Solace Day 5.

A lovely calm crisp frosty morning as we headed back up the Trent and Mersey Canal towards Great Haywood.  The southern end of the canal as far a Burton upon Trent is "broad Locked".   This means that unlike many canals where the widest beam of boat able to pass is just under 7 feet boats up to 14 feet can navigate.
 
Stenson Lock is the last broad lock on the canal.  When we arrived two narrowboats were being worked through, so I wandered up to offer to lend a hand.  I was greeted by a gentleman who volunteered to work the lock for us (with his friends).  Rarely getting the chance to take photographs in a lock I accepted his kind offer.

This shot shows the lock filling with the gate paddles open and the kind gentlemen standing by the paddles ready for any eventualities.   The even spoiled us by opening both gates when for a narrowboat one will suffice.   Thank you gentlemen.