Irthlingborough

After breakfast we walked the half mile into the small town of Thrapston.  The range of shops was limited but fortunately it was the day of the monthly farmer's market.  So we bought some sausages and cauliflower for dinner this evening.

Returning to the boat we set off at 10:40 continuing our journey upstream on the Nene. Although the wind had died down the journey was unexciting and slow as the river was narrow in places as it meandered through the wide agricultural flood plain.

Mike raising the guillotine gate at Denford Lock

3 of the 6 locks were manualy operated.  As the photo shows we did take turns in rotating the flywheel perhaps 100 times to raise or lower each guillotine gate.

We arrived at Irthlingborough moorings at 15:40.  These are situated in a depressing area, formerly Nene Park, the base of Rushden & Diamonds football club which went bankrupt in 2011.  The former arena and practice ground are still both derelict and the large carparks completely empty.

After mooring we walked to the nearby Aldi where we stocked up for the next few days.