Crofton Bottom Lock

11 July 2014

Another day cruising along the canals of the Kennet and Avon.  Not sure about the weather though, looks like rain.  Susan had a bad night what with all her joints hurting.  Pete rubs 'Deep Heat' into her back.  He told me he was worried about her - said that we would not go far today......

I spend an anxious morning waiting to go to the pump-out and get more water.  There is a wide-beam filling up and another boat waiting.  I am not going to argue with the wide-beam as twice my size.  All very thirsty!!!  Once sorted we head off through Great Bedwyn Church lock.  Can't see the church but we have a few gongoozlers on the bridge watching as we share the lock with a Black Prince holiday boat.  The couple are from Inverness which  Susan said is a very long way away.

Great Bedwyn Church Lock

Susan and Mazey walk again!  I have great fun playing hide and seek with the dog.......  She tries to beat me but I am supreme......

As we are sharing the locks we get to Crofton Bottom lock in no time at all.  

Meanwhile, Susan is having great fun helping another boater get his 72 foot boat through the lock (72 foot also).  Jammed in behind the gate.  She has to pull him to one side so that he can exit the gates before we can enter!!!

Boat very tight in Crofton Bottom lock

We find a pretty mooring for the night - even though we are adjacent to the railway line (48 hours).

Crofton Bottom Lock - safely in

Local signs

Swan family

Pete goes for a walk to take photos on the last bridge of anti-tank placement bollards.  Then they go to the Crofton Pumping Station to look at the 2 Beam Engines (earliest steam engines in the world apparently) on display here.  They 'fire' them up once a month.  Pete would like to be here when they do but the timing is all wrong.  Susan sits outside and takes photos whilst Pete goes in.

Blackbird

Crofton Pumping Station

View from Crofton Pumping Station

Happy to be here sharing the excitement of the local geese as they chase each other.  I see lots of Swallows and Kites too.  I think we will be resting here tomorrow as I overheard that the family are planning on walking to the only working Windmill in the Wessex region in Wilton and the local pub for lunch (more photos on the way apparently).  Check back on Sunday and you may find an update.

Total 2 miles, 4 locks