We intended to be first down the Hatton Flight so that we could descend at our own pace. A tug and butty beat us to it, so progress would be slow perhaps. Even more slow when the duty lock keeper told us that something was jammed in the bottom paddle and he was going to have to get the pound below drained to fix it. However, the good news, the pair ahead had gone down and he would get us through. We had already decided to do the flight using the least work principle, rather than the fastest time possible.
This worked well - only one paddle at a time, so no crossing the lock save for a walk round for Pat to monitor the opposite top gate. So I only had one paddle per lock to wind and she likewise. Roping the boat out stops the need for lengthy manoeuvering driving out and stopping to close the top gate, as the slowly constantly moving boat clears the top gate in time to close it and walk down the stairs to board. Then a straight run from one lock to the already opened gates on the next. We were not held up by the pair in front, although Pat did offer some help in closing up after them (for no thanks!) We passed only 4 boats opposite direction. There were plenty of moorings at Cape locks. Supper tonight at Cape of Good Hope.
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