Our paperwork from BW stated that our departure time from Tarleton would be 7:13. However, when Harry the lock-keeper came to see us yesterday he said that was nonsense and we should plan to be at the lock at 8:00. So we got there in good time, but while there seemed to be activity around the lock, the gates were not open and the swing bridge at the lock entrance closed against us. There is nowhere to moor, so I killed the engine and hung on to a nearby narrow-boat. At almost precisely 8:13 it all suddenly happened and the first two boats were let in. My guess is that BW had forgotten it was summertime! Nuggler was paired with Minnehaha and our turn came next.
Heading straight out into the tidal torrent rushing up the River Douglas we wound our engines up and were able to make about 2.2mph on the GPS. Nuggler at 1700 and Minnehaha at 2000rpm. Slowly, speed picked up as the tide rose and the river widened, until by slack water we were doing about 5.5 mph.
Astland Lamp A sharp right hand turn here!
Turning at Asland Light we assessed our position and it looked as if the 1 3/4 hours we had been told we should take would be cutting it fine. I increased revs to 2000 which gave another half mile per hour and we could see the green light at the entrance to Savick Brook.
Entrance to Savick Brook
Just as we drew level with the entrance, the light was switched off. A phone call confirmed that we were still OK for the sea lock and we should continue. Still at 1700 revs we wound our way up the narrow channel through the sea lock to be greeted by our friends on the staging pontoon.
Approaching the Sea Lock
The boat behind did make it and with the sea lock now closed and after a 10 minute wait, the water level being low enough to get under the road bridge, we continued. The link is nothing like I had imagined. The locks are well spaced out and the channel between at least in the lower stages, very narrow and tortuous.
Looking back at the narrow channel
As we were the last pair through, the BW lock-keepers were working the locks for us, security locking the paddles behind us as we went.
Reversing into the staircase locks
Finally we reached the deep staircase 3, reversed in as advised, and appeared at the top basin to a champagne reception courtesy of Claire - a gift to Minnehaha.
Finally!
So we had made it without any real stress; no overheated engines and at an intermediate tide. Pictures when I get a good 3G signal on the dongle.
After lunch we moved on up the Lancaster Canal to the Hand & Dagger the traditional first night stop I am informed, for a fine meal.
Think what these principles, and the actions that would follow, would mean to the daily decisions of management, customers, creditors and investors!
Posted by: Christian Louboutin Sandals | February 16, 2011 at 01:16