Hottest day of the year so far. Set out early so as to get to GH in one day. Alarm at Gailey Lock when, still rather sleepy, we left the top paddles open when we opened the bottom ones. The boat was thrown backwards in the turbulence, with a real danger of being caught on the cill. We dropped the front paddles just in time, with some help from a passing stranger, and apparently no damage to the stern tackle.
Long day, but largely uneventful apart from this. Tied up on our home mooring. A bit strange to be home.
Car battery was flat, in spite of the solar charger having been on all the time we've been away (11 weeks, 2 days). Called the AA, who came and got it going. Battery seems to be OK after charging. AA man had little comfort or a solution, and clearly didn't expect the solar panel to be effective over this period of time. Will need to look for an alternative solution.
13.6 miles, 12 locks, 7.5 hours engine time.
