We woke to snow a little dusting on the tow path but nothing too bad. Winter layer upon layer were put on to try and keep out the cold and wind. Heartbreak Hill was the mission for the day so a good breakfast was required. Whilst finishing off the sausage, egg, black pudding, white pudding, tomatoes, mushrooms and potato farls we were passed by Festina Lente and another Narrowboat. So the locks would be against us. Theme of the day. Four birds of prey were circling WD and we hoped that that wasn't a bad omen as we set off.
We had to be patient being at the back as all three boats took it in turn to empty and fill each lock until we got to the double locks. At lock 57 I wandered up to the shop with the intention of making a purchase to find it closed, so then headed back towards the lock which was being filled. The chap at the top gates was filming himself on his phone saying they'd only managed 20 miles in two days. At this point I noticed that he was very efficiently filling the pound below having left both paddles open on the bottom gates. They are heading to Lincoln and were wanting to know where there might be a shop to buy batteries for their torch as their tunnel light wasn't working. Eventually they were clear and we could continue. Apparently Lock 57 has closed down which is a great shame and we were glad that we weren't relying on buying coal there.
We only passed two boats coming down all day and only one of those set the lock for us, Festina Lente set another, but other than that every chamber had to be emptied.
At lock 53 the boat ahead of us had left the top gate paddle open slightly so with that rectified we could carry on filling up without sinking. At 52 the swans were queueing up outside someone's house for food. The fancy duck was still around Rode Heath we were glad to see, wonder what it's offspring will look like!? All things to lighten the mood in the cold.
At Lock 49 Halls Lock we had a phone call from Frank who was meeting us, checking whether he should stop off at Tescos to stock up on wine supplies. The answer was of course yes. We met him just above lock 47 (he has long legs!) and then gave him a ride back to Red Bull. Here there was a mooring spot that looked like it might just be long enough for us. It was but only just, with buttons buttons it was a bit too cosy so we decided to continue on up the next two locks to moor for the night.
A Sunday roast of chicken was put on and eaten, beers and wine drunk and then to bed after doing 23 locks it had been a little bit of a tiring day!
6 miles 23 locks
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