June 17th 2011 - Plan B Required

So, no call from the pilot, I'm not surprised as it seems to be very windy. A chat with the guy on the boat next door reveals that I'll be unlikely to get to Bristol for at least a week or so, so back to Gloucester we go.

Not so sunny as yesterday but not quite as windy, reversing our course back through the swing bridges (I even got to use the VHF with a couple!) On through Saul Junction, the connection with the disused Thames and Severn Canal to Lechlade

Saul Junction:

We pull in at Sellars Bridge with a bit of a bang, it was windy and I just misjudged the turn into the mooring, bugger! another scratch in the paintwork. Off (in the rain) to 'the pilot' for some lunch and beer to console myself. Some beer later, we emerge from the pub and continue our cruise back to Gloucester Docks. The last bridge before the docks fails to open on our approach! Hmmm, a check in the guide book shows it's closed until 1700 for rush hour, funny that, there was not a lot of rushing about on the bridge. So we drift onto one of the mooring pontoons to await the bridge opening. 1700 arrives, the bridge keeper appears, but the bridge still doesn't open! Hmmm, maybe he hasn't seen us so a call on the radio confirms this is the case, the bridge lifts and back into the docks we go. We book a table at 'The Jewel in the Crown' in Westgate, on the way we pop into 'The Fountain' for lubrication, a very nice pub, then to the restaurant for a very average meal (in my opinion!) A walk around the Cathedral area afterward changes my opinion of Gloucester, I now declare it an interesting place, the Cathedral and surrounding area are stunning. Enough of this! Back to the fountain for more beer then return to boat for the usual nightcap and sleep.

Today:   16 miles -     0 locks -   5.5 hours

So Far: 145 miles - 125 locks - 74.5 hours