There was a scratch on SONFLOWER when we got up this morning. Whether it was a vandal or a hawthorn bush was debated by our crew and a BW lengthsman at Whilton Locks. He admired the boat and noticed the blemish!

It was pouring with rain this morning, scorching sun this afternoon and a wonderful glow about the evening as we ate our Chicken Italien washed down with Chianti.

The change in the weather was dramatic. We have a strong breeze of the starboard bow which chills a bit but the sun has made a dramatic comeback and illuminates the green and pleasant country around us wonderfully.

We are now away from the waterfall of noise that is the M1 and are moored in very peaceful surroundings where gentile ladies ride on horseback over the canal bridge to get exercise. We got ours on Buckby and Blisworth flights.

Altogether a really successful and enjoyable afternoon that increased the happiness rating from 5.4 to 9.5.

We lit a fire this evening to dry the shoes.