Queen's Head to Tardebigge below lock 58
2.25 miles, 29 locks
We knew the weather was due to break, so it was no surprise to wake in the wee small hours to the sound of rain hammering down on the roof. By the time we got up at 07:30 the rain had stopped, there was even a vague glimmer of sun and it was pleasantly warm, but would it last?
Just after 09:00 Chris and I set off just as a boat came out of the bottom lock - good timing on our part.
Before we entered the lock our daughter, son in law and their two sons had arrived to give us much needed assistance up the 'mountain' ahead of us.
They were soon put to work
The other two did their fair share as well
There were plenty of these to skirt round - well Monty goes round them - Kiera just goes straight through!
As we approached lock 40 (we started at 29) the sky was definitely looking very ominous.
As the rain eased off Kiera was put back on board as I thought she was in need of a drink (she kept trying to drain the puddles!). The water bowl was rejected and she took herself down to the bow to see if she could find a way back out.
Just before we reached the reservoir the fuel boat Mountbatten was emerging from the lock ahead of us. The butty was one lock behind - a very long slow day for them as the butty has to be hauled from lock to lock. I gather it takes them about 9 hours. They are normally to be found on the Shropshire Union and Llangollen Canals. I was chatting to Richard who said they did Tardebigge about 15 years ago and vowed never to do it again, but here they were! I know they had a very large order of coal on board.
Ruth expertly manouvered a very heavily laden Mountbatten into position
and handed Chris the diesel pump for us to top up the tank. A timely meeting for us and thank you both for taking the trouble to stop on your long descent.
All done and Ruth went on her way
Meanwhile Jellico was waiting for us to go up the next lock before he could proceed down.
As we emerged Richard started to heave the butty on their downwards progress. I suspect this is a sight we may not see here again (perhaps we will have to wait another 15 years!).
Above that lock there was a fisherman loading his car - had the weather driven him away? We will never know.
Nor will we know if his little dog ever decided to go with him. The fisherman was calling and calling, but the dog just sat at the top of the steps by the reservoir and would not budge!
I guess a bit of rain was not enough for him/her to want to cut its day out short.
Lunch was eaten by us all and it was time for the 'crew' to wend their way home. Thank you to you all for your help. This was the first really big flight we have tackled since my knee troubles started and I was worried how well I would cope. I am glad to say that I managed well, but I don't think it is something we can attempt on our own again.
Chris was not far behind them as they were going to give him a lift to Droitwich to retrieve the car.
Monday 23rd September 2019
Tardebigge
We woke to a lovely morning
and could appreciate the view across the cut. It will be a good side hatch view on our way back again.
The dogs were walked, the engine run to charge the batteries and one load of washing done.
We then went home to dry the washing and do another couple of wash loads before we headed off to collect one of our grandsons from the school bus - our Monday duty for a few weeks, whilst he gets used to a new routine having just started secondary school. Then it was back to the boat for a quiet evening in. I hasten to add the lovely morning weather did not last long! Autumn has arrived.
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