Hatton

We set off as ususal and made our way through Leamington Spa, although we did not stop on this occasion. Just before eleven o'clock we pulled in at the moorings alongside Tesco on the outskirts of Warwick. once inside we were surprised to bump into Adrian, one of the long-
standing regular guests at Trevanion House! It was supposed to be only a top-up shop but we still managed to fill a rucksack and four carrier bags!

A little distance further on and we called at Kate Boats for some diesel - 90p a litre - and will filled up. had hoped to pick up some bolts to fix the chimney 'hat' but their chandlery was very much reduced compared with last year.


We passed through the two Cape Locks before mooring up for lunch just below the Hatton flight. Just before 2 o'clock we set off to tackle the feared 21. About three locks up, Mike mishandled a lock key whilst raising a paddle and received a nasty bruise to his left little finger for the inattention. OK for now but it will be painful later, no doubt.




Soon the promised rain arrived - it just would not be Hatton without rain! However, by mid-flight it cleared and much of the afternoon was rather pleasant.





Just as we arrived at the top section, where the locks are close together, as boat with six crew set off, not waiting to share locks. Despite their numbers and our need to empty the locks, we still proceeded faster than them!




We arrived at the top lock three and a quarter hours after we started - not bad. Alas, you can imagine our disappointment when, just as we arrived, the BW cafe closed and we missed our promised ice creams! tea and muffins had to substitute as we filled up with water. We moored
for the night not long after clearing all the moored boats.