It was a quiet night when we eventually got to sleep, the residential boats opposite were complaining about the security light on the side of the boat when the dogs went out for their last walk of the day – so I went down the side of the boat to cover it up for them 😉 – I can move the board over it at the next lock so that it charges up again from the sun – if we get any.
They are predicting thunderstorms this afternoon.. 2 weeks off to get to the Thames and it’s all been mostly rain, typical!
But anyway.. Post office needed for today, so we have at least 5 hours to get done.
Past “Little Bear” – whom we met up with several years ago when they were jammed in a lock due to a faulty gate – which took myself and Dawson to force it open whilst we flushed water through to release the boat.. Thankfully this cleared the lock and the boat could leave the lock, and since then we always say hello as we go through 😉
First stop (of sorts) – Seabrook Lock. The kids were still finishing their breakfast – so I got this one ready and discovered that the lock paddle winding gear was falling off a brand new set of gates.. Looks like the nut’s holding the winding gear on have worked loose – not having a spanner in my pocket at all times, not a lot I could do other than finger-tighten them up so it didn’t fall apart at that time – and report it to CRT, who; hopefully will get someone out here to tighten them up before an annoyance becomes a stoppage!
Then through Seabrook Top Lock – and this one is topping out nicely.. looks like were not going to have any water level issues for a few days at least!
Once out the lock, through the swing bridge..
And on and through Marsworth Lower locks
Through the residential moorings, with a single photo just about showing the types of boats you get on a wide canal.. Closest.. a narrow boat styled like a Dutch barge (which also looks to be sea worthy!), A Narrowboat (not going to go into cruiser/tradition stern or engine locations here!), A Dutch Barge and in the distance a wide beam narrow boat (that you can just about see!)
Through and past the water point at Marsworth junction..
And into the Marsworth Upper Flight of 7 locks.. with the rain.. or a short hard shower to be precise.. much to the dismay of the kids that had to walk around in it! Along with the seagull that kept divebombing them and decided to wait in the middle of the lock gate to see if there was any food incoming!
The usual number of boats between locks #39 and #40.. ( #1 and #2 of the flight)
And thankfully.. Volunteer lock keepers.. the un-sung heroes of the canals! On a day like this I did not expect to see any, but there were three on today which allowed us to make a speedy run up the remaining locks, and for Celeste to rest her ankle (which must of been hurting as she did so without complaining this time)
Out the top lock and the usual number of boats.. how a wide beam is supposed to get through here without bouncing off the moored boats I don’t know!
And a straight run to the next lock now.. through the tree lined canal – dodging overhanging branches as we go!
And its all stop at Cowroast Lock (again!) The thunderstorm arrived and we pulled in to let it past. You may remember this lock from last year.. same weather, same lock, broken gear selector that time!
But, were moving again..
Through Dudswell Locks
And onto tonight’s mooring just above Northchurch Lock, near to a Tesco and Post Office.. and as it’s late, were going to have to get that done in the morning before we move on again!
