On the move for the weekend

Saturday, 16 August 2008 09:43

This time we are on the boat - moving that is! My sister is with us for a couple of days for her first ever cruise on a narrowboat.

Her introduction was a glorious day as it was sunny and warm yesterday. We left Pewsey after lunch, watered up, winded and set off towards Crofton. There were very few boats on the move. This area has the advantage of not being too near hire bases and it is mainly only those out for two weeks that make the middle bit of the long pound - between Wootton Rivers and Devizes.

The banks of the towpath are getting very overgrown and on the off side the bushes are encroaching much more. Autumn abundance or a "set aside" policy by BW?

Wootton Rivers bottom lock was Lois' first introduction to a lock. She quickly got the hang of things as we went up the next three locks. Two of which were set against us and then at the next two we met other boats who also instructed her in the finer details!

Next it was a lesson on the tiller - but no problem for her. Although it was on the straight bit from the top lock to Bruce tunnel, past Burbage Wharf looking folorn without its crane. I wonder when the restored one will appear?

Then another new experience - a tunnel, well not really, Bruce tunnel is just an extended bridge, or so it feels to us having negotiated much longer and narrower tunnels in our time.

Finally we winded at Crofton top lock where a combine harvester was busy making the most of the dry day and moored not far from bridge, Wolfhall bridge 103. We have been here before and as before ended up with a list to starboard. This is due to the combination of shallow sides and lack of water being pumped up to the top of the Crofton flight.

This morning it is grey but brightening so we shall potter off back towards Devizes later.

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