Another flight of 21

This day was not one I was looking forward to. The Hatton flight 21 locks with the worm and screw paddle gear that have to be raised exactly 23 turns (I counted several to check) to open fully. A fair few needed a humongous effort on my part to even get them started.

Anyway, I'm getting ahead of myself.

Yesterday on our way down Lapworth flight we happened to spy a boat known to us. NbTentatrice. No one seemed to be on board so we vowed to walk back later in the evening to see if they were in. And yes they were, Jennie and Chris with their wonderful collie Monty and visiting Labrador Keira greeted us like long lost friends. Of course, we happened to arrive just before their dinner was ready so chose to stay out and natter on the towpath instead. Time went on and suddenly a bleeping came from inside the boat. Oh no....the smoke alarm had gone off. We hastily said our farewells and Chris and Jennie, apologies now if dinner was ruined because of us. (it did smell delicious though!)

Taken from Ian's phone with dusk setting in 

So back to today. Left Kingswood moorings in glorious sunshine with the smoke from the chimneys giving everything a surreal feel. Turned right to join the Grand Union towards Warwick and cruised the 4 miles to Shrewley Tunnel (which I might add was very very wet), A further 2 miles travelled to reach Hatton Top Lock.

Approaching Kingswood Junction

Not a long tunnel at only 433 yds but it is two way traffic.

The tunnel above I'm assuming was the horse tunnel leaving the boatmen of old to 'Leg through'

At the top of the flight and before we descended we filled the water tank. Below the top lock is a cafe that does amazing bacon sandwiches. So with the hose still attached, Ian went to purchase two. Suitably energised for the task ahead, we began our descent.

Top lock and cafe below.

First five locks were down to me but by the sixth, I was completly exhausted. The second and third lock had boats ascending with volunteer lock keepers to give a hand. Had hoped that maybe one would come down with us, but wrong. And when we found that all the rest of the locks had to be filled first my heart sank.  So at the sixth lock, Ian took over. It made me realise that I must try to improve my fitness level.

Anyway, I did take over again to give Ian a break and I did have help at one lock when two charming young boys and the dad helped to open and close the gates.

Gongozzlers watching every move

A break was needed a third of the way down so stopped on the lock landing for a cup of tea.

After 3 hours 20 minutes (15 minute stop for tea), we reached the bottom and a sigh of relief from us both. Found a mooring just before the Saltisford Arm, lovely and quiet but one downside, TV is abysmal!

So photo time of the journey down the flight,

Bottom Lock

Saltisford Arm straight ahead.

And on the journey to Hatton,

Tree down across the towpath. Good job no one was moored here.

Historic boat graveyard.

 And a seen on the route (on the lock beam)