10 June

Because we had over six miles to cover and 26 locks to pass through, we headed off at 6:30AM. This section of the trip is known as Heartbreak Hill, because it used to be a drag, especially for the horse, when hauling a narrow boat barge up the hill.

It was fine and warmer than yesterday. There was still a bit of mist hovering around the canal, but that and the dew on the grass soon burnt off. By 8AM when we stopped for breakfast, we had done five locks. We aren't sure when everybody gets up and active because it was about 9:40AM before we came across another boat that was actually moving.

Lynette spotted a Magpie dive bombing a duckling in the water, obviously looking for some red meat.

We met a boat load of Kiwis along they way. They warned us not to listen to the cricket score. Also, at one of the locks a guy talked to us. He had been travelling to NZ for 20 years, selling milking machinery, mainly in the Hamilton area. He owned one of the very nice houses beside the canal and told us he enjoyed talking to the canal folk and he also gave us some good canal tips.

At lunchtime we stopped at Rode Heath, where Sue and Lynette went for a walk in the town while Jim unsuccessfully tried the mobile internet. Again no coverage. The sign said “Village Shops” and in the brochures it mentioned that there was a supermarket, post office and souvenirs. The Village Shops were what we would call a dairy or small four square which also handled postage and had postcards as well as grocery items. Initially we were looking for three different shops. A very nice little person was behind the counter and chatted away to Sue & Lynette regardless of others waiting. A small cornetta ice cream cost GPD1.00. They bought a magnum ice cream back to the boat to keep Jim happy.

We pottered along and did the rest of the locks. We aren't sure what happened, because we had 26 locks on the list but in fact it came to 24 and we had the start and destinations right. It was a very tough day for Sue & Lynette doing all those locks especially as some of the paddles (control valves) and gates were extremely stiff to operate. We all enjoyed the contacts we were able to make with people living beside the canal, those walking or biking on the towpath and fellow narrow boat folk.

A hot shower after we moored was welcome relief for all the muscle work done by Sue & Lynette. We had dinner at the Red Bull pub, about 200 yards from where we moored the boat. Jim ordered Chicken and Ribs and received a carving plate that was loaded with food. It was an excellent fare at a fair price. Sue & Lynette had salmon fish cakes. Again nicely cooked and well presented. Unfortunately we won't be able to dine there tomorrow night.

Going into the lock entrance

What the lock looks like from the boat.  This is a duplex lock and you can use either

The narrowboat in an 'empty" lock.

With both lock gates shut, the paddles are opened and the incoming water raises the boat.

The boat leaving the lock at the new levell.

Every mile up and down the canal is a mile post.

Each lock and bridge is number up and down the canal

Houses beside the canal

We think this is a kids' play house beside the canal

Lots of boats use solar panels to charge their batteries.

The Rode Heath pub

Sue opening a lock gate

A derrick beside the canal recalls the days when canal boats were used for cargo

The Red Bull pub

Jim's meal on a large plate.

The blue sky at 5:30PM was streaked with vapour trails.