We set off at 7:15 leaving a silent Brentford Basin, save for the noise of the low aircraft approaching Heathrow. Our first lock, Clitherow Lock, has both ground paddles unserviceable, so filling was very slow on the gate paddles. Osterley Lock was, as usual, surrounded by all the detritus brought down by the river Brent. Then Hanwell. There was a massive flow of water coming down the flight, overtopping the gates There was a boat coming down which partly explained this, but we later found out that BW had needed to send extra down to fill the usual low pounds. We were actually expecting to have to deal with this ourselves as we have in the past.
Approaching lock 94, the vegetation is still obscuring the left side lock landing although the grass has been nicely cut lockside. There was DEFRA rash* obstructing the steps but not visible until alongside. 
(Click on image to enlarge) The next lock was even worse although the stairs were not themselves obstructed, the lock approach was partly obstructed by the bush, not very pleasant if you are paired up.
As I have pointed out before, this neglect is a far cry from the times when the powers that be took pride in their lock flights. Reaching the top we passed through coconut country, there must have been dozens of them making their way slowly towards the river. Then on to Cowley where suddenly, having seen only one moving boat thus far today, we found ourselves surrounded by activity. The rest of the journey back to Harefield was entirely routine for us stripping the boat as we went of all the items to take home. This time I had disconnected the car battery before we left and everythng worked (except the radio of course). There will now be some maintenance to take care of in due course.
*DEFRA Rash. The appearance of orange netting all over the system (like a rash) and attributed to the funding cuts imposed on BW by DEFRA - a symptom of deferred maintenance
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Posted by: Understanding PPC | October 30, 2008 at 12:13
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Posted by: Understanding PPC | October 30, 2008 at 12:13