The perfect day

Wowsers! The sun is shining, the sky is blue and the autumn colours are amazing. And the wind has dropped. We set off at a leisurely pace but, a point we have often noted, the return journey always seems much quicker. 

Now this is autumn.

A little way down the canal we passed Kosi Korna. I kid you not, the name's on the map. They look just like mobile homes with a roof on the top. Who knows, perhaps they are. 

And now a picture looking back at the swingbridge with all the gates. Guess who had to do it today.

And now the captain sailing through the second swingbridge which, somehow, I ended up doing as well.

We're right at the foot of the locks at this point so I went and found the lock keeper to book passage up the flight. He advised me that there were 3 boats coming down, so we had a bite of lunch while we waited.

Our turn now. You can see the lockie on the left.

And all the gongoozlers on the other side. I'd better pay attention today and not be like Timothy West who keeps on saying that it's a contact sport! Don't think the lockie would appreciate me bashing the gates all the time.

That's one section cleared and on to the next.

Going up a flight like Foxton I always try to keep to the back of the lock with the stern fender just touching the gates.

On these locks there are only two paddles, a red one and a black one. 

The red paddle lets water out of one lock into another while the black paddle lets water into or out of a side pound. In this way you only lose half a lock of water over the whole flight. And water, like electricity these days, was a commodity to be used sparingly.

Nearly there.

And, at last, we've reached the top and now it's time to take on some water.

A farewell look back as we sail off into the sunset. Sorry, got a bit poetic there, it's only a quarter to three.

Ah, the young lad's still there.

And under the bridge that we walked across with Harvey and Helen the other day.

Oh dear, looks as if the towpath had disappeared into the canal at this point.

A field of cows. What better place to stop for the night?

Idyllic.

The fire is alight and the sun is going down on a perfect day.

And someone else enjoying themselves, taking in the last of all the day has to offer.

Strictly tonight and a steak supper. Sleep tight.