it was time to move on and we are now moored near Beeston Castle at Tiverton. As nice as it was back there the lack of connectivity was a pain and explains why I haven't blogged about it.
We didn't actually intend to go so far but the infamous Shroppie shelf above Bunbury Locks meant we couldn't get within two feet of the canal bank, which means even my wide fenders are useless and every passing boat would slam us into the side. Local use car tyres laid flat on the water as fenders but I'm not going to start carrying those around so we had to descend the locks.
The pair of locks are built as a single unit known as a staircase where you move directly from one lock chamber to another. When we came through here two years ago the locks were manned but since "the season" only starts in April we were on our own. Still, it's straightforward enough and there's an instruction board too.
Way back, perishable goods were whizzed down the canal on fly boats which moved 24hrs non stop. This meant that fresh horses were required and stable blocks were built to accommodate them. The stables at Bunbury have survived and would make excellent accommodation for humans in my opinion.
Below the locks is the base for Anglo Welsh holiday boats and they are three abreast in places so a very careful crawl by is required.
All in all though we had a great time in Bunbury. The village itself is a mile or so away and you take your life in your hands walking down the country lanes but it's all good. We also got to do a bit of varnishing and priming so Lottie D is more like Spottie D at the moment but we'll get there eventually.
Right, time to roll my meatballs (!) for tonight's tea then we're off for a walk to Beeston Castle. Don't think we'll actually go in though. The entrance price is as steep as the climb to the top. Eight quid for a ruin? I don't think so!
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