Today was one of those great boating days when you travel through great countryside under clear blue skies and fluffy white clouds, and for early October it was even warm.
Northampton Marina, Becket's Park
We left Northampton Marina (aka Becket’s Park) about 10:00 in sun. Cruising through the broad stretches near Midsummer Meadow we met a number of rowing crews (double sculls, eights and fours) training. We met the first of only three boats moving upstream when we went through Rush Mills Lock. The broad section by the Northampton Washlands was uncharacteristically shallow as we approached Weston Favell Lock and we collected some weed around the propeller several times. I recall that the last time we entered Weston Favell Lock from upstream we also had difficulty - were engulfed by blanket weed – at least it wasn’t that bad.
Double Scull
Midsummer Meadows
Passing through Billing there were some visitors in touring caravans, and even tents, all enjoying the sunshine. At Clifford Hill Lock a family of around six were all fishing. One of the young boys thought Albert was steam-powered.
Entering the Washlands
Weston Favell Lock
We had a swift lunch at Billing Lock and then had a particularly good cruise to Cogenhoe Lock where there are some well cared for chalets and static caravans.
Cogenhoe Lock (with young helpers)
Whiston Church in afternoon sunshine
Operating Whiston Lock with an audience
Electrically operated guillotine lock
The journey continued to White Mills Lock where we moored up in the new White Mills Lock Marina. It has only been open since April and we got a warm welcome from the managers. It appears to be a well-run enterprise.
White Mills Marina at sunset
