Grand Union Canal:Bridge 100

Off early to get a crack at Stockton Locks without distractions.  Working alone through a flight of 8 heavy double locks might seem hard work, but these locks are actually a dream.  They are all the same, thus predicatable if worked without other boats disturbing the water and gate management is easy.   I thought about that for a while.   The options are either to exit the lock closing the gate at the lock throat, moor and prepare the next lock then cast off to enter, or walk up to the next lock while the lower lock is filling, get the gate open, walk back and go straight from one to the other.  I decided on the latter.   Using just one paddle (same side as the boat of course) the timing worked perfectly.   The boat stayed exactly where it was meant to while I was away on a long line back to the rear bollard.   I would never be able to do this with another boat in the lock unless the actions of the other boat were totally predictable also.  Total time from the moorings to the top 1hr 25 mins.   At the top progress is slow because of long lines of moored boats, then at Calcutt I met some friends, so a lot of chatting went on as they managed the gates for me.  Great help!   Finally the last bit of the day to Bridge 100.   This is an overnight spot we like.   It overlooks the valley with a low hedge (good for TV) and has deep enough water on piling.  It is near enough to Braunton for early starts up the locks if going south.