Friday, 28 April 2023

Newbies get locked in

It's amazing how a drop in the wind speed changes everything.

It's still overcast and the clouds are moving across quite fast but the wind's gone and it feels much warmer.

And this morning we saw our first family of baby geese. Together with a duck and 12 ducklings. Spring has certainly sprung.

After a few miles traveled we arrived at the top of Hillmorton locks. My intention was to include as many pictures as possible of us going down through the locks. However, best laid plans and all that, as we approached the top lock a boat was just coming out so, a nifty pirouette around and in we go. Into auto mode, Brigid closes the top gate and I go forward to open the bottom paddle. By the time I think of photos, I'm out the bottom and heading for the next lock. Looking ahead we can see another boat coming up through the 2nd lock so we leave our gates open and ready for them to enter. 

I get to the 2nd lock and nothing seems to be happening. Water is being let in but the lock doesn't seem to be filling up. It should have been quicker than that!

After a couple of minutes I tie the boat up and walk down to the lock to see what's going on.

It's a hire boat and they hadn't fully closed the bottom paddles so water was coming in at the top and draining out at the bottom. A bit of strong arm work, paddles closed and the newbies were released from their prison. 

While we were working the lock a volunteer lock keeper appeared to find out why there was so much water in the bottom pound. All was explained. But, another thing I couldn't understand was why, when we'd left the lock ready for them to use, they emptied the full lock alongside and entered that instead!? 

After all that excitement we thought 'it's lunch time' and we stopped to pop in the canalside café. We can see Polgara from our table.

And look at what we had.

A jacket and tuna for the captain and jacket and beef stew for me. Just what the doctor ordered.

In the window behind us is a model narrowboat - it's truly amazing.

The detail inside is fabulous. We were talking to the café owner and she told us that it was made by a gentleman and his wife fitted out the interior. They had to sell it because they were downsizing but were pleased to know that it would be in a place where children would be able to see it. Trouble is, some children don't seem to know when to grow up 😂

And here is, at last, a picture of the locks (and our boat, of course).

And here I am entering the bottom lock. 

A few miles further on and the sun is shining as we enter Rugby. Plenty of moorings available today when we don't intend stopping.

And when we do stop we head for this bridge because just down the road is a large Tesco. (Other stores are available but they're further away!)


Then, just around the corner, a nice mooring at Newbold upon Avon. Amazing, we don't usually get in here either. There have been loads of boats out today so where have they all stopped?

No peace for the wicked! There's always something to do on a boat. When we were pottering along past moored boats there was a sound like a chain rattling around in the engine room. Luckily I recognised this sound and thought that I knew what was the problem. And I was right. Doesn't happen often so please make a note! I was right! 

Now this is where it gets technical - sorry but follow if you can. 

On back of the engine is a rod that goes out the back of the boat and turns the propeller (so I've been told). And on this rod is a thingy that connects to another bigger thingy by a rubber belt. The bigger thingy drives a water pump that cools the gearbox. Still with me? Well the thingy on the rod propeller shaft (I knew it had a name) had come loose so under the back step I go and tighten it all up and off we go - tomorrow, that is. 

Now it's time to pop into Newbold for some fish and chips. Yummy 😋🤤

Look at that - and that's only a quarter of the chips they gave us.

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