One kindly volunteer informed is it was now our turn. I untethered the craft, stepping aboard pretty professionally now, and launched into the unknown.
Husband and I were both to stay aboard the craft and helpers would operate the gate opening mechanisms on shore.
There were possibly too many chiefs in the volunteer army. We were told a first plan of action by volunteer 1, that we were to motor as the second of 2 boats into the lock. She, to much grumbling, was then totally over-ridden by bossier volunteer 2, who had decided to squeeze 2 rows of 3 boats in, end to end at the same time.
It wasn’t until I was actually inside the lock, with the water level rapidly dropping, that I appreciated the significance of the “sill”. This is a stone ledge inside the lock gates which becomes exposed as the water drains out, and which, if you accidently park the end of your boat on it, will cause the boat to tip vertically forwards with inevitably disastrous results.
As the last in, we had to ensure we didn’t drift back on to the sill.
Wow that’s quite an experience. Thanks for sharing. Must be a memorable birthday 😊
Thanks for the detailed guide! Reading this with curiosity! Once I took sailing lessons but for sure has not been my thing 😂 I would definitely give it a try but I believe I would crash to the bridge 😂 After all seems there were many challenges but you made it
It sounds like you had quite the experience with this canal boat! This is something I would like to try at some point I think.
Oh what a lovely way to escape and enjoy your birthday with your family! I love a canal boat! My family our from Worcester and we use to always get a boat around the canals in the Midlands; such a unique holiday experience.
This was a very entertaining read! I’m glad you enjoyed it, but I think I’d be fraught with stress haha. A day is enough! Glad you weren’t the ones to make the headlines…
Sounds like a fun way to spend your birthday. Thanks for the tips. We are going to the Norfolk Broads at the end of the month, so will need a hasty course in boat etiquette and parking!
Good luck on the broads. Just watch out for those sills!
what a fun activity!