Dunsterbrook marina, Kiel, proved a most suitable overnight stop. Particularly as the Harbour Master opened as advertised at 0800 sharp, enabling the skipper to be reacquainted with his hat that he had carelessly left on the counter the previous afternoon. The crew were not impressed by this serious misdemeanor, as it had delayed sailing.

But no sooner had we joined the holding pattern for entrance to Holtenau lock, the lights said 'go'. Secured inside by 0830, we were in company with some dozen boats - and 3 big ships. One of which was: MV ALDEBARAN!!! Veterans of the crew of 19 July, when we were in Latvian waters, will recognize the significance of this name. Suffice to say, we resisted the temptation to enquire of the Master as to the results of the Watch Officer's Rule of the Road re-examination by the Latvian authorities on 2 August...

Safely out of the lock 30 minutes later (and even more safely in ALDEBARAN's wake), we then enjoyed a 20 mile donk to reach by lunchtime our selected overnight stop: Rendsburg. In between, we had some big ships passing seriously close to us - hopefully some phots to follow will give you an idea of what we mean.  But all seemed well versed in the Rule of the Road...

It being Mike's 60th birthday, we've spared him the obligatory float test as he cooked a Full English as we progressed along the canal. After a relaxed lunch in the cockpit and sunshine, it's all gone strangely quiet again....

Birthday run ashore tonight. We're making sure Mike sports his 'I'm 60' badge....