Our destination at last..Netherwich basin Droitwich

Isn't it strange that yesterday after a bit of rain the river rose by 2ft. It was still in the green, mind you, but with a fair flow to it. As we were heading downstream we expected to race along at a fair pace. Then this morning it had dropped again, which was a shame because I had been looking forward to the extra push toward Droitwich Barge  canal. The locks on this stretch of the Severn are manned and apart from one boat locking up which made us hang back, we had first the flashing red light, to say the lock was being made ready, and then the green light allowing us to proceed.

 Our time from leaving Stourport to Barge lock was approximately 1 hr 40 mins, and all but the last lock was ours alone.
Making the turn to Droitwich Barge canal lock entrance was a bit hairy to say the least. You almost have to turn back on yourself just to get onto the pontoon. If there had been more flow it could have been very interesting.



Made it, phew! but with some damage to the newly painted gunwales. Check out the height of the pontoon!!!




We came in from the right. Its not easy to see in this picture what I mean about the turn. It will be even more interesting on the way back when once again we head for Stourport and have to negotiate the downward flow.

 I wasn't sure what to expect when we entered the Droitwich canal. I had been told it was weedy and the foliage in places was higher then the boat, but to have a mat of green was beyond believe.

The locks were full of it.

Just like a snail trail!



Where's the water gone?




I'm not sure what this bird is but I don't think it has seen many boats because he swam like the clappers to get away from us.

 After 8 locks and no mishaps apart from a very irate fisherman by a bridge who was so well hidden that if I couldn't see him how the hell could he see the boat? His pole was out and only my quick bit of thinking by pulling the throttle hard into reverse did I save the day and not snap the pole clean in two. Abuse was hurled at me but as I informed him, if he wants to stay hidden then expect the consequences.
Finally arrived at the rally sight to be greeted by Jo and Keith on Hadar, Graham and Jennifer on Best 'o' 'Mates and Ian and ( oh dear I've forgotten his wife's name)  Caroline on Indulgence. We were helped to moor on one of the end pontoons ( pictures tomorrow) and for good measure we have a feathered friend keeping us company and giving us some entertainment by sitting on eggs in a nest built on the pontoon. Poor thing, I feel truly sorry for it. One minute all was peaceful and the next all these steel monstrosities arrive to harass it.