A lone boatman appeared behind us at the first lock. I was surprised he kept up so well with us when working alone and after we’d stopped for lunch, he was the one in front of us at the next lock. As I got out to work a lock with him, I was surprised to see him bring his boat into the lock, without getting back on. I knew he had left the engine running while it was roped up and he was at the lock. The boat (Two Jays) sailed smoothly in and out of the lock, with him on the bank his hand in his pocket. I asked if he had a remote control. “Yes,” he said! He decided that at 73, he was too old to be going up and down the lock ladders. Evidently not too old to run a boat and work locks on his own. He is now moored not far behind us, so he may catch up with us again tomorrow.