Gunthorpe

The rain gave one last burst at about 6:30 last evening and then stopped.  Today's forecast is better, sunny intervals later and warmer.  I went out at about 8.am to get a paper, but the town was dead. Not even the large Waitrose or Smiths open.  The market was being set up with many stalls still empty.  Perhaps this defines "a sleepy town".    I did find a small newsagent eventually, however.   The signal on the town lock turned from yellow to red at about 9.am, so we called up on the VHF to let the lock keeper that we were in business, but no reply, so we left the mooring and the gates opened to let out a small cruiser, then green for us to go in.   The lock keeper explained that as he is not technically on duty until 9:30, he doesn't answer the radio.   However, if a boat is waiting, he will let it through.  He passed on news of our intended journey to the next lock-keeper, Hazelford.  He was ready for us.  Lkewise the next, Gunthorpe.  However, we had been advised that there was a problem with an obstruction behind the gate and a BW tug was in attendance sorting the problem.  There might be a delay.  Approaching Gunthorpe the problem was confirmed on the radio and we were asked to wait with three other narrow boats on the wall or pontoon.   The delay was very short for us and we were soon in the lock and up.  The Gunthorpe Visitor Moorings were empty bar one boat.  There is a longish pontoon and security gate leading to a grassy area.  Just as it said on the tin, ideal for small doggies.