Monday evening, 4th May, Lechlade.
It was a good day for February, very hazy sun and a bitter wind. Rain for some 30 minutes after Rushey Lock, the a few spots now and then.
Arriving at Radcot lock, it was on self operation and some five cruisers were coming into to go down.Myra went up with Caleb and Madeleine.
No one from any of the boats spoke or came to do anything. I would have stood and watched the lazy so and so's, but Myra allowed the children to open the sluices. Caleb managed one on his own, the gate was still closed and still no one did anything. Myra called Caleb to the other side and eventually, a man from the first boat went up and opened the gate.
It would seem that lack of consideration for others is not limited to the canals.
This lack has also resulted in the imposition of a £4 per night mooring charge at Lechlade, on the large meadow that was free until May 2008. Apart from the dosser boats housing the great unwashed and mostly unlicensed; other boats had been left unattended for long periods. One was there for 7 weeks. Thanks: yet again the thoughtless actions of the few have resulted in the majority having being penalised.
The farmer was allegedly told by the EA that they could not enforce any overstaying rules and the only available solution was for him to levy a charge.
We will be saying goodbye to Lechlade tomorrow; over the years we have become used to staying here for two or three days and looking around the lovely town. We will not be returning.
2009 Totals - Locks 148; Miles 231; Bus pass uses 2.
