25th June 2007
Location: Stourport, Worcs N52:19:15 W2:15:52
Today: 0 miles, 0 locks. Total distance: 185 miles. Total locks: 146
Didn’t get a lot of sleep last night due to the noise of the down pours and the water rushing through the bottom lock gates.
Had a chat with the lock keeper when he came on duty at 08:00 and he informed me that the Severn is closed as it is unsafe for navigation. You can travel if you sign papers at the locks to say that you are travelling at your own risk – don’t fancy any of that thanks. The lock keeper thinks that the river may also be closed tomorrow but that things can change very quickly so to keep checking. The river level looks like it has risen 2 to 3 feet overnight and more rain is forecast.
It’s also quite cool today, 15 degrees C in the cabin. Have lit the fire to help dry the washing. Lovely weather for June!! Wimbledon starts today I think so that explains the weather….
By mid afternoon, the water level had risen by around 3 feet since 08:00 in
the morning and the flow is quite fast at what looks to be around 4 miles per hour.
Ten Bob Note is capable of around 4 MPH so if we were to head off up stream, on
full power we would just manage to hold a standing still position. If we were to
head down stream, we would most likely get sucked onto a weir. I think we will just
sit this weather out as neither of the options above are too attractive.
It’s nice and warm on board now with the fire lit. Running out of coal so need to look for some once we are on the move again, shouldn't need it at this time of year.
Forgot to mention yesterday, dug out the anchor and chain and have set it up ready for deployment should anything go wrong while on the river (engine failure for example as no engine, no steering). Hope never to have to use it……
Update at 17:15.
Water level still on the rise, estimate that it is now a good 5-6 feet higher than it was when we moored last night and it was high then. Oh, and it is now pouring down again!!!
Also, just heard that the Saul festival has just been cancelled due to severe flooding.
Moored against ponton below lock
Water level at bottom gate at 08:00
Water level at bottom gate at 16:00
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Material Copyright © 2007 Ernie Williams
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22 April, 2014 12:47 PM