After a night at Chequers (pub at Hanham lock not PM's residence) welcomed Keith's C&RT lock keeping colleague aboard for the last of the River section to, Bath. Even for us locals the River Avon is stunningly beautiful. Arriving Bath in good time enough to take a peek at the famous Pulteney Weir for the obligatory photo shot. The alarm on the battery management system heralded our approach as the captain forgot to remove the gaffer tape from the engine breather grills that were put in place to prevent sea water ingress during the Severn passage. Sooooo..... hot!
Unperturbed we started up the Bath flight. The second lock, at 18ft 8ins, is the second deepest in the country with impossibly heavy bottom gates. On exit the small pound was extremely low such that FOTV couldn't get over the next cill. We then spent the nexy 15 minutes flush water through from above. Passage up the flight was slow, hot and arduous.
The view from the top of the locks in Bath is stupendous but we were too tired to appreciate it so pressed on to the George at Bathampton for a well deserved meal.
On the way up we passed nb Heather who Keith crewed for on her voyage down the mighty Severn in 2010. A quick phone call and he was reunited with Dan to catch up on two years worth of news.Best of luck with the new job!
A hole in the roof down which was passed freight carrying instructions so the the old working boats did not have to stop.
The George
Tuesday 9th July
After filling the water tank we continued eastwards towards Bradford on Avon along the beautiful winding valley. The canal builders on this stretch overcame huge problems due the terrain resulting in two amazing aqueducts and a pumping station that raises water from the Avon to feed the canal.
At Bradford Keith purchased a fan to help keep the battery temperature at a reasonable level.
At the lock we were glad of the help from two fellow C&RT volunteers.
After reading Triskaideka's recent blog we were able to fill up with F.A.M.E free diesel at 80p/ltr at "The Boatyard" that is next to Hilperton Marina, thanks Ali and John.
We have found a tree to moor under for the night. Can't believe this heat!
Dundas Aqueduct
Avoncliff Aqueduct
Who needs a folding back??
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