Sea Dog Posted July 14, 2021 Report Share Posted July 14, 2021 Those heading for Watford Locks may wish to be aware that the 3.15 pm last entry does not necessarily mean you get through if you're at the head of the queue by then. We arrived at the bottom shortly before 2pm, and the boat before us went in minutes later. However, because there's a 3 hour(?) queue above, we won't be going in until 10am tomorrow. It's quite lovely here on the lock landing, and we're in no rush so all is right with the world. However, those on a tighter schedule might need to check their timings. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matty40s Posted July 14, 2021 Report Share Posted July 14, 2021 1. I am amazed it is still open. 2. I am not amazed it is still on Winter timings even though it is high season on the canals busiest ever summer. CRT not interested in boating again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracy D'arth Posted July 14, 2021 Report Share Posted July 14, 2021 So what is the reason for the restricted hours? I may have to get through there in August. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwidad Posted July 14, 2021 Report Share Posted July 14, 2021 14 minutes ago, matty40s said: 1. I am amazed it is still open. 2. I am not amazed it is still on Winter timings even though it is high season on the canals busiest ever summer. CRT not interested in boating again. They filled the hole with pea gravel and some resin. Lockie amazed it is all still there! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frangar Posted July 14, 2021 Report Share Posted July 14, 2021 20 minutes ago, Tracy D'arth said: So what is the reason for the restricted hours? I may have to get through there in August. They’ve drained down the summit reservoirs so it’s an attempt to save water…or put people off going that way if you are cynical… Im hoping that repair does hold….I guess time will tell. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracy D'arth Posted July 14, 2021 Report Share Posted July 14, 2021 3 minutes ago, frangar said: They’ve drained down the summit reservoirs so it’s an attempt to save water…or put people off going that way if you are cynical… Im hoping that repair does hold….I guess time will tell. Why drain the reservoirs? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frangar Posted July 14, 2021 Report Share Posted July 14, 2021 5 minutes ago, Tracy D'arth said: Why drain the reservoirs? I’m guessing that they had an inspection and were found lacking in some way. Due to be kept low for the rest of this year. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracy D'arth Posted July 14, 2021 Report Share Posted July 14, 2021 1 minute ago, frangar said: I’m guessing that they had an inspection and were found lacking in some way. Due to be kept low for the rest of this year. Another Toddbrook? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frangar Posted July 14, 2021 Report Share Posted July 14, 2021 Just now, Tracy D'arth said: Another Toddbrook? Hopefully not. I do know that there was a lot of inspecting of reservoirs after Toddbrook…not just CRT owned…and a few have been lowered for inspection/maintenance etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Idle Days Posted July 14, 2021 Report Share Posted July 14, 2021 3 minutes ago, Tracy D'arth said: Another Toddbrook? No, but it was a bit of a wake-up call. So inspection and titivating in progress. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Idle Days Posted July 14, 2021 Report Share Posted July 14, 2021 We were the last boat down the Watford flight today. We arrived at the top lock just before 2pm and were tack on the a group of 3 craft descending. There were 3 or 4 boats in the lower pound by locks 1 and 2 on their way up. Sea Dog looked comfortable as we passed. The Vlogies had thing under control and were working very efficiently as far as I could tell. They each sort my permission to proceed, something I was pleased to see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robtheplod Posted July 15, 2021 Report Share Posted July 15, 2021 One of our reasons for moving from Yelvertoft was that we often encountered long delays or sudden closure at Foxton/Watford which kyboshed several of our plans.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sea Dog Posted July 15, 2021 Author Report Share Posted July 15, 2021 19 hours ago, Idle Days said: Sea Dog looked comfortable as we passed. Actually, we were very comfortable indeed! It was quite a lovely place to spend the afternoon and evening. The top end would be a bit noisier though, eh? I failed to recognise you as you passed ID - should've given me a high 5 or something! Anyway, successfully through this morning. The lockies were all very friendly and efficient, and the transit as smooth as an oiled wheel! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave123 Posted July 29, 2021 Report Share Posted July 29, 2021 I agree with the restricted openings to be honest. It does put people off making unnecessary journeys through the locks, you'd be surprised how many hire boats go through some extra locks just to turn and go right back again. It also deters people making leisurely north/south transits (like me) and sends us the sensible way via the Coventry or B'ham 😂. All of which hopefully saves enough water for the locks to stay open for those that have to go that way 😁 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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