More locks - Oh no ........

Monday, 13 April 2009 16:03

Our mooring last night lived up to expectations - very quiet and a good TV signal! I could watch Lewis, and John watched the Masters Golf until the wee small hours!

We actually had a long stretch ahead of us before the Beeston locks. Do you fancy a share in a working boat? There are two shares available in this one - a good investment?

Towy, No 93 Thomas Clayton

The name of this boat raised a smile as we "tick over-ed" by the extensive permit holder moorings between bridges 115 and 114.


                  Click on photo to enlarge

                                    Tattenhall Marina is now open

                    Four boats have arrived but there is still lots to do

We went through Wharton lock and the two Beeston locks with an Anglo Welsh hire boat. The hirers were experienced boaters so we had no problems and enjoyed chatting to them. Even their nine year old son was a natural on the tiller, with a little coaching from Dad! So despite thinking - more locks, Oh no.., the only problem we had was queuing and then it was not too bad.

As "suggested" by the red notices at Beeston Iron lock, we went through singly. The notices warn that the lock walls are distorted, certainly neither bottom gate opened fully. We waited for our companions in Beeston Stone lock.

We waited for the lock at Tilstone - a boat was descending, what should emerge but a "famous" or should it be "infamous" boat.

Phoenix 58

It took a while to sell as it is a very unconventional narrowboat, built by engineers. The owners think they have a bargain. Not to our taste though! Granny Buttons has a comprehensive review of it.

The AW hire boat stopped at the AW Bunbury Base as they needed a couple of things checked. We ran the gauntlet of all the AW boats unhelpfully moored right up to the lock, some inconveniently double moored, and I went to set the Bunbury Staircase locks - yes more!

There are only two locks so although the paddles are hard and the gates very heavy it is not so complicated! For an explanation of Staircase locks see our previous blog.

Bunbury bottom lock

Bunbury top lock

We went up on our own and continued on to Calveley, mooring before the visitor moorings (site of the broken foot experience).

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