Getting used to locks again!

Sunday, 28 June 2009 11:33

So who left Tarleton moorings first? It was Nb Drifter - I haven't mentioned him before, but he was last to arrive yesteday.

He started first down the staircase but ended up last! Is that almost a quote from the world's most bought book? He became last at the holding pontoons! We guess that he may not have had the power that some of us had so struggled with the tide.

Next went Nb Jay Bees and Saffron. We thought we would give them a real jump on us so did not hurry. Just as we began to loose the ropes a boater moored behind came up. He had met John when he helped Richard deliver a NABO display a month or so ago! So they had a chat.

Nb Reg was going, so we went too and I helped open Town End swing bridge. An handcuff key is needed and she forgot theirs. We followed them as we chugged through the narrow section that has no official towpath and follows the River Douglas.

Nb Reg in front at Strand bridge (10)

Looking back at the old lock after Strand Bridge at Sollom


As we approached the sani-station at Spark Bridge 8a we caught up with the two boats who left before us. They were still at the sani-station. I thought they would have been long gone! We pulled in on the off side, as did NB Reg who was behind us, having opened the previous Fearns swing bridge for us both.

The sani-station sitters!

Ah - who should pass us but our friends on their boat

We made plans to meet up once at Rufford - on their return from a quick out and back. We filled up eventually, once Nb Reg had had his turn!

One more swing bridge to go and it was my turn to open it. The handcuff key was a struggle - the screw had been tightened too much and it was in an awkward position. I managed it eventually and John sailed through. It then took me a while to fasten it again.

The cut past Old Rufford Hall (see here for more info!) is very wooded and the horse flies were out in force. For some reason they think John is tasty meat and he was bitten. Out came the spray, cream etc, but they still would not leave him alone.

We passed the remains of an old bridge here; I did not notice it before

Now it was lock time - Rufford Lock (7), just after the two marinas - Fettlers Wharf and St Mary's. We were spotted by Dave and Heather on Takey Tezey and a reply to our text arrived as John took Epiphany into the lock!

I had managed to sort out the handcuff keys, paddles and gates, only to see another boat coming out of Fettlers Wharf and point its bow in the lock direction. Reverse the previous actions! Open the gate for them. Easy - no way, as the top gates are leaky and I had to open both paddles again to get the gates open.

The crew and steerer were suitable grateful! But I was really tired, I need to get my locking muscles going again, or alternatively just let John do them and stay on the boat.

So once moored above the Iock I was really pleased that we were meeting up with our friends for afternoon refreshments. We found them in the coffee shop at Fettlers Wharf and were suitably revived by ice cream, tea and milkshake!

Meanwhile arrangements were also made to meet up with Dave and Heather. Isn't it nice to be so popular? However our social life will take a dive next month!

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