Irthlingborough (ex Rushden & Diamonds)

We left White Mills this morning in glorious weather and it continued all day. The first two locks were both being operated by boats going upstream so it wasn't until we reached Woolaston Lock that we got out a windlass. (because the downstream gates are electrically operated). Luckily we then met another boat (NB Critical Point) and shared locks with them through Wellingborough. 

Doddington Lock 

(with water flowing over the top gates)

A misguided (?) swan feeder at Wellingborough

Negotiating the Irchester Railway Viaducts

We paused for lunch at a Friends Of  The River Nene (FOTRN) mooring by Ditchford Bridge.

Broken FORTN Sign

There were numerous horses roaming around the site so they may have been responsible for the damage. There were a few mares with young foals who looked adorable. After a late lunch we went through the radial-gated Ditchford Lock. 

After the tortuous turns around Ditchford the long straight alongside the A45 was quite a change. I am always wary of Higham Ferrers bridge because it is tight and has a skewed approach. It was just as well that we were prepared because a boat going upstream suddenly approached obliquely without a lookout. Despite sounding my horn and having priority going downstream I just had to stop and go astern. Luckily the current was light and we managed to reverse upstream and negotiate the central navigation arch on our second approach. 

Higham Ferrers Bridge

We moored up at the "Rushden & Diamonds" moorings that overlook Stanwick Lakes. Last time were moored here there wasn't much bird life evident but today there was plenty. I think the star turn was a cuckoo that flew in, rested on a hawthorn and then continued on its journey. I got a really good look at it through binoculars. The evening was warm enough for us to eat our dinner on the bank. A glorious day's boating.