Wednesday 9 June 2010

From below Weston Flavell Lock to Cogenhoe, River Nene

We have left the Grand Union Canal and moved down on to the River Nene. We initially thought our passage onto the river would be delayed due to a Police incident having closed the river at Northampton, but a call to the Environment Agency gave us a the all clear. So out came the bike to speed our descent down the 17 locks at Rothersthorpe onto the Nene but alas a flat tyre - thank goodness for pink gloop! The bike certainly helped make light work through the pouring rain, but of course BW don't/can't work in the wet, and they were cosily ensconced inside their cabin part way down. Come the Cameron revolution all could be different! The private sector contractors grass cutting, path jet washing, strimming etc continued their work in the wet quite unperturbed.

The river Nene is as we remember from last year, serene and quiet. It helps that we know where to moor in Northampton for shops and the digging out for the new marina at Beckets Park is very apparent. We moored last evening just above Weston Flavell lock as we are familiar with this location. We boated on gently today sharing the 3 guillotine locks on our way to Cogenhoe with another narrow boat, saving water as we hear there is concern about the levels. Cogenhoe is a neat and tidy community, with attractive village cross, and Church and fortunately for us with a porch for us to shelter from the heavy afternoon downpour.