Back in Northampton

Only 8 locks to go now before we get back to Northampton, the head of the River Nene. This was the most weedy section as parts of the river are very wide, windy and shallow allowing the weed to flourish in the summer heat. Battling against the wind and the flow the efficiency of the prop was compromised  with Keith having to descend down into the weed hatch on numerous occasions.
Dianne didn't escape scot free either. At one lock she encountered a pony who insisted on following her as she operated the lock and at one stage took a nip at her leg!

The last river lock

There is a new marina just beyond the last lock that offers visitor moorings so off Keith went on his bike to investigate. We were in luck as the resident manager was off on his boat for a fortnight holiday and so we took his pontoon right next to the superb service block. £10 a night with free mains electric and water on tap. We decided to stay for two days. The fist night we went off in search of a Wetherspoon pub and found The Cordwainer. A Cordwainer as a shoemaker who makes soft leather shoes and other luxury footware articles. Northampton was a hub in the Middle Ages  for shoe making. In the museum there is evidence that King John - of Robin Hood fame - ordered a pair of boots  here in 1213. Northampton has a fine selection of architecture in the centre none more so than the Guild Hall.

Dianne visited the museum on Tuesday along with 78 Derngate that is a 19th Century town house remodelled by artist and architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1917.  Keith stayed on the boat and changed the engine and gearbox oil.
We are off agin this evening to seek out the other two Wetherspoon pubs!