Whitwick to The Bratch (3.5 miles, 6 locks)

The day began well as we embarked on lock number 4 of the 31 - lock drop to the River Severn at Stourport. However, again the heavens opened with hail and attitude, we were soaked!

The routine of getting both boats through without incident is now almost perfected, we are getting some good comments from onlookers as well!

This is the octagonal Toll House at the top of the flight of 3 locks (30 foot drop) at The Bratch, now used as the office for the locky on duty.  We booked in yesterday to go down this morning, as the system operated is 3 boats down and 3 up.

When we arrived at the Bratch, we moored up from our fellow banterers Keith and Ann on their practically brand new boat Oakfield and passed a couple of hours catching up.  Their plans were similar to ours ie. no deadline necessarily, but steady progress along this beautiful canal.

Nervously we approached the lock the next morning and moored awaiting instructions from the locky.

The butty would be put in the lock behind the big boat after that had been refilled and follow me down.  Richard stayed with the locky to operate the paddles and bring the butty through.  I hovered in the mouth of the bottom lock and put the cross straps back on when the gates opened.  Richard jumped on the back of the butty and I steered them to the mooring past the waiting working boats. No problems!  What a relief!

View from our mooring below the lock, so peaceful, knowing what carnage normally must take place with the congestion of many boats!

The statuesque Victorian pumping station, now a private property, looking more like a gothic castle on one of my pictures!  Apparently, after it was built, there had debate over the merits of it's location so near to the canal as opposed to a mile away where it would have performed better.  But then the coal transport from the canal to run the station, was equally important.....

Here's a funny thing, look at the profile of the trees on the ridge, you may have to zoom in a bit.  The locky told us that the dodgy looking tree is in fact an aerial mast, tastefully designed to blend in seamlessly with the landscape, not!  Needs more lessons we think!

This was our friend Keith at the lock watching an old working boat entering from below, later in the day.

The weather treated us well and so I decided for the first time in two weeks to throw open the side of the butty and do some painting and open the shop.  This usually involves more chatting than selling, but it's all good, so we answer all the questions and enjoy the day!