Stockton Locks

 

Densie and Florence descending the second  Stockton flight

There was heavy rain overnight but by 9:00 when we set off the weather was sunny and dry. after a mile  we reached the top of the double width 8-lock, 54 foot,  Stockton flight. We had just entered the top lock when hireboat Florence arrived with a crew of 5 and entered the lock next to us.  It was great to see them as as not only would we have help working each lock, sbut omeone could go ahead and prepare the next one greatly speeding the descent.

Moored in the rain at Long Itchington

The 8 locks were quickly followed by 2 further locks. Thanks to the fast passage we were now ahead of plan so we stopped for the night half a mile further on at 11:50 near the village of Long Itchington. After lunch the weather deteriorated and it started to rain.

Weather: bright and sunny in the monrng with a slight breeze, wet and cool in the afternoon

2.93 miles, 10 locks, 2 hours 50 minutes cruising