It was a bit overcast but warm as we set of this morning
from Hockley Heath. The first bridge we
got to is a lift bridge operated with a windlass, a boat came out behind us
just before we got to the bridge, so I went and operated the bridge and Kev
went through followed by the other boat.
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| Going through Lift Bridge |
There is a another lift bridge a bit further on, so they said they would
go ahead and open that one and we could go through, so that’s good. I closed the bridge and we chugged on down
and when we got to the next lift bridge, it was open and through we went. Just down from there the locks start. We are doing 13 today before we stop, so into
the first one we went, we thought the boat behind us would come and help but
they didn’t , they let us do the lock, never mind!
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| Into first lock of Lapworth flight |
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| Me and Unique Cast Iron Split Bridge |
The first four locks are spaced out, then they start in
earnest and are very close together.
A lot of the bridges on this canal are cast
iron and built in two halves, separated by a one inch gap so that the towing
line between a horse and a boat could be dropped through the gap without having
to disconnect the horse.There was a couple of volunteers on the locks so we had some help and a
few boats came up so some of the locks were set for us, it all helps. Kev did one side of the lock and I did the
other, he pulled the boat out of the lock then shut one gate so we got a good rhythm
going and soon we were going into the last lock of the day.
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| Not too many to go now |
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| In Lock 14, last lock for today |
An older couple was coming up that lock and
the lady came up and asked Kev what side he would be going when he came out of
the lock, he said whichever side I end up on but with the amount of water
coming out the side wash it would probably be left, we thought it was a strange
question. She went back down to the lock
and instead of opening the gate and letting her husband out, she went and
talked to him, then she opened the gate, and as predicted Kev was pushed to the
left by the water and he passed on the right, people are funny!
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| Canal shop by lock 14 |
Out through this lock and we moored up. Just up by the lock, there is a nice Canal
shop where they sell gifts, maps, etc. and home made cake, it is just 95p for a
big slice and its delicious. Needless to
say we had to buy some, the lady in the shop is very friendly and she also does
teas and coffees, so we got a drink and sat by the canal for a bit.
We went for a walk down to lock 18 and you go over the
bridge and down the road, under the railway bridge and just past there is a
small shop. We got some milk, then
walked back to the canal and down to the Kingswood Junction.
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| Barrel Shaped Roof Cottage |
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| First family of swans on our trip |
Also on this canal there are a lot of barrel-roofed
cottages, They are typical to this canal.
We are staying here tonight and might stay here tomorrow as
well as it is such a nice area. We will
decide in the morning.
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| Moored at Lapworth below lock 14 |
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