Here is Tilly surveying the twists and turns ahead. Going down stream towards Amiens was really tricky because the current was with us and pushed us along at 5km/h even on tick over. With Waterdog's length at 90ft (27m) we had trouble getting her around some of the bends without the rudder and propellor getting very close to the shallow banks. Going back upstream was easier as we could use more engine and keep more steerage.

Tilly tends to make friends with lock keepers because she just loves to get off the boat at every oportunity during a cruising day (and she is very cute). After a few minutes sniffing around the grass she is equally happy to hop back onboard as we get set to go. She was trying to eat the eclusier's glove here and made for a very slow lock as he was distracted from opening the sluices more as the water rose.

Back at the 'Home mooring' in Corbie. Now we are facing in the right direction to sail east, back towards the Canal du Nord (ready for when it opens at the beginning of May) so we can make our way to Paris.

Waterdog is looking good with her primer coat and clear decks in the evening spring sunshine. Next job is to get the gloss on and the non-slip deck paint.