Onwards towards Bristol

We’ve had a sad turn of events today as Bob and June on ‘Autumn Myst’ have decided that, due to a chronic back problem which June has been suffering with since we started cruising, they’ve had to review their travel plans.  We are continuing to Bristol and they will slowly make their way back.  Hopefully, we will catch up with them on our return along the K and A . We have so enjoyed travelling with them over the last few weeks and have missed them very much today, Doug has especially missed Phoenix!

So with sad hearts we decided to proceed towards Bristol today rather than tomorrow.  On our second lock down today we saw this wonderful chimney, which is all that remains of the old steam pumping station at this point.  What superb workmanship we miss out on today.

We were soon in the Bath deep Lock which took us some 18 to 20 feet lower.  It felt like being in a cathedral at the bottom.  Doug had problems operating the lock as the  C&RT volunteer gang were painting and had painted both the black and the white parts of the lock arm!  (Well done!) 

James’s rear view on leaving the Deep Lock.

We had a good run down the River Avon – there being very little flow at the moment.  This was us at Kelston Lock.  Amazingly, there was nothing to stop us going over the weir! (to the left of the picture)

We don’t think we’ve ever seen as much mistletoe in a tree before.

There are some wonderful views to be had.

‘Chance’ waiting in the calm waters of the Avon for Saltford Lock to fill.

We got to Hanham Lock at 5 o’ clock and had caught up with Ian and Karen on nb ‘Tacet’ and are now breasted up on the very crowded visitor moorings.

We’ve been very kindly invited by Ian and Karen to eat with them this evening, so we’re combining our food to feed the “five thousand”!

Tomorrow sees a high spring tide so we are advised by the relevant authorities to be at the lock by 10 o’ clock if we want to get to Bristol after the tide!