This time last week we were in West Berkshire, tootling along the Kennet and Avon determined to cross the Thames and Tidal Thames and see how far up the Grand Union we could get before the closures of canals due to low water levels which Canal and River Trust announced would happen on 26 August.
Since then at a maximum pace of 4mph on canals and 5mph on the River Thames, plus at least 15 minutes for each lock, we have travelled a total of 106 miles, 84 locks, moved 10 bridges and made it through a tidal section.
We have not only made it onto the Grand Union but at the time of wearily writing we are now in Hertfordshire. The stop planks that will prevent water flowing go in at Stoke Bruerne locks at 3pm on 25th (in good time for 26th apparently). If we went up we would then be effectively trapped in a watered area of 14 miles. We could shuttle up and down, access services etc.
However, if we don’t go up the Stoke Bruerne locks then we can access many more miles without restrictions, still having access to services, so I think our decision is made. We want to be as close for now to Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire as possible, but once we are somewhere within that radius we will be happy. We will need to be happy for several months as it looks as if the closures could be for around 3 months at least ‘until there is substantial rainfall’.
Our journey isn’t solo though, and we have become invested in the journey of another boat and her crew. John and Linda on NB Siskin have been sharing much of the journey since the Thames with us. We are sharing locks and effort, and their determination to get to the top of the Stoke Bruerne flight and onto their home mooring in a marina at the top has become a goal for us too. It doesn’t matter that we will be stopping before then. We are working out how to access our car and keep setting and filling and closing locks for them to get them on their way.
This is both a marathon and a sprint. It is a mammoth undertaking in a very short period of time, but everything we can do to help them get to their destination we are trying to do. It has been a delight travelling with them. They are interesting people, efficient and experienced boaters, and sharing the journey with them has made it go more easily for both boats. Wide locks are easier with two boats and two crews. The boats don’t move about so much so it is quicker to fill the locks. With a single boat in a wide lock operating paddles is slower, letting water in more gently to avoid the boat being catapulted from side to side.
Mind you, it hasn’t just been the four of us and or two Boatdogs. We’ve also had the help of three voluntary lock keepers on the Kennet and Avon, lock keepers on the Thames, scouts on a holiday narrowboat who were absolute stars, the crew of nb Oliander who went ahead setting Grand Union locks for us, and a CRT lock keeper at Crowley. People are generous with their time and supportive of those of us on a mission!
We’ve battled weed, loose boats, low that led to boats getting grounded, but we persevere.
As I write this, my shoulders ache from raising and lowering paddles, pulling gates open and shut, pulling ropes and I know the others are feeling it too. Steering a narrowboat is a physical drain, demanding on concentration and muscles too.
As I write this we have 3 days to get them to their destination and 41 miles, 41 locks lie ahead of us. Early starts and long days look like being essential. Will we get them there? We will certainly try our level best. Will we make it? Stay with us to find out!
Pickingupducks 