--- In [email protected], Will Chapman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: it with working boaters say that their expected > > time then to pass a lock was about three minutes. > > > > It seems now that the average expected time is about 20 minutes. > > > > According to BW Colwich Lock was used around 9-10,000 times > during 2005. In round figures, that's about 30 boats a day. > Twenty minutes a lock is 3 per hour or 10 hours per day. No > wonder there are queues. Perhaps Great Hayward Marina shouldn't > have got planning permission. ;>) > > > Will Chapman > Save Our Waterways > www.SaveOurWaterways.org.uk
Wasn't that the year the National was at Burton? Or am I thinking of the year before? We went through against the flow of boats that time and had an easy passage as the queue went back nearly to Little Haywood. Passed President in the queue - made memorable for us as a little rosy faced chap popped his head out of the engine room (later identified for us as 'Dave') and sang out the name of our boat to the tune of 'Allouetta'. Gave everyone a smile. I can't recall not having to queue for this lock. It has always been a pinch point. This year the lock working was 'directed' by a local boater, who was in the queue, who gave advice on which paddles to open when for easiest use as the top gates are stiff. Unfortunately I can't remember exactly what she said. Ann nb Margarita
