Our usual early morning start and a very pleasant run down the rest of the Napton flight. I think it must me pensioner’s week for the hire companies. All the hire boats we met had more ‘mature’ people on board. I suppose that the rates go down after the school holidays.

As we approached Calcutt locks we could see a boat already in the top lock. They called out to us and re-opened the gate to let us in. It was an oldish boat steered by a young woman who said it was her family’s boat. She was taking it to Knowle where her brother would pick it up. Her crew of two were very willing, but inexperienced! We called at Kate Boats at Stockton Top marina for a pump out (£20 !!) and for Colin to measure up JH for Karndean flooring. As we left Kate Boats I waited for a boat to pass then followed to the top lock. It wasnt until we started down the first lock, sharing with “Speedwell” that we noticed a boat following. Heddi asked if they we travelling together, in which case we would wait, but the lady on Speedwell said they had done Calcutt together, but they weren’t together. She thought the boat behind was going to meet some friends at the “Blue Lias”. Heddi and the lady on Speedwell did brilliantly down the flight coming in and out of each lock together side by side. After lock eleven we waved goodbye, winded and moored up by the pub in front of Enseabee. Shortly after Nb “Nuggler” with Mike and Pat on board arrived. It was them that we had pull out in front of! We are here now until Monday for the Cutweb Rally.