So peeps what happened this week. Well regarding boat traffic it was very slow both Thursday and Friday but this allowed us to carry out a bit of gardening. The full time boys replaced the paddle gear at lock No 2 but unfortunately it doesn't appear to have cured the problem. It is still extremely stiff to raise the paddle and would indicate there is a problem with the paddle itself. However I am sure the lads will soon be back to fix it in the meantime just use the one paddle and stop and have a chat.
The book swap is starting to take off although we did find someone had left a pair of jeans, not what we are after but volley lockie Jane took them off to a charity shop. We also had a couple of DVD's which we found out were in German and Spanish. No problem as we get plenty of German customers through in the summer don't know if we've had any Spanish though.
One of our volley lockies was subjected to some abuse which is not part of our remit but it reminds me of a letter I had printed in one of the boating magazines a couple of years ago.
"The volunteers you meet at the locks are there to guide, advise and if required to assist you. If you don't need or want assistance just let the lockkeeper know, in a friendly fashion, that you would prefer to do the lock yourself. We will be more than happy to make a cup of coffee and have a pleasant chat as you pass through"
And finally thanks to the hire crew who came through on Friday. Their costumes were exact copies of Johnny Depp even down to the dreadlocks. Unfortunately the pirate I was showing how to work the lock got a little bit carried away and, whilst lowering the paddle, wrapped his dreadlocks round his windlass. Full marks for enthusiasm but perhaps cut back a bit on the fancy dress until your through the lock.
Cheers see you all next week.
