The Tardebigge

After being serenaded to sleep from the Musak coming from the Queens Head garden last night we arose early in an effort to beat the two hire boats that were pointing in the same direction as us, up the Tardebigge flight. The locks would have largely drained overnight and would be set in our favour. 8am and the first engine started up. Not ours and so we were beaten to it! Oh well, another piece of toast and let them get some distance on. 8:25 and it was our turn to begin the climb in the thick, thick mist. As we gained height it gradually cleared and we were able to enjoy the magnificent scenery offered to us.
A C&RT employee on a quad bike kept buzzing us as we worked the flight until at lock 46 I flagged him down to report the steel rubbing plate was almost hanging off one of the bottom gates. How he didn't know before this is beyond me as it would taken months, if not years, to get into that state.
Flight completed in 4 hours, crew exhausted and confident she can now run a 10K after walking forwards and backwards between each lock.
After lunch it was time to explore so over the 580yd Tardebigge tunnel we walked and down to the Old Wharf, the home of Anglo Welsh hire boats. A well deserved ice cream was had.
On the way back we visited St Bartholomews church that commands a prominent position on the hillside above the tunnel. On our last visit we were able to view inside but alas, this time it was locked.
Back to the boat for a leisurely pint sat out in the well deck enjoying the early evening sunshine. Still a bit chilly at night though, so the log fire was lit for supper.