The sun was shining when we woke up, and actually it stayed that way for the rest of the day. Today was for waiting! We went for a walk into town for some milk and 'stuff', and then decided to venture up to the work on the lock, by way of the Admiral Nelson pub, to see how the work was getting on.
At the lock there was an hive of inactivity. Being of a kind heart I just thought that they must be waiting for the cement to dry!
Up at the next lock there were volunteers busily painting. It would seem to be a strange day to be painting when the lock would be open later. However the crew reported later that it was not a problem. Damn I have given the gave away now.
There seemed to be many Capt. Manwaring's at large as folks were organising for the rush on the lock when it finally opened. There was a knock on the roof and somebody told us that as there was a lot of boats waiting to go up we should double moor. Helen agreed but nobody turned up. There was much organising about what order we would ascend the lock also. I went to the toll house to drop of the rubbish and paid a visit to the fender shop, but they didn't have what I was after. When I got back I told Helen that the Glass boat was moored up and off she went for a look. She came back a while later with a couple of presents that she was well happy with.
The afternoon dragged on and it appeared that a crowd of meerkats kept bobbing up to see if anybody was descending. About 1530 signals from watchers at the lock relayed that we were go and we were asked to move off, as we were first in the line!
There was no down boats at the first lock, by the dry dock.
There was still nobody at the the second lock but after that we were swapping locks with the down boats. The others heading down seemed to have missed the lesson as they were swapping the locks round rather than waiting for the up boats. The locks had been closed to repair the lock to 'save water'.
Surprisingly we only met one boat in the tunnel as I thought there would be a steady stream heading to Braunston due to the closure. Once through we headed for the new ARMCO before Bridge 9 but those with a few were full. We moored up at the very end and were pleased to hear that 'Waka Huia' was moored up by the junction. Nibbles and wine in hand we headed forth. Three hours later we were turfed out to find our way home again. It was great to catch up with Marilyn and David and find them both well, despite everything. It was a bonus to be able to meet up on the cut, and here's hoping that we will see you both later in the year.
Today has been one of those days that may have just passed you by, but it is amazing to think that 75 years ago the world was changing for ever as the D Day landings took place. I just can't fathom the organisation that was required to get to the point of the landing. My father was off Sword Beach. One of many who were just doing their bit. Blokes, in the main, that never really spoke about it, just got on with their lives. I researched my fathers life in the Royal Navy, Hostilities Only, following his death. Below are what I found about his build up, and on the actual day.
What a life changing site it must have been, never mind actually taking part in it all. WWII defined my parents generation and greatly influenced mine too. We have an awful lot to be grateful for.
1 comment:
It was chucking out time, Tony, and after you left, I was in bed in about 5 minutes!
It was great to see you both, especially Helen ...
Big hugs,
M&Dxx
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