We took full advantage of the extra hour this morning; I lit the fire then went back to bed. After sorting out more wood and doing a few housekeeping chores, we set off for the locks. As we were the only boat on the move,we were guiding Harebell on to the Severn, for the first time, in no time at all. She cruised well down the river, breaking the waves beautifully as she did so.
As we were heading downstream, it was not long before were steering into the first lock on the Droitwich.
For a while, we we the only boat around and enjoyed a very peaceful, autumnal canal.
We then caught up with a boat and shared the locks with them- made it all a little bit easier, once they had the hang of doubling up.
We wanted to reach Stoke Prior by the end of the day but it was gone 3.00 by the time we were at the staircase locks, so we were not sure. Anyway, with the benefit of passing boats coming down and CaRT volunteers, we romped on through the last 3 locks and we on the W&B by 4.00 ish. Another discussion ensued as we wondered whether to do the Astwood flight or not. We decided to crack on and started the first one at 4.30.James found his mojo and we all had wings I think, as we were out of the top lock 45 mins later- and we had to empty them!! Another mooring up in the dark and 3 tired crew. From here on in, it’s the start of a new adventure for us all.
