On through St. John's

Another bright day, I am really lucky weather wise at the moment, obviously it won’t last and I am bound to get a rainy one soon but for now I’m just happy to accept it.

Set off this morning at 8:45 to meet the Canal Ranger at 9, he’d beaten me to it and unlocked the paddle gear, so I began filling the first lock not quite sure whether to proceed or wait for him there,  I moved the boat into the lock and started to empty it when he arrived, so a quick chat about how we would proceed then off he went to fill the next lock for me.

Five locks in all and there are very close together, so no time to take any pictures, it all went ok apart from one which the approach to was difficult and shallow near the towpath, I managed to get in to the bank after a bit of a struggle but when it came to moving into the lock I could not get away from it and after trying forwards and reversing a couple of time I gave up and bought the pole out for its maiden use, a quick shove and I was free and into the lock, from then on it was smooth, although I am still having a bit of a struggle with the stopping before the locks, here on the Basingstoke there is not much of a lock landing and without someone to get off at the front of the boat it is proving challenging although I have nothing to compare it to so I may be doing it well, or I may be making a hash of it, who knows, I don’t yet until I see someone else try and then I will have a better idea, whatever, I am managing so it can’t be too bad.

All done by 11:15 and off to find a mooring, right outside a pub again,

The Bridge Barn.

It looks quite nice but it’s Strictly final tonight so I won’t be venturing in for a beer.

I had a shower and then walked Into Woking town for a few bits of clothing and then back on board to light the stove and have a cuppa.

To Date: 23 Locks : 1 Swingbridge : 25 Miles