And this is why gates MUST be closed.

Friday 18th October

A Waning Gibbous moon The first phase after the Full Moon.

Brrrr, one of the coldest days of Autumn so far and we certainly felt the chill when leaving this morning.  Woolly hat, scarf and gloves, the only thing missing was the thermals. They were still vacuumed packed under the bed. The sun was also very low so my dilemma, how to keep the ears warm as well as keep the glare from my eyes. A bit of improvisation was needed.

10 locks today, most were a good ride apart but a few could be walked. But we found several problems that should be addressed sooner rather than later. In fact, two could be accidents waiting to happen.

Pretty approach to Park Gate Lock. Above is Midland Chandlers

Penkridge bottom lock

The lock we had the most trouble with was Filance lock. First, the bottom gates wouldn't fully close properly so filling the lock to an age. Water peed out between the crack, one very good example of why gates on ALL locks should be closed when leaving. Imagine how quickly the pound would drop and water lost if the top lock gates on this lock were to be left open.

Lock was filling but gates refused to close.

Eventually, the lock filled but trying to open the gate was a hernia waiting to happen! Ian tried but failed and resorted to asking me to add my weight (what is he saying here!!!) to get the gate open. And the way the water gushed in after we managed to open it by a crack, well that was no understatement.

And that wasn't all, a large piece of the coping stone had broken away on the lock side large enough to catch the unaware if they stepped off the boat. Broken ankle came to mind!

Wow at Robaston lock finally a decent lock landing. Saw a notice about the state of the landing last year. Nice to see C&RT has kept to their word and repaired it.

  But something seriously needs doing to this landing. Above Brick Kiln Lock another accident waiting to happen. The wind was a right B here. I usually hold the boat in the lock entrance waiting while Ian closes the gate, saves going onto the landing to pick up crew. But in this case, the wind caught the bow and pushed it against the landing. Ian had to wade through the gap to get anywhere near.

Gailey and the usual narrow channel to get through. Most of the hire boats were three abreast, glad nothing was coming toward us.

Today, for the first time this autumn, we have had a problem with leaves. Forever going into reverse to clear the 'leaf ball' that amasses around the prop. And it will only get worse as the season progresses. But to me this really is the only thing that Autumn brings in the way of a downside. How can you not love the changing colours, misty chilly mornings and a good fire to keep you warm.

Mooring near to the Fox & Anchor at Cross Green

And wildlife,

Could this be a  Reeves Pheasent.?