Ironbridge Lock

Just after leaving the overnight mooring, popped into Tesco for a battery and newspaper to catch up on BoJo's win for Mayor.   Then set off for Ironbridge.   All the locks were against me today.   Batchworth is a bit tedious because one needs bow and stern ropes at the curved lower lock landing and moreover, the railings "protecting" the lock on that side prevent easy access by a single handed boater up the steps which means for me, at least, that I have to use the other side.    Leave as I find!   Top gate left open on departure, also Lot Mead where the top gates self open anyway.    Nice to find Common Moor Lock has new gates replacing the badly leaking ones.   And gates paddles now as well.   This was always a slow lock in the past.   Shame to see that the back pin has been lost in the process though.    At the lower lock landing the bllard I selected to secure the boat with is loose.  That will give someone a surprise soon unless fixed.   Reported!    Cassio Lock was overtopping and I was concerned that I would not be able to get the bottom gates open, but patience won in the end.   The weather has turned out lovely and so have the gongoozlers.  Im staying below the lock until tomorrow when it will be quieter.