Past the tyred narrowboat on the River Kennet Navigation

Thursday, 16 June 2011 11:26

Foolishly, perhaps, we had a goal in mind when we set out this morning! Woolhampton lock and swing bridge were to be negotiated first.

Woolhampton Lock ahead

It was my turn to work the lock .......

As you may remember there can be a fast flow below the lock because of the entry of the River Kennet. The tired narrowboat (sorry, tyred, that is really bad!), is below the lock.

Tyred narrowboat, well protected!

The following sequence of photos will take you through the lock and swing bridge as John on the tiller was able to use the camera and negotiate it all! The flow was not too bad today, despite all the rain we have had over the last few days.

In Woolhampton Lock

We reminded ourselves of the caution and safety aspects needed

Leaving Woolhampton Lock

John had tied up below the lock bottom gates and gone back to close the gate, prior to this snap, while I dashed ahead to open the swing bridge.

The River Kennet enters from the left in this look behind

There is a lock landing and a bridge landing if needed - provided that a narrowboat has not decided to moor here so that they can easily go to the Rowbarge pub. This was the case on Saturday - not a good idea and there is a notice indicating that it is not a mooring.

Landings beside the Rowbarge

Good advice when there is a flow on the river

Bridge closing behind Epiphany

Bridge landing - John pulled in perfectly to pick me up!

Success

So now our next challenge would be Aldermaston Lock and Lift Bridge, but we had a way to go, would we get there in time? ......