A Very Tricky Lock where Inkling got a Soaking.

 Sunday 13th June 2021 near Send.

Mel took Inca for her morning walk as we set off early to cruise down to Send.

Coxes Lock is in a very picturesque setting with a very handsome old warehouse beside it. But, oh my, the lock is a tricky one! The top gates and cill were leaking badly and, as Inkling is 70ft long, we pulled her back as far as we could. Despite that, when we opened the gate paddles just a little bit, water cascaded into the air and drenched Inkling's cratch. It took an age to fill the lock with the paddles barely open until the water covered the flow.

Soon after, we stopped at a water point, where we filled up both boats with water. Would you believe it was right under the M25? The hare and the tortoise comes to mind.....

However, most of the time was spent enptying water out of Inkling's front cratch with towels and a bucket. Mel and R worked as a team wringing out the towels.

A little further on we passed a water meadow with hundreds of people lining the river with tents, gazebos, parasols, barbecues, kayaks, paddle boards, canoes, row boats and many folk swimming in the river. The children in particular were having a wonderful time and an air of great jollity prevailed. We threaded MM and Inkling through the throng very slowly and carefully. It was clear everyone was having a marvellous time on this sunny Sunday.

This is the new Cartbridge Marina on the Wey. MM is booked in there for a week starting from next Friday.

Just next to Send, we found a lovely quiet mooring with enough space for both boats. Mel helped R to pull MM in.

Today: 7 miles, 6 locks and 4.0 hours.

Trip: 213 miles, 102 locks and 92.0 hours.