Long Itchington and Stockton Locks

At the water point opposite the Blue Lias Inn

We leave the Blue Lias Inn as it starts to rain.  This area is renowned for the local stone which is known as Blue Lias.  Large fossils have been found in the blue lias clay (jurassic period).  In fact there is a fossil in the fireplace at the Blue Lias Inn and the reason why it has a pre-historic dinosaur as its logo.   There is also, allegedly, a ghost in the pub; a young farmer's hand who was shot by the farmer for cavorting with his wife!!  This area has many pubs especially in the village of Long Itchington.  The Buck & Bell and The Two Boats Inn have both been visited by Susan and Pete.

After filling me up with water we approach the first of the Stockton Locks (8 in all).

Susan is steering whilst Pete and Mazey prepare the locks.

Stockton Locks

We are alone today - no boats to share the locks with.  This makes it harder for Susan to hold me in a straight line in the lock as they are all wide locks from now.  Pete helps by looping a long rope around a bollard and Susan holds on to the other end - tightly.

After 4 locks Susan and Pete swap over.  At this point there are boats coming down as we go up - which means the locks are in our favour and it makes it easier to do.......  The very last lock has two boats full of children (14 in all) from the scouts on a weekend trip.  They help with the last two locks.....


Once above the last lock I carry on for about half a mile and then moor up along a busy stretch of canal.  Many boats go past us in both directions and some are going really fast and do not slow down as they go past us moored boats.  I keep banging against the towpath!!! GRRRRRR.............

Pete sorts out the TV arial and watches the Grand Prix.  It keeps raining....

This will be my mooring until Monday when we head off again.  Catch up soon x