Colwich Lock

A disappointing day.  We got started at the time we aimed for, which is a bit of a miracle by itself.  Then a slow run down to Great Haywood.  As I have said before the UK roads are no longer fit for purpose.

Eventually, we reached the marina, loaded the food and things onto the boat, then set off.  As always we were hoping to get away from "civilisation" and tie up in the country where we have more chance of wildlife.

Sadly that was not to be.  About one and a half miles from the marina at the second lock we found a queue waiting to get through.  We were third in the queue so no real problem, about 15 to 20 minutes a boat normally. today however was not normal!  

If you look at the lock gate in the blip you will notice the white end of the balance beam is touching the ground.  It should be in line with the top of the gate, which you can see is sloping upwards,  Somehow somebody had managed to break the balance beam.  I have to give credit to the Canal and River Trust.  Volunteers were soon on site to assess the situation.  They then called full-time workers who arrived with the right equipment.  They then worked into the dark making a temporary fix ready for morning.