After a full English, Pete left and I set off solo again for the home stretch back to Sawley - going down in the locks this way, so relatively easy compared to going up. Rain was forecast, so I wanted to get through the river section at Alrewas which can be closed if the river level is high. It didn't seem likely, but I didn't want to risk being held up this side of Alrewas. By lunchtime I was at the services at Fradley Junction and had time for a quick sandwich. There were CRT volunteers on four of the Fradley locks and since it was quiet, a kind volunteer walked ahead and worked the fifth lock for me so I could stay on the boat.
At Bagnall lock, just before Alrewas, I couldn't get the lower gates to stay closed and recruited two passing walkers to lean on the gates so that I could fill the lock - fortunately they were delighted to help. At Alrewas lock itself, a woman in a moored boat rushed up with a windlass, offering to work the lock for me. People really are very helpful and friendly on the waterways.
Through the river section and Cow Bridge with its narrow and tricky way through, then on to Barton and a mooring for the night just by the entrance to the marina.
No comments:
Post a Comment