Water Palaver, 21st May

Today we planned a longish cruise, for us: 4 hours or so to Rode Heath. The weather forecast was improving, but plenty of cloud cover so that we wouldn't roast. We collected a hire boater behind us (lovely Dutch, older, party) and another behind them, while a boat ahead us leapt into action as soon as they spotted boats heading in their direction. So then we were no.2 in a convoy of 4, all the locks set against us. 

We climbed the Wheelock Flight and Malkins Bank, 7 locks in all, and paused to have our first play with our washing machine. So we loaded it up and set it off and waited.. lunchtime came and went.. the programme finally finished after 2 1/2 hours! So won't do that again. Rapid wash only going forward.
Onwards, and Andrew received an alert from CRT about low water levels ahead. One of the locks we were coming to was closed for a while so that more water could be brought down from further up the hill. On the way, we could see that moored boats were already sitting on the bottom.
Queuing when you can't get into the side without grounding was interesting at times . Passing a boat when neither was at all keen on leaving the centre where the water was deepest, likewise. Eventually we were allowed on our way but phew it was shallow. We were frequently scraping the bottom and twice had to back off underwater obstructions. 
At long last we arrived at Rode Heath and got into the very first space we came to, after a nine hour trip. On the plus side, it was dry all day and often quite sunny, and lots of commiserating chats with other boats. On the last two locks, locals had come out with their windlasses to help us through: very welcome support. Plenty of time to stop and stare too. Here's a Small White Cabbage butterfly, I think
Drinkies and a steak dinner, deserved and relished.

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