We pulled and pushed but not a hope.

Sunset on the river last night.

 Talk about a rude awakening this morning! Phone rings at 6.45am. Ian jumps out of bed to answer and turns out to be I T Distrubutors letting us know they would be with us by 7.15am.  Never have we dressed so quick and put the bed away. Even the tea had to wait!! Sure enough almost on the dot the van arrives and 4 parcels are unloaded.

Just the drawer pack left to fetch

Then came the assembly

Made to measure. Perfect.

Slight modification needed so it will fit under the gunwale. Bit to be shaved off the top of the frame

All done and now fits nicely under the gunwale giving plenty of room for the table.

Thankfully being near to the facilities we could get rid of the packaging. Shame no recycling bins around so it all went in general waste. By 9ish we were on our way. With low river levels but fast flow, we motored toward the first manned lock in record time. Here we were joined by newly weds Geoff and Caroline (only got married last year.) on Nb Boomerang. They were to stay with us all the way to Droitwich making life much easier doing the Barge Canal locks.

Approaching Lincomb lock

First manned lock, Lincomb. Green light so good to proceed.

Towards Holt lock

Turning into the start of the Barge Canal

By lock 2 a new traffic light was operational warning of the river levels. It was here that a length of decent moorings have also been made available. Good idea as no other moorings are to be had along the Barge Canal and at least it's somewhere to stop and wait for the river levels to drop.

Lock 2 with the traffic light

Seems like horses are allowed on the towpath on this canal.

 At lock 5 we encountared a problem. The bottom gates wouldn't close no matter how much Geoff and Ian pulled and pushed the gate. They even started to fill the lock to see if the gate would close by itself. Not a hope, so abandoning that idea the boat pole came out. I first tried to shift what ever it was but all I could feel was concrete. Then Caroline had a go, another blank. Ian then jumped on board and he had a go. Still no joy. By now we had been in the lock for over 30 minutes. Not really wanting to sit there all day, the idea of calling C&RT didn't really appeal to any of us so once more the top paddles were raised to see what would happen. Well we did start to rise although very slowly and the fear of emptying the pound above was ever in our minds. The amount of water bubbling up from under the gate was staggering and we were just about to drop the paddles when whatever was under the gate shot out and the gate crashed shut. We never did find out what it was but what a relief to get going again.

Gates not closed

Bubbling up from under the bottom gate

The run to the basin was extremely pleasant. I sat enjoying the sunshine in the front, leaving Ian to steer. Got a bit concerned when FS's bow headed for the bank rather then the bridge 'ole. Lack of concentration was the cause as well as not turning the tiller enough. Sorry Ian but the L plates are going on again!!

Your going the wrong way!!!!!

Last bridge before Droitwich Basin

The pontoon moorings are to the left of the concrete bollard.

 We were very lucky to get a pontoon mooring. Only one left and that was by the gate. Wind was a bit of a B though especially as we reversed in. Thankfully Colin and Annie were on hand to grab ropes and help us in. Festival starts on Friday we think, so bunting will be put up then.