We are chugging along the K&A for the next week or so. Brief reports will be made where Vodafone allows.
Thurs 12 Aug Semington VMs to Devizes - above Lock 44 5 miles; 5 flg - 30 locks; 5 swing bridges Start 09:00; Moored up at 17:25 Promising morning, weatherwise, but not so promising boatwise as the domestic battery 'bank' - 2 batteries - was functionally flat this morning. Nevertheless, we set off eastwards, briefly partnering some Germans who made a spirited but ultimately unsuccessful attempt to lift a gate off Lock 17 [bow stuck under balance beam]. Above Lock 19 we teamed up with Tom and Carol on nb Simply Bliss Two which they are occupying on a home exchange basis for a few weeks. There was a pause for lunch at Foxhangers then we persuaded them to tackle at least some of the Devizes flight. The refuge moorings below the 'Thick' have collapsed so there was no alternative but to go straight on up. The flight seems in excellent condition, with lots of new bottom gates since last winter and we had a relatively hassle free passage, despite having to turn most locks and dodge a good few descending boats. A good team effort, justifying a whisky or two at the top.
