Why the gate failed at lock 71 GU

I  knew it, told Ian last night we would be awake early....not a good plan to moor opposite building works. Alarms going off 7 am, machinery starting up, banging and clattering as well as shouts from the workers calling instructions to each other. It didn't help matters that we were both tired. Last night The Grand Junction Arms was a bustling hive of bodies, all social distancing of course but even when the doors closed at 11 pm, the revellers were still sitting outside hollering, laughing and shouting until well after midnight!

Volunteer lockies on today. Apparently, they only do Fridays. Glad about that 'cos the first thing we noticed at the top lock of the Marsworth flight was the bottom gate paddle raised. Our immediate thought was someone had forgotten to drop it but no, turns out it was raised for a purpose as the pounds were low between the locks.

 Those blowing tools, the ones that clear the paths of grass cuttings, leaves etc, well a Fountains bod was waving it from side to side without a care in the world! I was not best pleased 'cos it wasn't just grass being blown around but dust and gravel as well! All over me as well as FS. No wonder we get stone chips in the paintwork!

 So C&RT volunteers helped us all the way down the flight and very much appreciated it was too.

At the first of the last two locks of the Marsworth flight and as FS was starting the descent, I noticed a boat approaching at the top. "Quick drop the paddles and bring me back up" I shouted to Ian. We completely baffled those in that boat, they thought we had a problem and was having to reverse out. "Not something anyone has ever done for us" the chap said. He was ever so grateful.

That's the boat approaching in the distance.

We shared the next 4 locks

 A C&RT guy was at Seabrook top lock and from him, I  found out what had happened to the gate at lock 71. The collar holding the gate in place had sheered causing the gate to fall into lock recess. Getting a crane boat to try and lift the gate back didn't help. It was deemed to damaged to do anything with. He also confirmed that we had made the right choice in turning round as it could take a while before both gates.are replaced.

 We tried several times to moor before Horton lock but the stern of FS refused to go toward the bank. Much to silted for our deep draught. In the end, we found a piled edge right by a farm but after an hour we moved. (a) Because of the flies!!!! Even with doors and windows shut somehow they managed to get in. And (b) the noise. The barns were full of bullocks and heifers who never let up calling to each other. It was enough to drive one insane! With no moorings below the lock, we pulled FS as far back as we could away from the barns.(silt permitting) It's a bit quieter and hopefully, those beasts WILL go to sleep tonight!

And wildlife

Red Kite

Pied Wagtail