Moored opposite Whilton Marina at the bottom of the Buckby Locks

After our night at Buckby on Monday morning the remaining 6 locks of the Buckby Flight awaited.  The weather wasn’t great, rather grey and drizzly, but not pouring with rain so we thought we would set off.  Well it was a hard morning.  We were following a boat so in theory as we were travelling downhill the locks should have been empty when we go there.  So full is the canal, combined with leakage on the gates at least 2 of the 6 were already full when we got there.  In some instances the water was pouring over the top of the gate.  This made them very heavy to open and close.  These locks are double width so 2 boats can go side by side, so you only need to open one of the pair of gates.  However lock gates are very contrary and a couple of times the offside gate would open as Paul came in!  When they did Paul was able to get off and shut it which saved me walking around! Particularly difficult was the penultimate gate where for a while the only thing moving was my feet on the ground.  Well to my triumph and satisfaction we completed the lot arriving at Whilton in time for a much needed late lunch in the cafe at the marina.  That was us of the day!!

A closer view of the lock gates with the water coming over the top.

Yesterday was much more relaxed and the sun was shining.  We had a leisurely cruise and are now moored at Weedon.  There is a garage here which will wash and dry a load of washing for £5 so am making good use of their facility.  Off to collected the clean dry clothing etc shortly.  Again the sun is shining so we may well stay here again tonight.  The sun will go a fair way to recharging our batteries so we don’t need to run the engine.