Hi All, Tuesday 16th September 2008. Sunday and Monday were a write off in boating terms due to the height of the River Avon. Today all is well. We woke at home at 6am and after one or two adjustments to LT and de mooring we left just after 8am. Plan was to go down to the free pumpout get some water and be back for 9am when the lock opened. Well, only partial success cause something got stuck in the pipe and the water pressure was down to almost zero. Never mind. It was lovely misty heavy dew sort of day, warm and the sun was staring to poke through.
We left Evesham lock about at 9.30am having spent 30 something pounds on a 14 day UANT licence. The river was now navigable in the orange zone, 'proceed with caution', so we did. The flow in places was very quick and poor LT was having a hard time getting through. Our first lock of the day, George Billingham, and a very welcome site, another boat going up. Pipe Dream was brand spanking new, had just left Amber boats at Evesham Marina and this was her first lock. Her proud parents were very pleased. And so it was, we stayed together all the way. A few boats going the other way made the locks easier. The flow varied all the way up from ultra calm to whooaa. Pipe dreams crew had smiles from ear to ear. Even when the prop fell off the bow thruster, they continued to be jolly. Weir Blake Lock has now been renamed Anonymous lock for some reason. Arriving at Stratford upon Avon we are greeted with a sign that informs us the method of getting in the canal lock. Massive construction work along the Bancroft Gardens area and theatre mean a drop off on the recreational ground side and a walk round. The whole basin is fenced off and a BWB key is required to get to the lock. We say cheerio to Pipe Dream, she is waiting on the rec for a man with a spanner to fix her BT. I walk round and Wendy brings LT in beautifully. Its now 5.30 and we decide to press on. Under the road bridge with all chimneys removed. The Stratford canal is just as I remember it. Little water, hard to move heavy gates and very stiff paddles. Wendy steers and I lockwheel. As the light starts to fail, it is time to pack it in and we moor just before lock 50. Dinner, bit of TV, great picture BTW and bed. Great day. Regards Andrew & Wendy - Tales From The Water
