Bartimaeus

The weather today was much brighter than yesterday, as forecast.  We made a gentle start to the day as we knew we had plenty of time to cover the distance we needed to do.  Having driven most of yesterday, I decided today was a locking day for me, so once we were ready to go, I walked ahead to get the first lock ready.  Just before I reached the lock I stepped aside to allow a runner I could hear behind me pass.  He didn't pass, it was Bryn catching up with me.

It was easy enough to set the lock, but I noted that it seemed to be deliberately awkward for somebody working it alone.  The only ground paddle is on the opposite side from the gate paddle and gate arm.  And the route across is obstructed by the paddle mechanism.  Actually a head gate paddle is unusual on this canal too.  I'm sure there is some history here.

The warning from Canal and River Trust about a tree obstructing the navigation was for the bridge just here, but the only obstruction we could find was after the next lock and the next bridge.  We had seen last night that it wasn't going to be a problem.  In the daylight it barely merited the description of nuisance.

With Clare driving, Bryn and I made easy work of the locks.  We walked ahead when they came in groups, but tended to ride when there was more than quarter of a mile between them.  By lunchtime we were clearly on target for the day.  We moored on the next set of lock bollards - there was plenty of room for another boat if needed.

After lunch I got off to set the lock.  Most of the locks on this section are twinned, although there are some missing or broken.  This was a complete pair so I wasn't concerned about setting one our way.  Just as I had got everything ready I saw a boat coming the other way, so I opened the gates of the other lock for them.

The woman from the other boat told me they were moving their boat to the Chesterfield Canal.  I told her we'd been there a few years ago and that it was beautiful.  She seemed quite new to boating but was enjoying learning.  She expressed some concern about a recent incident on the River Trent.  A narrowboat had sunk immediately outside the entrance to the Chesterfield Canal.  She knew a little more about it than I do, but it seems that the folk involved were not carefully following the advice of the lock-keepers.  We always did, and she intended to.

Bartimaeus still hadn't moved as the other boat was leaving.  I sent a message on my phone which got things going.  It turned out that the toilet door had been shut and they both thought that was where I was.  I wonder how long they'd have waited.

Despite the strong winds, there were no real hazards today.  Clare did ask what she should do about the flotilla of ducks in front of her between a pair of locks.  Luckily the ducks know what to do - and they even have an escape ramp.

We arrived at our destination well before sunset.  Fourteen locks in less than four miles.  With Bryn's willing assistance, they seemed no effort at all.  We have stopped in Wheelock before with Bryn on board and enjoyed a meal in the restaurant here (other restaurants are available).  The plan is to repeat the experience tonight.