We had to wake up earlier than usual because the first thing we have to go through is a flight of 5 locks that are know to get very busy and could hold us up. We woke up, ate breakfast, and was underway by 8:15. It should have been earlier, but last yesterday was a long day and we needed some rest.
At least it is a beautiful morning. Here are some shots that started the day:
At least it is a beautiful morning. Here are some shots that started the day:
Another beautiful morning.
We arrived at Hurleston Junction in less than one hour. This is where we turn right off the Shropshire Union Canal and onto the Llangollen Canal. This is also where we could be held up by the Hurleston Locks, a flight of 5 locks, climbing a total of just over 34 feet in 0.5 miles.
When we arrived, there was a boat turning towards the locks from the other direction, so we quickly followed them into the “holding area.” As we were doing this, we noticed a boat close behind us wanting to turn in as well, as well as another boat coming from the other direction that seemed like they had the same idea.
When we arrived, there was a boat turning towards the locks from the other direction, so we quickly followed them into the “holding area.” As we were doing this, we noticed a boat close behind us wanting to turn in as well, as well as another boat coming from the other direction that seemed like they had the same idea.
Waiting our turn. After a bit or waiting, we entered the first of 5 locks 15 minutes later.
Lock 1 of 4 of Hurleston Locks This set of locks really is an engineering marvel, and makes for a great photo!
The 5 locks of Hurleston
The cool part of these locks is that everyone was there helping each other out. When the people in the lock above us was done, and they knew another boat wasn’t coming in the opposite direction, they started draining the lock for us. This kind gesture made we do the same for the boat behind us, and I’m assuming the kindness passed its way down the canal for the rest of the day.
With everyone’s help around us, we made it though the flight of 5 locks in 48 minutes. A well placed water station at the top of the locks caught our fancy, and we refilled our water tank for the next 15 minutes.
With everyone’s help around us, we made it though the flight of 5 locks in 48 minutes. A well placed water station at the top of the locks caught our fancy, and we refilled our water tank for the next 15 minutes.
Filling the water tank.
After the first 5 locks, we had another 4 locks followed by a couple of lift bridges, one in which I got to stop traffic…oh the power!
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This is a pretty common situation where there is a bridge directly followed by a lock. This is Quoisley Lock, located in incredible surroundings.
 Quoisley Lock ahead under the bridge. |  Inside Quoisley Lock. |
We passed under a bridge, and arrived to the bottom of the first of 3 Grindley Brook Locks at 4:39 and smoothy moved up the first 3 locks being lucky enough to pass one boat between locks, so at least 1 lock was in our favor.
 Approaching Grindley Brook Locks |  Inside the last of the Grindley Brook Locks. |
When we got to the top of the first 3 locks, there was only 1 boat in front of us waiting to get into the staircase lock…not too bad.
We waited about 15 minutes when it was our time to enter the staircase of 3 locks. Here is a sign to explain how to operate the staircase of 3. Pretty much, the top 2 locks have to be full and the bottom one has to be empty. We then enter the bottom (empty) lock, fill it with the water in the middle lock, enter the middle lock, fill it with the water in the top lock, enter the top lock, and fill it with the water at canal level when we can exit onto the canal.
We waited about 15 minutes when it was our time to enter the staircase of 3 locks. Here is a sign to explain how to operate the staircase of 3. Pretty much, the top 2 locks have to be full and the bottom one has to be empty. We then enter the bottom (empty) lock, fill it with the water in the middle lock, enter the middle lock, fill it with the water in the top lock, enter the top lock, and fill it with the water at canal level when we can exit onto the canal.
This is how you do it.
Here is TIm inside the top lock of the staircase. By the way, this staircase, plus the 3 locks just before us, raise us 39 feet in only 0.3 miles! Another amazing engineer feat.
It took us 50 minutes to go through 3 locks and then through a staircase of 3 locks, which is very good timing.
It took us 50 minutes to go through 3 locks and then through a staircase of 3 locks, which is very good timing.
The top lock of Grindley Staircase Locks. It was now almost 6 PM, so we decided to call it a day and moored close to the top of the locks. We had mussels for dinner…yum.
I then did some blogging and we went to sleep. An overall long, but enjoyable day with some excellent weather. What more can we want?
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