Uncertain whether the Watford flight would have been left open last night, as rumoured, we made a very early start, at six. Sheila boated whilst I got going more slowly, then I took over whilst she had her breakfast. She'd just finished when we arrived at the top of the flight.
It was locked, and wouldn't be open until 9.30, as advertised.
Heigh ho.
We pottered about, chatting to some of the other boaters waiting, and at last the lockie arrived at quarter past nine. We were third in the queue, and had a straightforward trip down. The weather at that point was not too bad, but it deteriorated as the day went on.
It was just before twelve when we got to the east portal of Braunston Tunnel, so I ate lunch as we passed through. It was very busy in the opposite direction, and to make matters worse, the first boat past had one of those totally unnecessary fire engine type lights, mounted on a stand and incredibly bright.
The old boaters used to manage with a paraffin lamp.
/floor
We had a short wait at the top of Braunston flight, then worked down with a shorter boat. There was still a lot of traffic the other way, but progress was not too bad. By now, the rain was pretty persistent and the wind rising, so we were glad to find a mooring just the other side of Butchers Bridge.
Sheila was more than glad to get her lunch, it now being two o'clock. Since then, we've been relaxing and dozing in the warmth – I've lit the fire.
We're going to stay here tomorrow, in view of the awful weather forecast; it's a good job we'd planned a spare day in the cruising schedule to get back to Mercia.
6 comments:
The lockie said they hadn't actually left the Watford flight unlocked on Tuesday night either -- but they were there until 7 that evening, and opened againat 7 yesterday morning.
The boat behind us at Watford yesterday belonged to the PA announcer, so I suggested the lockie take up with him the announcement that the locks would be left unlocked! But I guess the announced just reads out the information he's given.
Your spot on about those lights Bruce, why fit a huge light from a 1920s fire engine on a Narrowboat.
Yep, couldn't agree more. Like driving towards a car on main beam for 10 minutes!
We've got a rally lamp off a 1963 Riley 1.5 (left over after a restoration project), 55 watts and gives a flat beam which nicely illuminates the tunnel walls.
Geoff
All fascinating reading, despite not being a canal boater, but it sounded all very exciting too.. plus the fact that we live not too far away from the places you mention... we are at Sawley, so a short drive away... hope you are not too rained out tonight.. all the best, J
All fascinating reading, despite not being a canal boater, but it sounded all very exciting too.. plus the fact that we live not too far away from the places you mention... we are at Sawley, so a short drive away... hope you are not too rained out tonight.. all the best, J
So i stumbled across this book the other day called " A Boater's Commonplace Book ". And i must say even though it is utterly useless to me as a " non boater " it it was a good read. I havent read this blog as much as a used to lately, but i do like to check in on how life is treating you, every now and again.
I cant help but giggle reading about the english " weather " (or "the storm before the storm") while i am sitting in a deckchair sipping my iced tea in lovely 25c° (and not a bloody cloud in sight)
Anyway the reason im writing here is, i was wondering if you might send an email my way : Chupa02@gmx.de
See ya around old man,
MJN
Post a Comment