Radford Semele Thursday 29 August 2019

Day : Thursday
Date : 29 August 2019
Start : 1000
Finish : 1720 Radford Semele

I have uploaded our proposed route to CanalPlanAC if anyone wants to see where we are likely to be. It gets updated with actual position each night.

Boy did it rain last nigh but it had cleared out this morning, we set off at 1000hrs when I thought I saw a boat coming out of the top lock, it was actually going down, so when we got to the lock we decided to wait for a bit and see if anyone else came a long, there were 7 Volockies working down the flight, some in radio contact and Chris, who came to meet us told me there was a boat on the way up, and the boat that had just gone down had joined another so I told him we would sit in the lock and see if anyone turned up. In due course a hire boat arrived but filled with water before joining us down the flight. Chris assisted us down the first 10 locks but then worked his way back with a single boat with just a couple onboard. The last 3 locks the 11 year old son drove the boat and we were coming into the locks side by side, he was a good lad. We did have to turn a few locks but not to many before reaching the bottom and stopping opposite The Cape for lunch. After lunch we were off alone.

As we approached Kate Boats there were a family of swans, eating what swans are supposed to eat, not bread.

At the back of Kate Boats there is a structure which looks very much like a bridge over the entrance to a basin, but looks to be built of scaffolding and then clad, my thought are its an access training platform or maybe a theatrical prop as it has several lines, pulleys and shackles on it.

Passing the student accommodation at Leamington an old brick building has had the back wall completely covered with graffiti, I am not sure how they managed it but it looks very impressive.

We continued on to moor opposite the church at Radford Semele for the night, all the moorings against the pilling were takes so where we are its well silted so another fair step to the bank.

Today's Journey 8 Miles 23 Locks in 4½ hours