Day 131 and we are still stuck; we walked to the summit to see what the water level looked like – a bit low to be honest. There were a couple of boats moored above the top lock, one of whom said the level had come up overnight. Walked back down and tried to get some information from CRT about whether they were going to open up the locks. One the way back we saw some hares hopping around in a field. We also saw a trail across the towpath which we decided must be a mole tunnelling just below the surface. Eventually CRT updated the website saying it would remain closed with next update tomorrow at 0930. D decided to do an oil change and we did a few other jobs. About an hour later the two boats which had been moored at the top and two others came down through the locks – so despite saying they wouldn’t open the locks they had. We were in no position to move as D was half way through the oil change. Walked to local pub for supper to preserve power and other resources. On the way back we saw at least two types of bat and heard some Tawny owls. We’ve heard quite a few owls in the last couple of weeks.

Day 132 and we woke to a misty scene but by the time we were eating breakfast it was clearing and we were treated to the sight of a large flock of martins flying around the boat and dipping in the water like swallows. Waited for the 0930 update but nothing to be seen so at about 0945 J set off back up the flight to see if she could find a CRT person . She got two locks up and got a call from D to say the update had arrived and the locks were open. A quick check with the other boats facing the same way as us before setting off alone. Met a few boats coming the other way. The summit pound was quite low. We went aground waiting for a couple of other boats to come through a bridge. Went down the four locks to Wootton Rivers, met a couple of boats coming up. We find it hard to understand why they still have the “leave the lock empty rule running when water levels are so low, they could at least suspend it during the day. We had to fill two locks when they would naturally have been set for us. We also found that people coming the other way weren’t looking ahead and filling the lock when they should have left it for us. Thought all would be well when we reached the 17 mile pound but found that this was low too. Moored in the middle of nowhere – a nice quiet mooring.

After dark we were treated to an aerial display by two powered gliders with “sparklers” and other fireworks coming off the tips of their wings. Apologies for the poor photo; it really felt like we were having a private show.

Day 133 and a simple cruise to Devizes, no locks today – just a couple of swing bridges. Took a long time as canal shallow and narrow in places and loads of moored boats – at least half of which were pretty scrotty and, frankly, didn’t look they had moved for weeks if not months.  Great views however. We had arranged to have a mooring in the marina as we were fairly sure that there would be no space on the public moorings. Decided to cruise into town anyway as we needed to do some shopping having been stopped for so many days. D spun out our watering time whilst J went shopping. As we thought there was no mooring space so winded and went back to the marina. Met up with our friends Alan and Susan who are really responsible for this whole trip – they introduced us to canal boating and had done a similar trip many years ago now. A very pleasant evening in a pub right next to the marina.

Day 134 and we tackle the big flight – probably the most famous section of canal along with the Welsh aqueduct – Caen Hill flight. This 16 lock flight climbs the hill into Devizes from the west. What isn’t often noted is the additional six locks at each end of the main flight. We set off about 1000 after doing a bit of admin it took us a little over 30 minutes to reach the top of the six locks which go from Devizes wharf to the top of Caen Hill flight. It started well with some boats coming the other way but this wasn’t to last with the rest of the locks set against us as there was another boat a few locks ahead, or so we were told, we didn’t see them. Reached the top of the flight early lunchtime so decided to fortify ourselves before making the big descent. Moored opposite our friends Alan and Susan’s boat. Alan happened to be there as we arrived. Also found that the boat owned by the mother of another friend is moored in the same area.

 

We were helped down the flight by a CRT volunteer, meeting five boats coming up – so pretty quiet. About half way down we were met by our friends John and Avril. They were learning about working locks so the volunteer stayed with us to the bottom of the main flight. John and Avril brought us a Dorset Apple cake, some was given to the two volunteers who had helped us. We continued to the bottom of the following six locks. John and Avril now know what we mean by locks being set for or against us and how hard some locks can be to operate – I think they will sleep well tonight. Finally moored at the bottom and settled down for much deserved tea / coffee and cake – apple cake and Victoria sponge made by J. Very happy with the way it turned out as it was hand mixed. Unfortunately we have a problem with the alternator which doesn’t seem to be charging the batteries so came down half the flight with the generator running too. Tomorrow’s problem to sort out – let’s hope we find the issue quickly. At least we are close to a boat yard.