Monday 31st August 2020
Swindon Bridge 40 to Prestwood Bridge 34
3 miles, 4 locks
Guess what - blue sky again!
Today was a trip of two halves as far as the locks were concerned. At the first lock (above) a boat arrived behind us and one was waiting at the bottom, so once the paddles were open and our boat was going down I was invited to step below the lock ready to board and the other boaters would open and close the gates for me. Not a sight I see very often as Chris emerges from the lock.
We stopped at the services at Greensforge to empty and fill as required. The water pressure here is excellent, so we were exactly 30 minutes from mooring to leaving again - the time specified as the maximum allowed. As I went forward to prepare the lock a boat was coming up with another one waiting below. We entered the lock and the two ladies from the boat below invited me to board our boat and they would work the lock for us! It is rare for me to be on board in a lock.
The waiting boat was coal boat Triumph
Okay I am guessing it is Triumph! Not one we have met before.
Just two more locks and no traffic at either and both needed to be filled before we could enter. Whilst help (and chat) is always welcomed, sometimes when you are in the middle of nowhere it is good to be alone. At the first solo lock (Rocky lock) all I could hear was water in the lock and by-wash and a small plane way above me in the sky. All around was wonderful English countryside.
We had earmarked three possible moorings for tonight. The first two take (just) two boats. At the first someone was already there and the sight and sound of a noisy generator sent us onwards.
The second mooring was vacant, so we slotted in. Although there is just about room for a boat behind us, I suspect we will be in splendid isolation.
This is the view from the back deck
and the side hatch - pretty good as the side hatch is facing the tow path.
On our way back from our late afternoon walk today Monty spotted something on the other side of the canal that required intense concentration.
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