We have lift off!

Our second day on Solace for this trip.  I have been surprised at the number of groups of Canada Geese with no goslings.  I haven't worked out whether they are bachelor parties or unsuccessful pairs but what ever they were there were groups of from C10 to 40 ish.

Generally as we motored along they just moved out of the way walking up the bank if they really felt threatened.  However when we came up to this group they were almost under a bridge they began to move forward to get under the bridge then decided they couldn't go fast enough.  The result was a mad scramble to get into the air despite the fact they were never in any danger.

A beautiful day despite the colour of the sky in this shot it was hot and sunny.  The day began rather badly with a boater telling us the lock just ahead (Ashton Lock) was broken and had notices staying do not use and we should wind in the marina entrance.  Which we did (wind is canal terminology for turn round), but being curious we decided to walk up and see what was wrong.  Arriving at the lock we found boater trying to come down but unable to close the gate.  A bit of poking with a pole/quant/cabin shaft (choose the term you prefer) produced half a brick and then the gate closed!

We turned once more and continued happily on our way with only an hours delay.