Lock gates get a makeover

Sunrise at 7am

It's great having a schedule. That is until unforeseen circumstances scupper the timings. With us moored within a mile and a half from the bottom of Buckby locks last night, I was very surprised to see 3 boats appearing all at once. I jokingly said how did all three boats fit in the lock together when they they dropped the bombshell that C&RT had a problem with one of the lock gates and one hell of a queue had formed at the top. With them all traveling together they had waited for the third boat to catch up. I asked if the locks were operational again and, although they were allowed to proceed, they felt that C&RT would have to attend again tomorrow. So with this in mind we thought the earlier we left the more chance of getting through the flight before C&RT turned up and caused a boat jam.  Having left before 8am we were at the bottom of Buckby flight by 8.30am. Up two locks without any problem then, as I was on my way to the third, I noticed a powerful jet of water spray coming out of the lock. With Ian walking on he beckoned for me to pull onto the lock landing. Appears a C&RT butty was in the lock and one of the men was jet washing the lock gate! So nothing to do with a dodgy lock gate then, it was the men giving the gates a wash and brush up.

The tell tale sign if a boat in the lock.

What a difference!

 
 Having made then aware of our presence they then said they wanted to finish both gates before allowing us to continue. Nothing for it but to put kettle on and me to go fishing. This was one time when I was ever so grateful for the delay. Not only did I catch a fish on every cast but caught this really great perch.

Nearly an hour later the power washing was done so rod away, tea drunk and we started up the flight once again.  Plenty of water in the pounds as you can see by the water cascading down.

Two and a half hours later we made the top of the flight. After using the facilities we made our way through Braunston tunnel and to the top of that flight. This sounds strange until you realise that you have reached the top at Buckby and have now to go down towards Braunston.

The leaves are now starting to carpet the water giving a very autumnal look

The journey down Braunston flight went without hitch. We had a volunteer lockie helping us and every lock had a boat coming towards us. Within an hour we had reached the bottom. Then who should be at the water point in Braunston........Roger and Pat Nb The Cats Whiskers. After a very quick natter to confirm they were heading toward Warwick we arranged to moor by bridge 102 for tea and biscuits.  Seeing as we are going in the same direction it stood to reason that we share locks tomorrow so 9am is the allotted time for the off. Mind you we are having drinks with them tonight so a lot depends what our heads will be like in the morning!

Roger at the helm of The Cats Whiskers

View from the lounge window. Wind has picked up and you can see the leaves blowing on the tree

And finally:-