What a busy fortnight we're in the middle of! Went down to Stratford (from Rugby) to get our BSS, and are now on the way back.
Had crew for the first part of last week, so fair flew along. All new territory to us. Our 7:30am start one day (to beat the forecast rain) was met with an empty pound below Bascote staircase! Enjoyed discovering how useful our friend Martin's folding bike could be. Hatton flight only took 2.5 hours, thanks to a knowledgeable and energetic hire boat crew we paired with. (Don't know if this link will work... http://m.facebook.com/album.php?red59d5a1&aid=153434&id=662751868&v&refid=29. I'm on a slow connection and can't access the proper link) Very pretty during October, the Stratford canal, but the locks can be tedious. Had help for one morning as we were in front a a well-crewed boat in a hurry. The last few locks going into town are the worst. Not keen on the single bottom gates, when they are poorly balanced and hard to move - even though it seems like a good idea to be able to do everything from the towpath side. (See also, if it works, http://m.facebook.com/album.php?r6a293bb7&aid=153873&id=662751868&v&refid=29) Spent Fri/Sat nights at Stratford basin, and enjoyed meeting up with Andrew & Wendy Dyke. Nice town. This morning headed back northwards in the sunshine, though half the day was wet. Looking forward to a dry week according to the forecast. I think I prefer cruises that are not quite so unremittingly intense! Looking forward to reaching Warwick by Wednesday. Not sure yet whether to stop for any time. Get in touch if anyone is in our vicinity... :-) Chris
