Did someone say slow timing it back to Shebdon

 ... What do they know. 

Sadly Rachels trapped nerve if that is what it is got worse overnight and was up 4am is trying to get comfortable and some relief from it. Over breakfast we considered option. More slow timing, a drop into Overwater and taxi/car shuffle to get back home or smash some locks out and aim for a early return to Shebdon.

After some deliberation we decided on the latter  - me wanting to get us back and happy to do the locks solo while she rested inside. 

£17 quid a night visitor mooring. its a nice marina but the draw home was stronger 

A nice view from this 'tyres' mooring  - boaters will know 

We were about half an hour away from Audlem bottom lock and as I readied the boat as steady stream of boats passed us for said lock ! We were in a small queue when we got tom the lock. I got the help of a Dutch lady on a hire boat that came in behind us. I jinxed her by complimenting her on her locking etiquette as she was asking me when and how much top paddle I wanted. Only to not be able to open the top gate at lock 14  walked back to the bottom gates and one of the paddles was 1/3 open  - she was mortified ! 

Typical the services were empty and so were all the moorings around the Shroppie Fly. I took the opportunity given by the slow filling leaky lockk to empty the cassette 

We swapped locks with other boats 15-12 then I had to turn every lock but 2 on the way up. I was on my own ( nt other boat and their crew to help) which to be honest I prefer when single handling. I got into a decent rythem of bringing percy up, holding in the lock while I emptied and set the next lock, walked back motored out enough to drape a stern line in case Percy got away from me while I closed the top gate.

There was a hire boat with 6 crew on behind me but they didn't catch me until  got to the top lock. In fairness only three of their crew were doing anything and I was complimented on how efficient I must have been to keep ahead.... I'll take that. 

They did get their boat in some interesting positions as they caught me up 

They did catch me part way up the Adderley flight  - again I was turning all the locks. Nice fella from Canada, originally from Nottingham. I cleared the flight and stopped just short of 66 on some wonky armco... 20 locks today most I've done solo for a while.

All being well I will have us back to Shebdon tomorrow. Hard work but rewarding day.