Lower Radbourne

Here I am Rune

Distance 8 miles

Total 3825 Locks  241 Tunnels

Running total mileage 5633.7 miles

A fairly straightforward run up Napton Lock flight, there were volunteers on the bottom lock and the flight was quite busy with boats coming down so pretty much every lock was already set for us. There did seem to be a lot of water in the flight though as, on a couple of occasions, the water was pouring over the gate.

The lock that was a bit of a pain was Marston Doles top lock, this was due to the strong wind that was blowing straight down the canal. The problem lies in the fact that you have to turn right immediately upon leaving the lock, it can be done in light or non-existant winds but when it is blowing as strongly as today it is impossible to turn with a 60’ boat before the wind has pushed the boat into the side.

 Having done this lock previously under the same conditions we bow-hauled the boat through using the bow rope to stop the boat being blown across the canal. It was a bit of a heave, but ultimately successful. We stopped for water and whilst filling a hire boat came through the lock. It was slightly easier for them as the boat was only 50’ long, but still it was blown against the canalside, but they’d managed to turn a bit before being blown so were pinned against the second bit of wall. All it needed for them to get off was for someone on the bow to push it clear and they were away. Soon after them was another boat and as soon as I saw them bow hauling their boat out I knew they’d been through the lock before, they confirmed they moored not too far away and come through regularly, and know that in strong winds it is a pig to get out of.

Not sure just how far we’ll go tomorrow, again it depends upon the weather.