When I got back he had finished getting water, having got in slightly earlier as the third boat had given up waiting. We were now behind the two that had filled slowly at the water. It seemed they took an easy pace generally and we caught up with them as they entered the next lock. I went up to help. One woman was on a boat and two men were chatting, one of the boat drivers and a CRT man, but only one side had been operated. After a few exchanges with the woman, I established it was okay to work the other side. The men seemed oblivious and enjoying their chat. The two boaters were on first name terms and seemed to be travelling together. The man was chatty and friendly with me, trying to decide on the most helpful gate arrangements and arranging that the CRT man could help shut his side after he had driven off to save me walking round. He laughed when I pointed out his rope was still tied to the bollard when he was setting off. I untied his rope and he said you always make mistakes when you get chatting, as you are distracted and lose your routine. Too true.