Monday 9th July 2018

Off at 8.45am although it was obvious that we were passing through a lot of weed and at the second lock Graham had to open the weed hatch again to clear out the weed. Two boats were coming up the lock and the owners joined Graham in trying to hook the blanket weed which was covering the area around the lock. Apparently the Environmental Agency had been cutting weed last week. It was so heavy to hook out and there were piles of it drying on the bank where others had also tried to get it out of the river.

At Wellingborough we stopped for water. There is some 48hr mooring here but the flour mill on the opposite bank made it an extremely noisy site and 2 moored boats had apparently been there for months.

There was a nearby small water park for young children and it was lovely to see so many enjoying the fabulous weather. The town is about 1 mile away but luckily a large Tesco was only 200 yards!

The Irchester viaduct is obviously undergoing major maintenance and a crane was working taking supplies across the river. You never realise the problems which railways etc. have to deal with when repairing structures.

There was also a lovely stone bridge at Irthlingborough.

At some points it was difficult to see which way to go. There are lots of weirs going off in both directions and also streams joining the river. This sign was particularly unhelpful.

We are moored at another Friends of the River Nene site at Woodford. It is much easier to get ashore and we will take a walk to the village tomorrow.