Bancroft basin, Stratford on Avon, Monday 13th July
With 17 locks in front of us and a weather forecast promising rain in the afternoon, we made an early start. The system worked as we passed by the Wilmcote moorings just as two boats were preparing to move off. Before then, we had Edstone Aqueduct to have a close look at. It is 200 yards long, and although it is only some 30feet above the valley floor, is still impressive. It spans both a road and two railway tracks. I think that some of the best views of Aqueducts are from ground level.
Dropping in the first lock, a boat moved away from the moorings below; we did not see them again as by now there were few boats coming up the flight which makes the job just that bit easier. The boat behind us was a hire boat with a family from Denmark; the parents both spoke better English than most of the BBC radio announcers. On reflection, perhaps that could be phrased better: they spoke excellent English. The lower four locks were short of water as the canal is badly silted; I took an age to get out of one and both the oncoming boat and mine ran aground. We both managed to get going, but we are certainly getting plenty of practice.
Moving into the basin at Stratford, it really is well placed for the town and for buses!
The Danish family moored next to us and after a fish supper in the chippy, we sat outside with them until well after dark. We touched on most subjects including the use of wind tubines. Apparently they have so many in Denmark that the problem now is what to do with the excess generation as it is wasteful and costly to let the blades freewheel. One of the latest ideas is to use the surplus to produce Hydrogen and power cars from it. Their government also seems to be incapable of thinking more than four or five years ahead. Perhaps I should find that fact reassuring.
2009 Totals: 403 Locks – 675miles – 16 Bus pass uses.
