This morning we popped into Waitrose (get us, only because it was close, still baulk at their prices) and on the way back enjoyed a cup of coffee and a chocolate brownie at a little cafe, with this as the view. The sun was shining and it was a pretty good place to be.
We walked up through the locks as we'd had conflicting reports on the times they would be open today as there is some maintenance work being done, and on the basis of our research decided that we'd leave after an earlyish lunch so we would be there at the right time.
Pulteney bridge as not too many people see it, from the river just as we are about to turn - decided not to try to do a run up the weir - not in the mood!
As we turn, I wondered how many photos around the world are going to feature our boat! Paddy is a great draw and I know that he's been a popular model (no-one is close enough to find out his true character) but there were certainly lots of people, especially of an oriental persuasion who were snapping away merrily as we did our thing.
A final view of the Abbey as we are turned and on our way. Because of the flow of the river we had to then cruise past the lock entrance and landing jetty, so that we could turn again to come at it from downstream. John is really good at this now and it's all a bit of a non event.
We went into the first lock easily and then as we were coming out another boat appeared behind us. Knowing that the next lock was the deep one I offered to wait for them so we could go up together. Norman and Juliet on African Queen were the perfect partners and we got up the rest of the 5 locks in under an hour, with only one incident at the last lock. I'd been doing really well and felt very pleased with myself - pride comes before a fall as they say - and at the last lock I was almost at the gates when Norman calls out that the lock is full. He's held his boat back and as I'm bringing ours back alongside him, the paddles get opened on the lock and I completely lost control of the boat as the water hit us broadside. I went across his bow and had to wait for the water stream to settle before I was able to get back in line again. He was lovely and pointed out that it's difficult to get things right in a narrowboat and it's incidents like these that stop it getting boring. What a lovely guy!
This sundial is halfway up the locks and despite walking up and down them I don't know how many times, I'd never managed to have my camera with me. As it was I had to hand it over to John as I was on the boat. He said the time was spot on when he took it - impressive!
This is for Coralie Duckworth - if anyone reads this who knows her can they point it out to her please? She will understand!
We are now moored, once again, outside the George. It's still a thrill. We've had a drink and are going for a meal tonight, before we head further east.
Plans include seeing Johns sisters at Bradford on Avon and also Allison and Dave are now down the Caen flight so we are hoping to catch up with them there as well. Then it's onto Devises ourselves!
No comments:
Post a Comment