Hillmorton

We were away earlier today as we decided we would head through Hillmorton in case they reviewed the opening hours on Monday, so off at 9am.Crossing the second aqueduct coming into Rugby the off side railing have rotted away, it will probably be put down to vandalism.As we approached bridge 58 it all looked a bit strange, not a boat in sight, the first one was round the corner, even all the moorings offside weren't taken.

It looks as if most of Clifton Cruisers are out, with a couple getting ready to go as we passed. Thankfully we met this beautiful craft on a straight section. It may look like she is built with wooden planks and

over 100 years old, but she is brand new and made of steel, fitted with a Kelvin engine and looks absolutely splendid.

We carried on to Hillmorton where I accidently jumped the queue when the boat I was following pulled in at the water point rather than carrying on to the lock moorings where two boats were waiting. We gave our apologies and explained out thought to which the steerer said well we could do with a fill up so carry on. One of the bottom locks is broken so they have locked off one of the top locks to save water, with a Volockie at the top and bottom controlling the flow. The water above the flight is probably down 100mm. Once at the top we passed these young Belted Galloways not only in the shade but also the canal. You have to look hard to see them.

Rather than mooring on the first vacant mooring above the flight we slipped into a gap half way to the first bridge to leave room for people arriving to queue for the morning. 
There are two things in the flight a bit unusual, a boat abandoned on the lock moorings of the second Lock and this chap between the bottom and middle lock towpath side

 

  
Today’s Journey

7½ miles with 3 locks in 3½ hours