The morning was going well. Pat’s back has been troubling her recently so we are running with a modified single handed boater routine. I do everything except take the helm at locks. We had not seen any boats moving up until Lawton, so it was just a matter of choosing the most likely empty of a pair, then me getting off leaving Pat to take the boat in. This saves a lot of lock ladder work. This then involves me stepping off the boat at the lower lock landing. This is when it all happened in very quick succession. The landing must have had some slime on it because my foot slipped with the other foot airborne I suppose and that foot then fell into the gat between the boat and the landing causing a total loss of balance and the inevitable plunge into the canal. I had a hand on the bank and the boat so it wasn’t a complete dunk thankfully saving my hearing aids. The boat was hardly moving and Pat quickly shut down the engine. Let’s say that took 15 seconds. I realised then it was nigh on impossible to get out quickly, but as that thought settled in and almost as quick as I had fallen in, a well built young man appeared and helped me out of the water, enough to get a leg out and roll only the side. Another 15 seconds. Unbelievable. Here’s the lesson! If I had been truly single handed and with no-one around I would have had a bit of a problem, as they say! We just carried on as usual for this and the next lock and then I had a shower and change of clothes for the rest of the climb. One or two abrasions made themselves apparent 15 minutes later which were initially heated with alcohol sanitiser. Pat alter insisted on a dressing.
Reaching the top we approached the Harecastle Tunnel landing. No boats were waiting and I saw the tunnel keeper get on the phone to his opposite number at the other end, so was pleased that we could go straight through and not have to worry about any boats in front. Our aim was to moor for the night at Westport Lake. Considering we had hardly seen another boat all day the reason became clear. They were all moored up here with no spaces left. No alternative to go on and find an alternative. There are some neat moorings with rings just after Bridge 119 before the Black Prince Hire Base. So we headed there.
Eek, Uncle Michael! So glad that you weren't hurt and had someone ride to the rescue. Take care of yourselves!
Posted by: Karen Bradberry | September 11, 2021 at 07:36