SUNDAY. Glasson Branch, above lock4
The 2008 trip thus far: 333 Locks; 657 Miles; 66 Swing\Lift Bridges. Bus pass journeys 35
We left the Hest Bank moorings in stealth mode at 7am, the sky was overcast with little sign of promised rain. Arriving at the Lune Aqueduct, we moored and climbed down to the river level for a good look at the John Rennie designed masterpiece. Owing to the number of trees along the bank; I decided to cross the Aqueduct and look from the other side of the river.
From the north east side, a clearer view can be obtained. I took several photographs and just stood admiring the sheer scale and features of the stonework. This Aqueduct is a truly magnificent example of engineering and craftsmanship at its best, over 200 years ago.
We carried on through Lancaster, picking up a load of cloth, plastic and a coat hanger on the blades requiring a trip down the weed hatch. The number of boat moored in the city was considerably less than on our northbound trip; but that was just before the bank holiday.
We arrived at the Glasson branch top lock to find both bottom gates had been left open. There are some really lazy people on boats nowadays; I’m all right jack, pull up the ladder and never mind anyone else. BW ask you to leave the Glasson branch locks empty, but with the gates closed.
We moored up above lock 4 in the middle of nowhere as the frequency of light showers was increasing. After we had stopped, there were a few heavy ones, but we were dry.
Two narrowboats came up at different times. The first had at least seven adults on board; when they left the lock, it was full and the top gates not closed. Later, the second one arrived with two crew – yes, they also left the lock full and the gates not closed.
We spoke to a BW man who walked up the branch and he told us that he had drained off lock 5 and shut the paddle down that had been left up. No wonder we lost the Empire.
Weather – Dry morning, the showers becoming heavy. Dried up in the evening.
