In any event, we made good progress down the flight and watered at the junction. By now, the rain was definitely in the torrential class as described later on the news - the heaviest yet for extended rain; we have seen heavier rainfall but only as shorter showers. There were just over four miles to navigate before the famous (infamous?) Hatton flight. Mike steered whilst Christine dried out and prepared for the inevitable clothing change. Shortly after 1 o'clock, Hatton arrived and we opted for a long lunch break. A complete strip change was needed for Mike after the hour's soaking!
We deliberately gave ourselves a three hour long break - hoping that the rain might lose some of its ferocity by mid afternoon. The plan was then to continue later into the evening, so whilst Christine snoozed, Mike prepared the evening meal. (Actually, he snoozed a little and read as well, but we don't admit that!)
4:20 and the rain had abated to a drizzle so we set off to the Hatton flight, with its distinctive sluice mechanisms. We discovered that these were very hard to work - Christine could barely turn the windlass - each taking 20 - 23 turns to open fully. However, they must be very large as we also discovered that it was really only necessary to use one of the two at each end, especially where they are close together and then there is time to set the next lock.
A boat had come up the flight shortly before we set off and so we were hopeful that the flight might be set for us. However, by the fourth lock they were all empty so they must have passed probably the only other boat using the flight today at that point. This, of course, meant that each lock had to be filled before we could go down. In working out an efficient operation, it turned out that using only one sluice meant that the boat was easier for Christine to control in the locks (by the way, we should have pointed out that at this flight we returned to the larger double width locks) and she soon became very efficient at controlling the boat by rope as it started its descent and whilst waiting at the tail for the next lock to open.
After about two hours, heavier rain returned but by now it was obvious that the water levels were rising distinctly in the flight. With five locks to go, the locks were already full for us (they should have been empty like those preceding) So much water was coming down that it flowed over the top of the gate. Our relief at not having to fill the locks was short lived as by the next lock the water was coming over the gate so fast that even one of the Hatton sluices was not enough to empty the lock enough to open the tail gate and both were needed. We had not met a single boat coming up the entrei flight.
Nevertheless, by six minutes past eight o'clock were were finally through - that is 21 locks in 3 hours 36 minutes at just 10 minutes per lock! We felt that our stiffness as we attempted to complete the tasks of mooring, checking the engine, sorting out mountains of wet clothes and finalising the evening meal was entirely justified! Tomorrow had better be easier!
