9th April '11

You may have noticed a bit of a gap in the blog - all will be revealed! We are in fact stuck at Ditchford Lock for the next however because they are doing maintainence to the next lock and so it is unnavigable! We have been through 4 locks at least where there have been Environment Agency (EA) workmen - we have chatted to them and they have helped see us through the locks but did one of them mention that the navigation was closed further up-stream - no they didn't!

We couldn't really have been stuck in a better place though as it is lovely and quiet - there is a farm-shop right next to us and Kevin the owner has been kindness itself in helping out with supplies etc. There are fishing lakes here so it seems like being back at Coking Farm and there are plenty of walks. It's a bit of a journey into Rushden which is the nearest town but we have walked it and cycled it so it isn't too bad. Apparently Wellingborough is not far away and there is a good footpath to get there so we may try that direction later today or tomorrow.

The EA say that the work on the next lock is due to be completed on 17th April but they conmpleted the work on this one a week early so have suggested that we ring them on tuesday to get an update.

There doesn't seem to be enough signal here to up-load any pictures so they will have to wait until we have moved on a bit - I have however finally got some pictures of Red Kite - after many, many frames of empty sky where they had just flown out of shot!

We are enjoying the lovely weather and if there is anyone in the NN8 1RL area in the next few days please come and see us! (Bring wine!)