We all have those daft moments.

Another wet and dismal start to the day so no pins pulled until after 10am. Once the rain stopped we were on our way. Today's destination was Kingswood Junction. The first obstacle was Shirley mechanised drawbridge. Arriving almost at the same time as a hire boat, I gave way to allow them to come through first. Of course, the bridge couldn't be kept up too long as we didn't fancy irate drivers shaking fists at us for making them wait, so Ian suggested the bridge be lowered after the hire boat had come through and for him to raise it again for me.

All was going well. Ian started to raise the bridge, I got into position to go through and then......is that another boat trying to come into the narrow bridge approach? Blooming 'eck it certainly was. Hand gestures from Ian as well as from one of the boat crew members didn't stop them from coming. The penny dropped when they realised I was already under the bridge and a hasty reverse had to be done by the Captain. Ho hum...not just me that has idiotic daft moments.

The Lapworth flight was a good 3 hours away but time went quickly along this pleasant canal.  Sun was out and dabbled light flickered through the leaves giving an air of tranquillity.

By 1pm I had taken FS into the top lock.  Wolverhampton 21 had every lock with us but not so the Lapworth flight. It was obvious that a boat was in front and every lock had to be turned around.  4 locks under our belts and Ian was unsure whether to fill the 5th lock. He thought a boat was approaching but not under power. Two ladies bow hauling the boat past a moored boat. Ian tried to attract their attention but was studiously ignored so he did no more than lift the paddles to fill the lock. By the time FS was down, they were still trying to manoeuvre the boat. We left the bottom gates open as finally an acknowledgement that they did indeed want to ascend. Passing I suddenly realised that not only was the front cabin doors locked but the back doors also had a padlock on. No wonder they had no power. Keys lost maybe????

Took roughly 2.5 hours to descend the 19 locks which would have taken much longer if a volunteer Lockie hadn't met us at lock 6. She set every lock thereafter making Ian's life so much easier. A big thank you goes out to all volunteers who give up their time to help us boaters.

Two ways to go and two locks to choose from when almost at the bottom of the flight. Right lock and onwards towards Stratford, or Left lock for Kingswood Junction and the Grand Union. But the left lock 20 was out of action due to paddle failure so we had to descend the right lock 21 and do a sharp left turn to get onto the Grand Union Canal.

Should have turned left towards the Grand Union.

Yep, that's the sharp left turn

Made it without touching the side.

So we finally moored at the visitor moorings at Kingswood Junction and just in time. The sun disappeared and the rain came again. Fire is lit and tonight Ian is cooking the chilli. Life does not get better than that.

To the right is the defunct lock and left the narrow entrance I cruised in from.

 And this swan by lock 21