Eventually the day arrived so up at 4:30 bursting with excitement .. or perhaps it was old man’s bladder.

Arrived at the boat at about 7 after McDonalds breakfast unpacked a load of tools and two pairs of socks and a clean set of underwear. I know this was designed to carry tons of coal but no need to overload it.

Waited for the office to open so we could turn in our gate passes so eventually on the “cut” at 09:25 (see got the jargon already)

Firstly got out of the marina without hitting anything.. Susan was quite impressed, so after a couple of hours weaving about we arrived at Cosgrove and the first lock.

I have read it “ALL” , take it slow no rush align the boat.. yeah right we arrive at the lock and nowhere to moor to compose myself someone passing yells I have let it open for you, so in I go but only one side open which is about 5 mm each side wider than the boat.  Oh well shit happens a little messy and some slight damage to the tiller arm. did I really need that fancy bit of wood stuck in the end of the brass tube?

The rest of the day went almost to plan except we did a few more locks than anticipated but now moored up right opposite the pub and all is well.  Sadly there was no beer that I like but Susan packed some.  Happy end to the first ever proper trip out.

On a side note apparently it much scarier being at the front when Im steering that it seems to be for me at the back