For the first time in a long while, Tabitha is refusing to come in this morning. Not sure why, she has the ache about something!
But, eventually, all cats are on-board and were moving.
First stop – Bridgewater Boats for a pump out and a splash of diesel to see us through to the end of the month. Then.. Post Office stop, which we had to put the pins out for as it’s all not quite ready yet and we could be a while, but, eventually were back moving again.
Oh look.. a tube train! Were not in Kansas anymore now Toto!
Were also moving in “houseboat city” it seems..
And.. onto Stop #3.. Tesco’s – which have a mooring outside, with just enough room for us to get in – with all the other boats looking like there going to be there a while, as when you are stripping your boat and have cupboards etc sitting on the bank – its not like you are there for just the weekly shop!
It’s a day for unusual boat names it seems..
And.. It’s good to see that Donkey Kong is still there, still not throwing barrels down, thankfully.. and has been joined by another..
Now.. Copper Mill Lock.. what a pain the A** that lock is. Of course, if CRT didn’t have a wide beam work boat moored on the lock landing, I would have been able to pull in, as it turned out, I ended up on the other side of the canal being dragged down the channel towards the weir!
Thankfully, there was a CRT volunteer on duty who got the lock ready and helped to nose the boat into the lock, as by this time, what with the wind, and the flow holding the stern in place against the wall opposite to the lock landing it took several go’s to get the boat in! I was 45 degrees to the lock gate..
And this fells came over to see what was going on!
OK, so were in – now to get out again!
There is a SEVERE strong current on the exit to this one, and thankfully, you can see it well in advance.. but, as there was another boat waiting to enter the lock – it’s a case of pull out and wait until the canal is clear.. then throttle up, 45 degrees to the outflow – aim for the bank and wait. Once the bow starts being taken to the opposite side, steer in until you get half way across then steer the other way to keep the stern away from the bank.. with luck – were through without hitting anything! ( It certainly makes for an interesting GPS track! )
And just past the outflow.. a canoe course!
Another lock, and another interesting lock side cottage(s)
Through Jack’s lock..
And a sad sight on the opposite bank!
Then onto tonight’s mooring. It’s a bit short of where we were hoping for to make Thames Lock tomorrow.. but 1 extra lock should not be an issue.
