Thursday 8th August
We were up at stupid o’clock this morning, well just after 6-30 am which is bad enough! By 7-45 am we were on the water point and at 8-05 am we were entering Gloucester Lock. It didn’t take as long to go down as it had to come up and we exited the lock on to the Severn at 8-20 am.
We were doing 2000 revs to make 4 mph headway against the flow in the Eastern Channel. It usually takes 1400 revs to get 4 mph if there is no flow. After about 3 miles Ken could put the revs down to 1800. The two boats who were in the lock with us went off like the clappers but they were both smaller than us. We had full diesel and water tanks, 40l of diesel in the gas locker and 4 bags of coal on the roof all weighing us down as well!
After a cup of coffee, with about 3 hours to kill, I disappeared inside to attend to matters domestic (ie hoovering, mopping, dusting and cleaning the bathroom) for a couple of hours then I made the brunch sandwiches. After stuffing my face and looking at a bit of scenery I went in again dusted my glass shelves (well they are perspex actually) and cleaned the windows, all very virtuous!
We caught the other two boats up just before Lower Lode because they got held up behind a slow Dutch Barge. I suppose there was a reason why they didn’t go past it but we couldn’t see what it was. We didn’t overtake because we weren’t carrying on to Upper Lode Lock but stopping at Lower Lode.
Which is where we are moored now, on the pontoon moorings at The Lower Lode Inn. A lode is a stretch of water in case you’re wondering. As we were using their moorings obviously we had to go to the pub! We started off sitting outside but there were loads of wasps out there so we went in. However, there were also loads of wasps inside too! I think it is going to be a good/bad year for wasps, which ever way you look at it.
Talking of wasps, while we were in the pub we got chatting to a chap who had been stung by 3 wasps yesterday when he strimmed over a nest! His face was all puffed up and red because one of the stings was on his eyelid, ouch! The beer at the pub left a lot to be desired so we went on to the cider, you can always rely on cider. Round these parts the cider is often cheaper too.
This afternoon we have been lazing around in the well deck watching the salmon leaping out of the river. Yes there really are salmon in here, but unfortunately my husband is not allowed to catch them, pity. He has caught some nice fish today including a large perch and a lovely little dace. Keith the seal put in a brief appearance as well, it was nice to see her but of course I was unable to get photographic evidence.
Tomorrow we are hoping to go to Upton upon Severn but we have heard the moorings there are really popular. If we can’t get in we’ll have to revert to Plan B ……… I have no idea what that is!
