Saturday 21 March 09. Bottom of Lapworth locks to the Cider house (Bridge 19).

After we had moored yesterday we noticed the field opposite had one of those gas powered bird scarers in the middle, these let off an almighty bang every now and then and are there to keep the birds away.
The funny thing here is the first time it went off hundreds upon hundreds of Pigeons leaped into the air as one big black cloud, then as the report rolled away over the hills they all settled back down again. The whole thing took about twenty seconds.
Ere Dad whats that bang for? it makes me jump.
Its to keep us off the crops son, now shut up and keep eating.

We reached the top of the flight in two hours which was quite good for thirteen narrow locks. A few boats were about today as we are nearing a hire company, this was great though as they were coming down and leaving the locks "set" for us.



This garden had plenty of the signs of spring in it.
This was a new one on us, a lift bridge operated with the windlass. We have passed two so far and a hire boat crew was there operating them for us. easy! The person is on the left and has to shut the bridge to get back to the boat as there is nowhere to pull in on that side once you are through. This must make it extremely difficult for "single handers".
The Cider House, what more can you say? it was great, very busy with two bars the good old fashioned public and saloon, men watching the rugby, playing dominoes cards etc etc. The cider was the type you cant see through and can stand a spoon up in it loverrrly.

Sunday tomorrow....cant be.