Python finally reached her allotted mooring a couple of weeks ago after a journey of over 150 miles. Over the last week we have tried to move her from the mooring to Shireoaks marina, some 300 metres and 3 locks beyond her mooring. After much heaving and shoving we managed to get Python through Shireoaks Bottom lock. However, try as we may (forwards, backwards and with the aid of ropes and willing helpers) she steadfastly refused to go into Shireoaks Middle lock. After resting and recuperating for several days, we were ready for a further determined effort, and after removing some high spots from Python's less than perfectly straight rubbing strakes we tried again. Shireoaks Bottom lock was now no problem now, and this time there was definitely daylight (just) down both sides to water level when she jammed in the second lock with some 10 to 15 feet of boat still outside the lock. So we had no options left, we had to give up our efforts. After returning the old lady to her mooring we decided to drop the water level in the lock to see if there was an underwater obstruction. To our dismay we found that about 18 inches or so below normal low water level the towpath side lock wall stepped inwards a couple of inches and in the side wall was evidence that the dirty brickwork had been recently scraped clean. So we concluded that we have a problem, the lock just isn't wide enough for Python. We will keep the list posted with what happens next! Arthur Naylor nb Dispirited
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