The adventures of Marge and Harold

4 miles, 32 locks

On  Saturday evening, Large Marge and her crew moored behind us in a space that had miraculously appeared for them. Robin discovered a Scooby walk which offered a different view of the escarpment which makes the lock flight necessary.

In the morning we set off with Marge 9.30 and after the 6 Devizes locks we were soon at the top of the flight itself.

Marge and Harold at the top

We went down efficiently despite episodic drizzle, sun and all-out rain. We got pretty wet at one point. Marks out of ten were given to helms for the neatness of moving both boats together from lock to lock. About two thirds of the way down we encountered some t**ts coming up the other way to stop us getting bored. The importance of plans became apparent when two boats going down meet two boats going up in a very small pound.

When a plan comes together!

We were almost dry again by the time we reached the bottom of the main flight.

Harold leads the charge out of the bottom lock.

Marge follows on.

At about 2pm and after 7 more locks down to the very bottom, we all boarded our respective boats again. A mile further on at Sells Green, we said goodbye to the lovely Large Marge and her crew, Laura and Alison and their visitors (all the way from New Zealand), Tracey and Chris. We had a great day and some good fun despite the weather. Both boats are going to Bristol, so hopefully they'll be reunited at some point.

Harold carried on alone (Ahhh!) through three more locks and found the perfect spot at the Barge Inn, Seend (we've been here before and we know it will be nice). Dinner was booked, the dog walked and feet washed. Tonight we'll drink a toast drunk to Marge and Harold!

Harold outside the Barge Inn  at Seend.