nb Alchemy: All Cannings

Today's Canal - Kennet and Avon

After all the exertions of the long run up from the Thames, with lock after lock, today would be rather different - cruising most of the 15 mile Long Pound.

First, however, we still had the remaining two locks at Wootton Rivers to negotiate. To start we had Heathy Close Lock. This had to be shut earlier in the week as there were problems with the bottom gates. One gate was quickly fixed but the lock remains open only for narrowboats. Notices have been posted requiring the moored boats to vacancy the pound between this and the last lock by 7 am on next Wednesday. The water is being drained so that staff can gain access to the gate and hopefully bring it back into action.

The locks were opened at 9.30 (shut overnight to conserve water) but two other boats had moored right by the Lock landing so grabbed the first slot.

After descending the final lock we were onto the Long Pound. This is not without interruptions as the canal is famous for its swing bridges. We were quite glad that not all were restored along with the canal - perhaps they had already fallen into disuse. At least we could sail straight through on this occasion, and several others later.

After an hour we arrived at Pewsey Wharf where we planned to make use of the sani station, water point and rubbish bins. The two boats that started down the locks ahead of us were - fortunately - just setting off again after having done their servicing. We too had to be efficient in our operation as another boat soon arrived (there is room just for two on the wharf) and then another! In fact we were so intent on finishing as soon as possible that we failed to think about photos of the wharf!

The canal from here to the other side of Devizes is quite familiar as Mike regularly walks the towpath, chatting to boaters and walkers. The canal opens out just before Lady's Bridge - supposedly so named to persuade the landowner not to object the plans to build the canal. It is also a bit more ornate than the standard bridges.

By now it was well into lunch time and we started to looked closely for a mooring just after Woodborough Bridge but several attempts to get within the gangplank distance failed miserably.

After the next bridge, just before a winding hole, Mike remembered seeing boats moored in the past. We were determined to have lunch but it took over 20 minutes to tie up, using all sorts of unconventional tricks in the process! Finally, the bow was close enough to step over but the stern was sell out. It had to do . . .

The picture above was taken just as we were leaving so it was in that bank-side undergrowth that we had to clamber onto the bank.

It was shortly before three before we stirred ourselves, knowing that we had to find a somewhat better place for overnight. It is definitely the growing season for wild foliage. Although we passed some moored boats most seemed wither to be well away from the bank than our plank or shallower draft than us. In the end we gave in and tried again into the undergrowth. This was no easier than at lunch time. We were almost there when we spotted coming from the opposite direction a wide beam hotel boat.

We had been keeping an eye open for this boat as two of our friends from Wadebridge were having a holiday on board. We may have misunderstood the schedule as we had expected to see them this morning at Pewsey Wharf. The boat steerer kindly slowed right down so that we could have the briefest of exchanges. The boat carries just four passengers with two crew (a couple). The design has a large open space at the stern where everyone can sit and chat - afternoon tea was just being served. Our friends seemed in very good spirits. Alas, all too quickly, the boat had to continue on - they complete this cruise on Monday morning at Pewsey Wharf. And we missed taking a photo!

Late afternoon Christine walked down to All Cannings Bridge and beyond to the next bridge. Some pictures: