We subsequently discovered that Matt is a rugby player who was severely injured and paralysed and, we think, still in Stoke Mandeville.this is the second year of a fund raising cruise and walk involving at least 12 boats, with some people walking all the way to London and the rugby final at Twickenham. One of the walkers who spoke to us was also injured playing rugby and is attempting the walk from Rugby to London despite having to use two crutches all the time. He said that they have already raised over £100,000.
Altogether the first part of the morning was quite bust with plenty of boats in each direction. Nevertheless, there was little delay at Hilmorton - the main issue was a hire boat that had been hassling us before the locks (despite the fact that we were following a slow boat and there were frequent moored boats etc etc). As we were in the process of maneuvering to the top lock it made an attempt to overtake us!l all the other boast in the flight were full of very pleasant folk, which made up the difference!
After the locks we had a long level cruise ahead of us to Hawkesbury. After a while the same hire bought tried to hassle us once again, sounding its horn at intervals. However, speed was not dictated by us but by a slow boat in front (not the same one as before the locks) In general there were very few possible passing places and a steady stream of on-coming craft,not to mention moored boats. Suddenly this boat roared at top speed, making a tremendous bank wash, and forced its way past. Inevitably, as it clearly did not have the experience to recognise, this caused the two boats to be sucked towards each other, with the result that they collided with us - nearly damaging their stern gear. Glad to be rid of them, but they could not make any better progress because they were unable to pass the same boat that we were following earlier!
The afternoon cruise was just great - sunshine almost too hot at times. Christine had the opportunity to read at the front and even had to resort to finding an umbrella to shade under!
It was well after five o'clock by the time we reach the stop lock at Hawkesbury (forgot this one in last night's blog!) and we disposed of rubbish and emptied the elsan - then realised that the water point we had planned to use had been vandalised - we were not minded to go back through the stop lock to the other water point!
At this stage we had to take a decision - Christine was quite keen to make it to Coventry basin for the night so that we can visit the cathedral tomorrow mooring at 10:30 for the main service. With such wonderful weather it was no problem and, whilst Christine steered, Mike prepared the pizza and salads for the evening meal. There was little traffic - we passed only a single boat coming out of Coventry. To our surprise when we arrived at the basin there was only one other boat moored there! Still, it was quiet and we enjoyed our meal without many onlookers!
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