This is where the hard work began!

So up until now there journey had been fairly sedate only and hour or two a day.  I had done just over 14 miles and only 8 locks (and most of those with assistance).

So now 243 miles of canal stretched out before me and more amazing than that 271 locks and 31 lift and swing bridges.  And this journey had conveniently coincided with one of the hottest heat waves I can remember in years.
, although I prefer that to rain!

The first night I pitched up just below Semmington, I'd not gone far at all but it felt good having left the marina and it felt like my journey had begun.

The interesting point about Semmington is this is the junction with the Wilts and Berks Canal which is under restoration.  There is a good possibility it will be restored within my lifetime but if only it was restored now it would cut a big chunk off of my journey. More information on the restoration here: http://www.wbct.org.uk/.