Back aboard and a few days up the river to Northampton

After a great break staying with family on the Isle of Man and attending my nephew's wedding I'm back on the old tub and have spent the past three days trundling back up the Nene to Northampton.  I left Oundle on Friday for a short trip of up to Islip to meet up with other members of the Friends of the River Nene to celebrate the organisations first birthday on Saturday.

After several glasses of wine and a slice or two of cake I moved on in the late afternoon for a couple more miles to stop overnight on at Woodford - a lovely peaceful spot.

This morning I set off around 8 am in the early mist which burned off by mid morning and the day has been very warm and sunny.  

After two short hops I decided to push on and reach Northampton which I did 7 hours, 20 miles and 16 locks later. It's been an interesting day for sights.  There were lots of birds around including herons, an egret, several kingfishers a handful of pheasants and of course countless swans, geese and ducks.  Whilst operating one lock I spotted the BBMF Dakota flying overhead. Most of the sights were welcome but I would prefer not to have seen a man of advancing years walking along the riverside path naked.  I have nothing against naturists but why are they never young and pretty?

Having reached Northampton I moored up at the Britannia Inn and treated myself to a steak. Very tasty it was too.

The next few days will include many locks, starting tomorrow with the climb up the 16 lock flight connecting the Nene to the Grand Union canal. Once on the GU there are the 7 locks of the Buckby flight, which are very heavy and hard work, followed by 6 at Braunston.