Is this the worst lock on the system? And another fishemans line caught!

 Jan 5th

Lovely sunrise over the park this morning, didn't last long because just as we wanted to leave, the rain started!

 

For those that have cruised this part of the T&M, you will no doubt remember how difficult it was trying to see around that bend with the foliage obscuring your view. Many a time we have met an oncoming boat and nearly collided. Well I was very pleasantly surprised that all the offside vegetation has been cut right back. What a difference.

BEFORE

AND TODAY

It's always advisable during the cold winter months to keep the diesel tank topped up. as it reduces   condensation forming and mixing with the diesel. We decided to stop at Shobnall Basin to top up and so glad we did. The price must be the lowest on the system at 82p ltr for any amount over 50 ltrs or 85p  for below the 50 ltrs. FS's tank was filled to capacity, so much so, that Ian didn't even have enough room for the additive to inhibit the growth of diesel bug! It will go in, just have to use up some diesel first.

Came across the tree fellers. What sterling work they have done clearing the offside vegetation although it's been badly needed for years. 

Stopped at Willington for the facilities, wow so noticeable was the lack of boats! We could have taken our mooring pick, shame are mission is to get back onto the Erewash as quickly as possible 'cos I could have done with a vegetable shop! It's that threat of rain on Thursday that is making our travel more urgent. (rivers!)

 

Back to the double locks, quite a shock to the system and what a lock to cut one's teeth on again! I'm talking about Stenson lock! This lock is, in my opinion, the worst of all the doubles along the Grand Union and T&M. The leakage through the gate is horrendous, one of the bottom gate paddles is out of action and neither of the gates open properly. To fill the lock took over 10 minutes and a humongous effort required to get the gate open! In fact one of the residential boaters came to give us a hand and he explained what had been happening with this lock. A chief engineer from CRT, and on several occasions previously, had examined the gates with the conclusion that nothing could be done. In fact, CRT condemned the gates, they had to be replaced. You would think this was now a priority but no stoppage has not been scheduled for this year. In fact 2023 was mentioned. In the meantime a method is to be tried where the existing gates will be sandwiched with some sort of wood to keep them going for another season.This chap also told Ian that the new gates have been available to replace the old for well over a year. They just need to be fitted. 

 

 The next lock was Swarkestone and it was here that we had the incident with the fisherman.

 

Having descended Ian suggested I pick him up at the bridge rather than the lock landing. Glad about that because that bywash was quite fierce and several boats moored nearby, one as close to the landing as it could get without actually being on it. Slowly I made my way to the bridge but who should be there but a fisherman. He saw me coming, acknowledged the fact by reeling in but then left the rod over the water with the float about 4 feet out. I called out to say I was coming in to pick up crew but nothing came back in return. So I bring FS toward the bank and next thing I heard a shout to say I had his line. Not again, I thought!!!! So into reverse I went, but this fisherman was too annoyed to think straight. If he had walked the length of the boat, his line and float would have been retrieved but no, out came a knife and he cut the line. I could say a civil conversation was forthcoming, but the truth was a bit of a slanging match. This time no laughter to lighten the mood, Ian got back on board and we left him to it.

I think this must be his angry face!

It was mid-afternoon by the time Western Lock was reached. This was another lock that peed water from a gap at the bottom. Ian struggled to open the gate, No one around to help so I had to take FS onto the landing before then putting my weight with his against the beam.  Between us the gate was eventually opened. By now the temperature had dropped and I was feeling really cold, shivering in fact and just wanted to stop. Unfortunately there were no moorings to be had until we reached Aston lock. Ian took over for the last mile and a half while I went below to get warm.I dont normally calculate mileage but today I was interested to see what we had done. Turns out we travelled 16 miles and did 5 locks. Two were singles, but the last three were doubles and blooming difficult doubles at that! Oh joy, doubles all the way now!

Weston Lock

Aston Lock

And wildlife today,