Leisurely Return and a Strange Smell

We made our way back to base, with a strange smell making itself apparent in the last hour before we stopped. It was only after we stopped that I realised it was probably a combination of hot plastic and hydrogen sulphide due to one or more of the domestic battery bank handing in its notice. I'd noticed a day or so ago one of the cells had turned the paper label over it brown with heat and diagnosed a probable shorted cell. As I planned to replace the bank after this outing I did not act. Now the battery has collapsed and is venting flammable gases. Definitely time for a new set of batteries.

Moored at Blisworth Mill Wharf.

Total distance is 10 miles, 7¾ furlongs and 0 locks.

Back the Way We Came

We headed back towards base via Watford locks. Found a surprisingly quiet spot to moor between the motorway and the railway.

Moored at Brockhall Bridge No 19

Total distance is 17 miles, 4 furlongs and 14 locks.

Inclined Plane

We spent the day getting to Foxton, where rather than join the queue to go down the staircase, we moored at the top lock and strolled around the site. We took in a warming cup of coffee at the top lock coffee shop and visited the engine house museum, run by the Inclined Plan Trust.We then turned around and headed back the way we had come.

Foxton Top Lock

On the way I saw bats in the tunnel at Husband's Bosworth - or it may have been the same bat several times, flitting in and out of the beam of the tunnel light. Siobhan watched carefully on the way back but the bat(s) did not put in a repeat performance in the afternoon when we passed back through the tunnel.
 
Moored at Mill Bridge No 40.

Total distance is 16 miles, 1¾ furlongs and 0 locks.

Still Cold!

I'm really glad we have a heater at the steerer's feet as the temperature has not risen significantly. Batteries slightly better last night after a full day's charge while cruising but still not good. I need to replace them when we get back to base.

Our £80 Ikea sofa bed is also due for retirement after five years hard service: the cover has split.

Our second passage through Watford locks was overseen by the excellent lock keepers. Cathy was given 10 out of 10 for her handling of Syncopation on the tricky turn between locks 1 and 2.

Syncopation at Watford Lock No 2

Moored at Mill Bridge No 40.

Total distance is 13 miles, 7½ furlongs and 7 locks.

Late Start

Out on the cut again. We planned to set off yesterday but barely got out of Blisworth, so I've counted today's progress from Blisworth. The day was pretty cold (about 3 degrees) but in the sun it was bearable. I was disappointed to see the pub at the top of Buckby locks has closed. There always seemed to be a lot of people outside when we passed.

Yesterday evening, we found the domestic batteries have pretty much reached the end of their useful life, with the inverter cutting out as the voltage fell too low.

Moored near Welton Haven Marina.

Total distance 14 miles, 4 1/2 furlongs and 7 locks.