Gloucester Docks again

With the Saul festival over, it is time to start the journey home - the long way round.   Our first port of call is Gloucester Docks again, mainly to avail ourselves of the shops for provisions, especially dog food.   Weather still hot, but the breeze travelling at Warp Factor 5 along this broad canal (speed limit 6 mph) was very refreshing.   The new works for the bypass bridge where the canal is diverted are progressing and the new bridge control tower and sections of the bridge itself are taking shape.  The original line of the canal has been dammed off and is being pumped out.  The canal narrows for the "bridge hole" and visibility restricted round the corner.   If any bridge needs lights, then this one does now.   We were having to wait for bridges that need to be swung, mainly because of the amount of traffic.  Clearly the bridge keepers would prefer boats to pass in groups.  I did feel sorry for the Hempsted Road Bridge keeper who has to wind this busy road bridge manually.   He says it is affected by the heat.