We left early to get a good start at the Lapworth Flight down to Kingswood Junction. Pat as usual went ahead setting the next lock in turn. The bottom gates are mostly mitred so it was possible to "jump the gates" (really just stepping) for me to open the second gate, then down the step ladder and motor out, stop at a suitable point and return to close them. The first four locks are quite widely spaced and easy access below was either bridge holes or wing walls. For the rest of the flight there was time for Pat to return and close the towpath gate for me. The offside gate was closed using a rope on the handrail pulled from the boat. At Lock 15 a hireboat had pulled off ahead of us with Australian and German crew. They appeared to be having a little trouble at first but actually didn't hold us up once they got going until Bridge 35 where the arch of the bridge appeared to threaten their chimney and handrail. The towpath alongside the tail of the lock was a running river of water apparently and in the end they settled for the pole to push the boat against the towpath to get out safely. Strangely, Nuggler had no issues here. Our chimney was down anyway but one can only assume that their cabin is of a squarer design. Roughly three hours overall and we were on "home" territory again on the Grand Union. Shrewley Tunnel was very wet after all the rain recently. Mooring were found on the towpath just after the bend following Hatton Station. Our usual stop on the piling by the cottages was occupied.
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