We left the pontoon at 11.45 to turn around while we waited for the lock to be filled, and by 12.15 the the exit gates opened and we were off. It was a beautiful morning with very little wind. Clive was in front with the pilot, who in fact let Clive helm all the way, and we followed. Ahead of us both was a small cruiser who had his own pilot.
Apart for the winding route there was very little to report. We just took in the lovely views tools some pictures and enjoyed the whole experience. I think we were just so lucky to get a day like we did. All our preparations stowing everything turned out not to be needed but it could have been a different story. It did take us bit longer as it was not a very big tide, only 6 metres, which did not give us much assistance and we had a head wind. By 2.55 pm we had to hove to outside the lock waiting for it to open which was not until 3.30.
The second Severn crossing
The first Severn crossing
Then we had another delay inside the outer lock which was huge, about the same size as a football pitch. Just after the lock are 2 swing bridges, and the lower one has to be opened for all boats and in hot weather it expands and gets stuck, so it had to be watered to cool it down. By 4.30pm we were through and we moored just a bit further up on the Sharpness and Gloucester canal, pleased with our achievement and glad not to have to be going back down K & A. Next stop Belfast.
No comments:
Post a Comment