So much for weather forecasts!

Feels and looks more like Autumn than Spring
The bare rushes seemingly standing sentinel along the bank

We decided to stay put on Thursday as not only was it wet and cold but also very windy.  The forecast said Friday would be much better with sunny intervals, less wind and maybe the occasional shower.

Well they were correct about the wind!   

There were very few boats around, so no chance of sharing locks.   We did meet one as we reached the Bascote 4 and we did share in the staircase pair.....one up, one down.

After the 4, Geoff decided to ride between locks as the towpaths were very muddy.  We made it as far as the facilities just before lock 21 before the rain came.  This was not one of the 'occasional showers' we had been promised but very wet prolonged rain.  With no option but to carry on we just stood and got wet!   The expression.....IF YOU CANT TAKE A JOKE YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE JOINED ' came to mind.

Geoff decided to walk with Barney from the last lock to the moorings at Radford Semele which was our goal but was thwarted when he encountered a roosting swan on her nest with Dad patrolling the towpath very purposefully.  A passing cyclist also had to turn back....we would have given him a lift past the swans but he had a large muddy bicycle........and he did have an alternative route through the village.

Eventually moored up and retreated below to divest ourselves of a lot of soggy clothing.......good job the water was hot for showers.   We had our pick of places as there is not another boat in sight.

Total distance:5.23 miles 

Elapsed time:5h6m8s 

Locks:10

Bridges:13 
Average speed:1.03 mph (2.99 lock/mph)