On 23 Apr 2008, at 08:26, NB Just Heaven wrote: > We locked through and were on our way. The weather started off as > bad as > the day before, but by the time we reached Gloucester lock at 12:00 > the > sun was out and it was warming up. Gloucester lock is currently > undergoing repairs and is only open for three one hour periods a week. > We had to wait until 13:00 for the next one. Moored up by just our > back > rope( as instructed by the lockie) in the strong current was a > little odd.
I hate that final approach to the lock from the river. In 1981 when the docks were "somewhat different" in character we innocently came down the river in a steel cruiser on hire from Cleaver Marine, we had no idea what to expect being armed with the meagrest of navigation documents. As each steel ladder on the wall was approached and missed, anxiety increased. I hollared to my chum there was no choice but to get ashore on the next ladder as the boat was not slowing down and we didn't know what was round the corner. He made it with the bow rope and the boat swung around to face upstream, as it would! When we eventually found the lock keeper and he spotted the boat facing up river he dryly asked how we'd got over the weir ? I take great care nowadays to ensure that Gloucester Lock knows hours in advance that Uncle Mort is coming downstream and so far we have not had to tie on the wall. I mither them persistently with progress reports and always feel relief to come round the bend under the bridge and see the gates open for me. Beeky
