What Next?

Looking at the weather forecast as we sat moored up at Devizes Wharf we decided that Friday was the best day of the next few days to take on the 29 Locks of the Caen Hill Flight. As it happened, just as we were ready to move off, along came a boat named "Serenity" and we paired up to take on the challenge that is the 'flight'. Alan & Sue turned out to be the perfect companions to do the locks with. The day was quite sunny but very windy and quite a challenge keeping a straight heading between each lock. We completed all 29 in four and three quarter hours. Not a record but a comfortable achievement considering the conditions.

Now we sit here wondering what to do next.

As soon as we have made a decision, I will be updating this blog.....see you again very soon. 

Nearly Back Where We Started!

So here we are. Moored again at Devizes Wharf. We did not plan to be here for at least another two, maybe three months but thanks to there being too much fast flowing water on the River Kennet, we made the decision to turn around and head back to our home moorings in Caen Hill Marina. Then think again. The River Kennet, for those who may not know, is at the east end of the K & A Canal, as is the River Avon to the west. The Kennet and Avon canal is the bit in the middle that joins the two. The amount of rainfall this winter has trapped many a boater on the K&A. Though there was a brief period in April when the braver Captains amongst us took the challenge to navigate these rivers. But we missed the boat....as it were!

We were advised by a couple of  Canal & River Trust workmen as we cruised eastwards that we should not venture any further than Kintbury so we stopped for a couple of nights at Foxfield where there was so much water that it was running over the top of the lock gates.

This should not be happening.

Too Much Water at Foxfield.

However we did enjoy some photo opportunities along the way, even though we passed the same spots twice. The young chicks at Crofton seemed total unnerved by big boats and humans being so close.

Inquisitive Canadian Geese chicks as parents stand guard.

On our way back we spent a night at All Cannings and encountered some heavy rain and sunshine which created an amazing rainbow, followed by sunset under a bridge.

I couldn't find the Crock Of Gold that should have been just at the stern of Tempranillo.

Sunset at All Cannings on the K&A.

The weather forecast for tomorrow is not looking good so we will probably stay where we are until better conditions are promised for our trip back through the 29 locks of the Caen Hill Flight.

Cuckoo's Knob & Ram Alley

Happy Captain.

So after our record trip up the Caen Hill Flight we were at last on the move. After spending Sunday recovering and then gathering some provisions we enjoyed about 15 miles of canal without a lock, but the weather was not our best friend.

View from the helm.

After ascending to the summit of the K&A, 452 feet above sea level, onto a stretch of water only 2 miles long, we entered Bruce Tunnel. As this is our first cruise with our Pram Cover over the stern deck we were concerned that we might not make it through the tunnel. It is plenty high enough in the centre but if another boat were to approach us from the opposite end it would force us over to the tunnel wall and very near the curved brickwork. As it happened we were the only boat on the move for miles around.  

First Great Western Train passes the Pumping station as the sun sets.

We soon reached Crofton Steam Pumping Station and decided to moor up for the night. Not many madcap boaters were braving the inclement weather and next day we found out why. At a lock near Great Bedwyn we met two Canal & River Trust workers who informed us that we could not get into Newbury and that the canal was closed all the way to Reading. And even worse....if this rain continues it may not open for another month!!! 

So here we are moored for a second wet night about 2 miles west of Hungerford while we decide what to do next.

By the way, you may have wondered why the title of this blog. These are genuine locations we travelled through between Pewsey and the summit of the K&A. Honest!