We did a routine early 7:15 start as we were technically behind schedule. Our last night should have been at Rocky Lock. The canal is shallow overall, so progress was slow. Later in the day evidence of dredging was seen, so BW is on to it. I had forgotten the extent of the red sandstone cliffs that mark the eastern side of this canal, pretty well from Austcliffe to Rocky Lock. At Botherham staircase Pat had a short "discussion" with boaters coming the otherway as to why she had to drain the upper staircase chamber without letting them enter the lock. In fairness, from above the lock, there is nothing to show that this is in fact a staircase. The bridge between the chambers completely obstructs the view to the lower chamber. I would imagine that flooding is commonplace. Bratch locks were impressive and we were lucky to be able to tag onto the end of the queue of two other boats going up. The attendant lock keepers admitted that they were only there really to stop fisticuffs. Our luck gave out at Whitwick. A queue of seven boats foretold trouble ahead. It seems that vandals had removed the pins holding the bottom gate retaining straps and when the lock was drained the gates fell in. A picture is better than a thousand words!
It would seem that we are here for the night! 
PS. 16:30 hrs. Gates back on now and traffic disipating.
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