Wednesday, January 30, 2008

A long day today, and hard work with the heavy gates and paddle gear on these locks. Each gate weighs over 3000kg, and the paddles require around 20 turns to lift or lower. Still, it’s been enjoyable, with the locks in pleasant settings and the weather clear and sunny after an early frost.

We moved off at 10:45, 150 yards and into Stockton Top Lock. It took us just over 2 hours to drop down through this flight, and to pass the next two as well. We stopped for a bite to eat, and Carol and I went to the local shop for essentials.

Descending Stockton Locks.
Lots of boats around near Stockton.
Opposite the Blue Lias pub we passed NB LAPLANDER. This was a 1830’s icebreaker on the BCN (Birmingham Canal Navigations), and has been converted and fitted with steam power, hence the tall stack.

LAPLANDER
Under way again, and we arrived at Bascote locks at around 14:00, having stopped for water at Bridge 27. The first 2 of this group of 4 are a staircase, where the lower gates of the top chamber form the top gates of the lower one.

Bascote 2 Rise Staircase
Guardians of the Locks, Swans at Bascote.
The intention was to moor just after the locks, recommended by Adam from NB DEBDALE. But unfortunately someone had beaten us to it, so we moved on and moored just above Welsh Road Lock.

Locks 14, miles 5¼.

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