As promised here we are, a day behind as usual.
Bridge twenty-six on the Stratford, Jill said it was a doddle to raise and lower. That was fine until I tried to pick her up afterwards. The row of piling visible below the bridge is theoretically a landing for the collection of crew. Well I sailed merrily in and ground to a dismal halt. Jill managed to clear the gap and get aboard, it then took us ten minutes to get out of the mud. Time for a quick dredge around here methinks.
Came across a flying boat by bridge twenty-seven.
The major event was the Lapworth Flight. Jill elected to take the boat so, with my trusty windlass in hand, I attacked the first paddle. Talk about eye-popping, tough wasn't in it. Back to the boat for the longer windlass and off we went.
At the fourth lock we came across these two splendid chaps, volunteers looking for someone to help. I was only too pleased to accept their offer of assistance and off we went.
Some of the gates were on the heavy side, boy was I glad we had them with us.
It is an attractive flight but has become hard work.
Below lock nineteen you have a choice, straight on and you are heading for Stratford,
swing across to the left and you are heading for the Grand Union. That is the route we headed for.
Once through this bridge you are out on the wide and deep waters of the Grand Union, quite a change from the Stratford.
About a mile south of Rowington we called it a day and tied opposite some rather des. res.
Today was a day of rest, Jill got on with her cross stitch and I became involved in piscatorial pursuits. I think I must be either the unluckiest or the most incompetent angler of modern times, the only bite I got came from a mosquito.
Highlight of the day. They are obviously making another series because Timothy West and Prunella Scales and an entire production team passed us on a Napton hire boat. So watch the next series, there may be a glimpse of Armadillo.
Watch this space...
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