Tuesday 19th July 2016

The hottest day of the year and we did 32 locks! We set off down the Lapworth flight and were pleased to see a couple of volunteers helping a boat coming the other way. We then realised that they seemed to be helping the same boats all the way through the flight and not bothering with others. I was talking to a lady at one lock who thought the same. We decided that we didn't look feeble enough and maybe should start walking with a limp!

With only a couple of exceptions every lock was against us but at least the lower gates were in halves which makes it easier to work them. 

At the Kings Norton junction we met 6 boats all with 10 year 9 pupils on each. It is their last week of term and nearly the whole year group is out on activities somewhere in the country. I think they thought that they would be gently cruising through the countryside but they have dozens of locks to do between Stratford and Warwick and back.

Characteristic of this part of the network are split bridges which allowed the boat to pass through without the horse having to be unhitched.

Also characteristic are the barrel shaped lock houses. 

The bottom lock gates had now returned to single gate format so Graham was back on lock duty.

Finally moored about 7pm and hope to head down into Stratford upon Avon tomorrow. 5+ hours and 16 locks away.