Wednesday 4 February 2015

Braunston Lock repairs

 

A few days ago before the freeze we had a walk up the locks at Braunston to see how work was progressing. With only a few days to go until they open work is now nearing completion.

IMG_5992With the locks empty it gives you a good insight as to how they are built. Most locks have brick bottoms although there are odd ones that have a wooden base.

IMG_5999Its a good job this boat is moored on that side where it has a good muddy canal bed to settle on as opposed to this side where it has a very uneven and stoney bottom.

IMG_6007Top lock on the Braunston flight and work is progressing well . There has been a lot old rotten wood cut out of the lock gates and some new oak let in to replace it.

IMG_6010Here you can see how the lock is filled The square paddle on the right is raised with a windlass when the lock gates are closed ,the water then fills the lock via the hole you can see inside the lock on the bottom of the wall….Simple !

IMG_6011I bet someone wasn't very happy about losing their chimney in the lock pound.

IMG_6003“Bloody heck you are a big Westie” said Hamish. Unfortunately Hamish suffers from having Cataracts in both eyes and we sometimes wonder what he sees with his blurred vision.

IMG_6017Walking back through Braunston marina and look at all those shiney boats. I bet more than half of them spend 50 weeks a year without ever moving .

IMG_6024How can you walk pass the the Gongggzlers rest without stopping for a bacon, egg and sausage butty . And the best thing is they come with potato wedges….Just the ticket on a cold day

                                                                                                Happy Days

10 comments:

  1. Gary, Don't go encouraging the marina-based boat owners to take their boats out or the canals will be full to bursting come summer!
    Good to see you are enjoying life afloat in the cold and icy conditions. It looks pretty spectacular and I wish we were there, even tho this is a lovely summer we are having in NZ.
    Cheers, Marilyn

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    1. Hi Marilyn,Don't worry there is no chance of us encouraging them out. The weather might look spectacular but we would much sooner be down under where you are....enjoy that sun !

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  2. only just caught up with yesterdays blog this evening " Me and John worked together for many years at SWW" slander!!! biggest pair of workshy buggers I've ever met

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    1. It was such a pleasure taking the Mickey out of you ..One of the best managers in the history of SWW !!!

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  3. don't forget to practise what you preach next winter.( isn't that right Carolyn ?xxx

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  4. It must be cold on them boats as everyone seems to spend a lot of time in pubs

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    1. The boats are lovely and warm, it's just how can you sit in your boat when there's a pub next to you ...ps off to the pub now Cheers !!!!!!

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  5. yep because its cold on the boat. bitter

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    1. Warm and Toasty on Inca , Just balmy !!!

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