We are still chugging homewards along the K&A. Sat 21 Aug Devizes [Lock44] to Sells Green VMs - 2 mi, 5 fl; 23 locks. Start 09:00, moored up at 12:40
Advice from Lockie at breakfast time was that there was one boat coming up the 16 so we set off in company with nb Moonflower in the knowledge that we'd have to turn the first few locks but would at least be in front of any other descending boats. The theory worked, and we passed two other boats so most of the lower locks [which no longer drain off rapidly, now that they have new gates] were set for us. We got to the bottom of the 16 in 2hr 10mins and out of Lock 22 in a further 1hr 20mins. After mooring, the 2 crews enjoyed a bottle of sparkling plonk before lunch. Moonflower then pressed on while we settled for the afternoon doing various cleaning duties, triggered by the need to get my muddy footprints off the roof post the passage of Caen Hill. Eschewed the merits of 'The 3 Magpies' and chewed dinner from our own fridge instead. Currently sandwiched between a raucous party in the garden of the house on the offside and a heavy metal soundtrack from the campsite on the towpath side. Might not be too quiet a night. Last leg tomorrow. Baz
