Atherstone Bottom Lock, to Tusses Bridge No.4 on the North Oxford Canal, Just South of Hawkesbury

We woke to the rain pounding on the roof of the back cabin and so we took the decision to not hurry off up the flight. We had hoped that it would possibly slow down or even stop. At 9.50 am with the rain still falling, we left our overnight mooring and set off up the flight behind another boat. We were then joined by a boat behind us, so we had ourselves a convoy.

We each helped the other with setting locks, which was a help in the rain. I was wet, but because it was warm it did not bother me. I did however find out that my steel toe capped shoes have died, because my feet were very wet. We made it to the top of the flight with the help of three volunteer lock keepers who were on duty.

The sun was doing its best to come out and by the time we reached Nuneaton we had warm sunshine warming our backs and drying me out. Keith was fine because he had the heat from the back cabin stove, which I had lit to cook our dinner and we could dry our clothes out if needed.

On our way through Nuneaton we met up with Martin Fuller on Cutter and Joe Fuller on Pinner, they had been to the Coventry Steam rally.

We passed by my favourite dock. Charity Dock is so special, there is no where else like it on the cut.

You have to look out for their dummies and what they are dressed up in.

Each time we have been past, they are always different.

We did not moor up until late, but the evening is now glorious.