A walk on the Kennet and Avon
Archive - Originally posted on "The Horse's Mouth" - 2010-04-04 20:04:40 - Graham Ellis
Today, I was reminded that just one little push of the rudder of a narrow boat, gently and with a single finder, can channel the power of the eight tons into a change of direction and a force to be recconned with. And that power can be for the great good of the boat movement, or do unspeakable damage.I had the opportunity to walk along the canal - and elsewhere in Melksham Without too - with a true expert on public footpaths - not in our vicinity, but in general. I learned of issues with waymarking an following paths, of the law as it relates to the formation and extinction of paths, of how right to roam and DDA law applies, and how and when paths must be restored when they're ploughed. And I had fun - thank you, Tim.
The first of the serieses of pictures I took - of our walk along the K and A towpath - is [here]. People were walking, dogs were out, and the first buds of spring coming out. A cheery "Good morning" to many (and a tail wag and bounce from Gypsy to doggy friends), and a real helpfulness and chattyness of people. We're so lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the country.
Boats weren't moving, though. Someone had misdirected the power of their boat and moving water, and the gate at Lock 16 was hanging at a crazy angle. Alvechurch Marina, from Trowbridge, were turning their boats around at Seend, and ferrying people to and from their cars. Others were trapped, until Wednesday or Thursday, waiting for the lock to be repaired. I surmise that the paddles had been opened a little quickly, and water in the lock, as it filled, had been swirling like it would in a bath - an undercurrent at the bottom, with a forward current shoving the boat forward to smash the gate's anchors. "These things happen" ... my words, but also what everyone else has been saying, it seems, to the shaken and embarrassed crew involved.
Gypsy's sitting beside me (she's inexhausible!) and I have just commented to Lisa that she would love to go on a boat sometime and - in spite of today's lock gate.