Day 71 and we left the moorings late for us as D needed to get some weed off the prop, passed a boat who was about to leave so we paired up with them at the first lock. At second lock there was already a boat there and they waved us through. As it would be a bit rude to refuse we went through the lock with them. Decided we would rather travel with first boat (Peddler with Dave and Beryl) as they are based on the Thames and this is our next major destination after we leave the east. Much better day, having someone to travel with who we seemed to get on with, next to no weed (especially compared to yesterday). Finished at Islip having first missed the moorings which were not sign posted and you only saw them as you went through the bridge, so a couple of windings for us as we decided to go in forwards and back out tomorrow. Peddler went in backwards. Later joined by “Knot on call” with Ian and Chris and their friends. They had also missed the moorings. Pub really close so rude not to go, had meal with Dave and Beryl and continued to get on well with them. Good meals had by all.

Day 72 with three of us moored next to each other “Knot on Call” moved off first and we left a bit of time before moving off; or we would have done had our boat started – we had a flat starter battery! Change of plan which got really complicated to start with as the boats were pointing different ways. Fortunately we were facing backwards on the mooring so when we got back into the river we were facing the right way. To do this we stayed roped up to Peddler who had kindly offered to breast up with us and get us to Oundle marina. First they had to detach themselves from us and turn around and then pick us up again then immediately go through quite a tight bridge. Their helm Dave did a really good job we only hit a couple of things and only went through a couple of trees! D had phoned ahead to the marina and they had a suitable battery which they put on charge for us. On the way we were overflown by eight helicopters (6 chinooks and 2 Puma)

Got to the marina OK and new battery fitted. D also replaced the fan belt. So very grateful to Dave and Beryl.