Almost back at base camp

The Fish and Eels pub at Dobbs Weir

We enjoyed a quiet night and awoke to sunshine and noisy coots. Dan has joined us again for the last few miles, to help with the heavy locks on this stretch. Luis kindly came over this morning to bring a few supplies as there are very few shops anywhere near the river in these parts.

Day boats at Fields Weir Lock

There were quite a few boats around this morning, and they all seeemed intent on setting the locks aginst us! These two wide beam day boats passed us as we were taking on water at Fields Weir and we groaned - following these all the way up the River STort would make for very slow progress. The junction with the Stort is just after the lock and joy of joys, the day boats went straight on towards Hertford.

A cute pig

As we passed Hunsdon, it started to rain, and rapidly the light rain forcast, turned into something of a downpour. Alas, our shiny new canopy couldn't save us from a soaking - there are a succession of low bridges along the stort, and we would be continuously putting it up and taking it down, so soaked we became. What ever happened to August this year? At Parndon Lock, a group of pigs were nearby, and Angela fetched apples for them. Alas, a sign saying PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE PIGS - gloom.

Not a capsize, but lemming like behaviour

 We reached Harlow with rain the still falling and began searching for somewhere to moor up for lunch. We passed the outdoor pursuits centre, and spotted this group of children being instructed in how to hurl themselves into the river. They seemed to be enjoying themselves, but it looked pretty cold.

 A typical mid-summer scene

We managed to find somewhere to stop for some lunch and started to tie up. We then spotted that we were moored against a wasp nest, and so hurriedly untied and moved on! We did find somewhere eventually and assuaged our hunger.

 Tonight's mooring near Harlow

We passed through Harlow and out into the country and managed to find somewhere to moor that wasn't already taken but 'continuous cruisers'. So, we have moored for the last time before we reach home.

All is still

The rain stopped and the sun came out again, making for a lovely evening. With the exception of the nearby railway and the planes from Stanstead, it's really quiet. Tomorrow we set off on the last few miles back to Kecksy's Farm, and the end of our fabulous trip - sigh!