Yesterday morning we were fiddle-faddling (technical terms) about when a narrowboat slipped through the bridge and headed past us for the lock. The steerer, who was single handling, asked me if were wanted to drop through the lock in which case
she would wait for us...We stopped fiddle-faddling and got ourselves, and boat, in gear and into the lock.
Sharing Avon lock
That's it, we are now technically off of the Avon
The lock keeper had called ahead to the next lock at Upper Lode so it would be ready for us and gave us some advice about the safe approach to Gloucester lock...more of which later.
Leaving Upper lode lock
The lock at Upper Lode was enormous and we were joined by a 32'cruiser with a fly bridge ( I looked up how much these cruisers sell for and a 30 plus year old boat goes for in excess of £30k!), a kayak and the narrowboat we had travelled with from Avon Lock - there was still room to get a few ships of the line in with us...
The cruiser overtook us as soon as possible
Haw bridge
What's this?
The Edward Elgar hotel boat
The approach to Gloucester Lock
Following the advice of the Avon lockie I had called ahead to the Gloucester lock keeper to warn of our approach when we were two and half miles away and again when we were within a mile. The lock was readied for us and Joe got the boat well over to the left to make the approach as there is a strong sheer (flow) across the lock entrance towards the weir. Joe fair gunned Yarwood into the lock where we waited for our single handler to arrive. She gunned in as well and rafted up to Yarwood while the lock keeper filled the lock and raised us up onto the Gloucester and Sharpness canal.
As the gates opened there was revealed the historic Gloucester docks!
Our first view of Gloucester docks
A tall ship being moved from one side of the basin to the other
Our mooring.
We will stay here for a couple of nights before moving off slowly towards Sharpness.
Somewhere we've wanted to get to, but not managed yet. Looking forward to your blogs about the G&S. What next -- tidal Severn to Bristol?
ReplyDeleteHi Adam
DeleteWe were speaking to Mo and Ness about the Sharpness to Bristol 'jaunt' - they have taken Balmaha to Bath and back from Sharpness. It is something we will do one day but not this trip. We are looking forward to the next couple of weeks playing around here...must be good because M&V have been here since June!
X Lesley
Welcome to the G&S we are moored just down beyond Sainsbury's, so may see you soon.
ReplyDeletenb Oakfield
Why thank you Wozie that is very kind. Look forward to making you acquaintance..
DeleteLesley
I always found that an awe inspiring entrance into the docks. Its a lovely canal, great walks for you and the dogs and lots of interesting history along the way, Enjoy! Only a teeny bit jealous.....well perhaps, quite a lot! Big Sighhhhhh. Love K
ReplyDeleteHello Ian and Karen
DeleteI thought of you a couple of weeks ago when Nb. Tacet passed us and here you are commenting...
We are enjoying the G&S and I have been off line walking F&F across well marked public footpaths.
I bet you miss this boaty life but I am sure it will come around again if you want it enough!
Take care both
Lesley
hi hope your both well what was the name of the hudson in the lock with you please and yarwood is looking great .
ReplyDeleteHello Judith
DeleteI had to look back through my photos to see the name because for the life of me I couldn't recall it anyway it is The Wilderness. If you are interested in Hudson boats we had Nb.Ernest moored with us yesterday.
Lesley
yeah we are hudson fans and thank for replying have you a pic of ernest please
Deletehi Judith
DeleteNo sorry, no pic of Nb.Ernest. Very nice boats but we are not fans.
Lesley
ok thanks anyway take care
DeleteHi both
ReplyDeletehe last time we were down there a tree was blocking the way to the left hand gate and we were coming down on the ebb of a Spring tide! Interesting... Enjoy the G&S, it's great and very relaxing. Give Mo and Ness our love when you see them, I'm really jealous about the Severn trip.
Hi folks
DeleteWe are enjoying the G&S it is lovely. I will pass on your love when we see Balmaha again probably next week sometime.
I hope you enjoyed the Gt. North run and you are not feeling too sore.
X Lesley
Interesting boat/livery that you shared the lock with Lesley. Docks look impressive. Have visited on foot before but I'm liking the vista from the boat. Am going to add it to my possible to do list when we next get out boat sharing boat!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Mrs Stalker
DeleteYou will have to start heavily influencing your fellow 'boat sharers' about where they cruise next to ensure you can get WAL in the right place in which to launch your attempt on Gloucester. After the G&S you could head for Bristol - pilot £190 - and leave boat in say bBath for them to bring up the K&A, we know how much they would like that!!
Re the boat livery on Nb. The Wilderness, the Steve Hudson we shared the locks with, it is two shades of grey and a bit of bright red but will probably see her again over the next couple of days so I will get a photo for you.
X Lesley
Err thank you for that suggestion Lesley, something comes to mind, that's it....."When hell freezes over"
ReplyDeleteWot are you saying? Don't you like the K&A?
DeleteX Lesley