Coventry Canal:Kings Orchard Bridge

As planned we set off early down the 11 lock flight hoping for a clean run.  All the locks were against us to start with and only when we met a couple of upcoming boats towards the end did that change.  I had the feeling that we were not quite so nimble this time.  The bottom mitre gates are sheeted on the bottom side with a few exceptions leaving nothing to grab hold on to close one side from the boat when leaving and the locks are deep making the top handrail difficult to reach.   This means stopping to close both gates using whichever side has the best landing.   Pat of course will already be prepping the next lock.  However, all said and done we took 2hrs 15 minutes which I am not complaining about.   Pressing on we had a good run to Fazely picking up one in front from the B&F at the junction and then one behind later.   At Hopwas school bridge an opposite direction day boat went into reverse and lost control putting the boat across the canal.   Hard reverse then gave us all manner of rubbish on the prop including hard stuff, probably branches and we lost all propulsion for a while.  Needed to moor and visit the weed hatch.   We did find a coal boat shortly after which will keep us warm for the next week.  The forecast is still for more freezing weather.   Finally stopped at Kings Orchard bridge for the night, near the entrance to the marina.