for four days.
So a lazy days' walk to Whilton Mill only relieved by finding someone's phone on the lock. Fortunately it rang within the hour and a much relieved boater met us at the middle pound.
Those heading to Crick formed an orderly queue whilst we turned back to Braunston for Sunday's duck race.
Another midsummer cruise spoilt by low water levels, strict times of lock usage and delayed maintenance. I'm too old to worry about the future of the system, meanwhile our boat may be consigned to floating cottage status.
Roger Spurr, NB Tiny Wave.