, but the next lock I was met with a barrage of
>abuse and water, followed by a few sticks and some pebbles. This was
>particularly annoying, as I had to go down the weed hatch again, and
>this made me a sitting target. Eventually after faking a call to the
>police, they retreated for a bit and I got the weed hatch sorted. Then
>at the next lock it started all over again. They had probably worked
>out the the phone call was a fake. I produced the phone again and
>started pushing buttons, and they started more yelling. Then I quickly
>moved it up and took a picture with the camera. Completely useless, but
>they didn't know that. Most of the things thrown missed by a long way,
>particularly amusing was one instance where the stick went in to the
>bushes, but in the act of throwing his hand went through some stinging
>nettles. He didn't think it all that funny, although I did. :-) They
>gave up after that lock, as the next one (lock 5) was within sight of
>the pub. No more problems on the flight, and cleared the top at 5.20pm.
> Turned right at Leys Junction, for a slow weed infested run to the
>bottom of the Delph flight. Reached there at 6.50pm, and went up to set
>the gates. There must have been about 20 teenagers hanging around,
>which didn't exactly make me feel terribly at ease. Indeed, as I was
>entering the lock a gobful of spit landed on the rear hatch. This was
>followed by a handful of gravel. As the lock was nearly full, an empty
>half bottle of vodka smashed against the cabin sides, followed by more
>verbal abuse. Fortunately, portholes make rather small targets for a
>carelessly thrown pebble, and the steelwork isn't going to suffer any
>damage. As for the paintwork, well, if it was in good nick then I would
>worry about it, but it isn't, so I don't. I could see that the second
>lock was empty, so I could go straight in without having to go forward
>to set it. They didn't bother moving away from around the bottom lock,
>so I had no more trouble from them. No damage done in either instance,
>but very annoying all the same. The remainder of the flight, I was
>followed by a couple with some Italian friends, they wanted to show them
>the locks and how boats used them to move between different levels on
>the canals. This may have helped dissuade the teenagers from creating
>any more trouble. I cleared the top of the flight at 8.15pm, and tied
>up above the Merry Hill Centre at 8.30pm. Showered and walked to the
>most excellent Batham's brewery house "The Bull & Bladder" aka The Vine
>for a very pleasant evening that went on far longer than I planned. :-)
>
>This is the first time in four and a half years boating on Arun and over
>twenty years boating in total that I have every experienced anything of
>this sort. I will not be labelling these places as bandit country to be
>avoided at all costs. I have been through here many times before, and
>will go through again, at all times of day without a problem. I guess I
>was unlucky on this occasion, but it can happen anywhere, although
>thankfully it is extremely rare.
>
>Weather - Sunny
>Tomorrow's Forecast - Thundery Showers
>
>Terry Streeter
>NB Arun - Brierley Hill
Please report the incidents both to BW and the police. The police will lay
traps to catch the offenders but only if they know about the problems. You are
a big bloke in a boat that may not be pristine, bare in mind hire boaters and
the elderly who would be absolutely terrified.
Sue nb Nackered Navvy
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