Canoe portage and Moorings in the way of each other on the Nene near Woodford

Rushden & Diamonds, Irthingborough to Denford, 6 miles 4 locks

Quiet on the river today, very few boats about, in fact just two boats passed all day.  One guy called over “Are you what is called ‘another boat’?”.. Blog reader Ken Fairbaine who lives by the river in Thrapston commented that he noticed that there is a fall in boats cruising along the river this year.  But I don’t mind that!

We have noticed that there are pilings at the locks that are getting in the way of the 67ft No Problem…

These have been put in for canoe portage points at the locks, but I wish they could have made the pontoons a bit longer, it makes it very awkward for me to get on and off.. and hey ho, here they are actually putting one in at Woodford Lock..

At least at this one the canoes will be going out on the other side of the river to the lock pontoon waiting area.

I enjoyed today’s trip down river, there is hardly any flow at the moment even though we have had a bit of rain this week and tonight we have moored at one of our favourite places Denford.

I must show you a couple of photos from the last couple of days.  From the moorings at Rushden & Diamonds, I walked back crossing over to the other side of the river at Irthingborough Lock and a very short walk along the path brings you to Stanwick Parklands.  It is fantastic for kids, look at this playground..

And that was only half of it!  And while the kids play the adults can have a cuppa in the cafe in the huge complex which contains an exhibition centre..

Lucy and Meg were not too impressed at the water crossings though, flatly refusing to cross this one!..

Lucy is giving me that look of total disbelieve at what I am asking!

I got my Boaters Update from Waterscape today and was amazed to read that a new system is to be put in place for short term licences..

BW short-term licences now online
As part of BW’s push to improve licensing services for its customers, short-term BW licences for England & Wales can now be purchased online.

Once the short process is complete, you will receive an email to confirm your licence has been processed. This should be kept with your boat at all times. Although you will no longer receive a set of BW licence discs to display onboard, your details will be known to BW’s patrol staff who can check the status of your licence on their hand held computers. If there is any doubt, BW’s patrol staff may ask to see evidence and the confirmation email will suffice. BW short-term licences can be bought in advance and can start at any time, so you can plan your trips and have your paperwork in place before you set off.

So now even more boats without a licence disc… I can’t see how BW are going to be able to manage the checking of this somehow.  After all they only have two patrol staff serving Wales and the Canals close to there.  I know that because I was concerned about some boats and thought they should be checked out.  I was told there were only two for the whole area.. I can’t understand why anyone would want a short term licence.. if you sell a boat or take it out the water BW will refund the unused part year..

Off to Kettering tomorrow for a day out.. I think I will take the brolly!