Grand Union Canal:Hunton Bridge

It was raining hard first thing.  No rush to get moving as we had received a “red light” during the day and would be looking forward to getting a pump out at Bridgewater Boats, so no point in getting there too early.  By about 9:00 am the rain eased off and we set forth.  Lot Mead was empty but Common Moor Lock had a majestic waterfall running over the bottom gates and when empty, the lock ground paddle weirs were running briskly.  However, I was pleased that in spite of my concerns, I could get a top gate open.  Arriving at Bridgewater Boats we were informed that the pump-out was U/S.  This is a bit of a blow of course as the next known published pump out is probably the boatyard at Winkwell.  So we got two bags of coal at the ridiculous price of £41 for the two and stopped for water at the top of Cassio bridge Lock.  Very slow!!  Then came the notoriously slow Iron Bridge Lock.   I am convinced that the ground paddles do absolutely nothing, although the rack lifts easily on each side, there is no disturbance in the lock indicating a water flow.  Left to use only gate paddles, and with leaking bottom gates, it took ages to fill and the two of us were unable to open the top gates.  We had to use the boat (as carefully as possible).   We arrived at my “usual moorings” at Hunton Bridge after quite a long day, but dry!