Gibraltar Bridge to Long Itchington
2 miles, 10 locks
Wind was forecast and they got it right. We were both aware of it blowing during the night, but we needed to go come what may. The dogs and I walked most of the way to the first lock past this boat which must be a permanent fixture as we certainly passed it in the same place last year. It comes complete with cages on the tow path for his three ferrets.
on past the Boat Inn, Birdingbury Wharf
with the gypsy caravan in the garden
There was no one in sight when we arrived at the top lock which was full ready for us, we went in and dropped down and proceeded to the second of the 10 locks in the Stockton flight. As we approached I spotted what I though might be a boat approaching the first lock. We were lucky it was, so we waited for them
and shared the rest of the locks. They even had two lock operators, so with three of us working we whipped through in 1 hour 25 minutes. It is so much easier with two boats in a lock. Even better at the third lock we crossed with a boat coming up, so most locks were ready for us.
On past the Blue Lias
and finally we were approaching the last lock
where we came upon a couple of C&RT employees examining what used to be a single lock - I did not find out what they were looking for,
but they did warn us of a large piece of plastic in the canal - definitely something to avoid as it would cause havoc if it wrapped itself around the prop.
We moored up in Long Itchington
Once we were done we noticed that Kiera had had enough!
We were very lucky to meet 'The Bowman' as the next boats to come down the lock did not pass us for 2.5 hours after we had moored up! Quite a shock to have so few boats moving after Braunston where they passed every 10 to 15 minutes.
Well that was mooring number one - we moved again mid afternoon just in front of the boat ahead of us - why you may wonder? It was to escape falling apples that were regularly banging on the roof! We are a bit nearer to the pub, but there is no live music on tonight and we are fairly sure that a Tuesday evening should not be too riotous!
5 comments:
You certainly did have lots of luck, and company, on this part of your trip. x
Yes it was a good day Lynn - it all changed today as you will see when I post the next blog!
As we moored up today I did look along the line of boats incase there was a blue bow facing us,didn't spot you, but it sounds like we moored up at roughly the same time.
If it's raining in the morning we'll be staying put. Certainly won't be moving off early. Hope to meet you tomorrow. Pip
We are going for a slow start tomorrow whatever the weather, so do hope we might see you both. Jennie
As we moored up today I did look along the line of boats incase there was a blue bow facing us,didn't spot you, but it sounds like we moored up at roughly the same time.
If it's raining in the morning we'll be staying put. Certainly won't be moving off early. Hope to meet you tomorrow. Pip
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