Caroline, who lives in on the Norfolk Broads where they don't have locks, would like to ask you experienced canal boaters a question please. Does anyone have an opinion?
Thanks John & Caroline nb. Charlotte Rose presently at Abingdon I know the rule is 'drop the paddles and shut the gate when you leave' but I was wondering why we shut the gate ? On the lower stretches of the Grand Union coming into London there are notices asking the lock be left empty when leaving so all the locks we came to had a gate open. This is why I am asking. If you could drop the paddles and leave a gate open when leaving you wouldn't have to pick up your crew from the bank they could get on whilst the boat was still in the lock. When you arrive at a lock it is not normally ready to use, the leaking paddles/gates mean that you either have to top it up or let some water out. If there was an open gate there is a good chance you could just go right in. I must be missing something obvious, is it to do with saving water ? Personally I like the little thrill I get when I arrive at a lock that has open doors because someone has just left, feels like I got lucky ! Thanks if you know the answer. Caroline [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
