This is the technique of looping a rope to the gate handrails, from the mast on the boats (we used the butty mast, to which the luby line is attached). When the lock is empty, the boats reverse pulling the gates open. It works very well and should save a lot of legwork for us. It can only be used when going downhill as the gates open inwards. It was really great learning a new skill and many thanks to Richard for his patient tuition!
We moored that night at the bottom of the flight for an early start in the morning, intending on getting through Milton Keynes. In the picture, Richard attaches the cross straps to the post and hook of the motor, whilst I walk the dogs.
A very cold morning, but the canal was peaceful and calm, but then it always is at this time in the morning!
We soon arrived at the pretty village of Cosgrove. When we reached the shallow lock, I had another play at 'gate lining', just to see if I could remember ... and it worked!
A full 'visitor mooring' along the towpath on the left of the picture, but not really anyone around yet.
Wolverton flats and the footpath leading to the shops
The lovely 160 metre long train mural ~ an awesome sight and a creative genius of Bill Billings, painted by him and members of the community in 1986.
Passing though Milton Keynes, we encountered the Exbury Boat.... Daily Mail link
and a sunken widebeam
and of course the humble heron.
Further along, an oncoming boater insisted that he could fit in a bridge hole with the butty, at an angle so as he hit me and I explained to him, that I had no engine and needed him to give me room. He never apologised, but then we are getting used to rudeness on the canal, where people think that to ignore other boaters' pleasantries, not slow down past moored boats and generally be a law unto themselves is the way to be on the canal. It doesn't work like that, and manners don't cost a penny...
Eventually after much monotony (on Richard's part, as I had lots of things to do on the butty), we arrived at Fenny Stratford, stopping briefly for some sustenance..
Last night's mooring before Stoke Hammond lock. Later we were joined by Jan off the The Art Boat, single handed and also on her way down to Rickmansworth. We all spent a pleasant evening enjoying the meal which Richard had prepared as usual to feed the 5 thousand!
This morning, we set off after Jan, deliberately daudling, so our good friends off the The Cheese Boat could catch us up. They had paired up with Flavours Afloat, who had suffered electrical problems and had had to get a new alternator.... apparently they are on the move now, and all is well!
Working up Leighton Lock earlier today. The Cheese Boat have joined us and we have all done a bit of shopping and got our breath back before the onslaught ahead.....
Journey to Rickmansworth remaining ~ 29 miles and 55 locks!
