St Kats locking procedure...

[rosssavage]

...was last night unbelievably good!!

They managed two full lock-ins within 50mins, which is usually only enough time for them to bxxger about getting the gates open.

Having filled in the paperwork by post a few weeks ago obviously saved some time, but I have to admit for the first time that they really had their act together

Unfortunately their locking diary failed, as despite numerous emails, phone calls and a visit in person they still had no idea we were coming, but once they got us in they managed to remember they had a berth reserved for us in the west dock as requested in one of the emails. Note: it would be apper to be normal for st kats to forget you're coming, as this is not the first time they've forgotten.

That said, in general a slick performance and a vast improvement over the usual shenanigans.

 

[Sulley]

Glad to hear you are there!

 

[Nauti Fox]

Must admit I got so fed up with waiting outside St Kats that I used Limehouse when visiting London.

 

[oldgit]

Must admit I got so fed up with waiting outside St Kats that I used Limehouse when visiting London.

Probably cos St Kats did not want their nice posh marina filled with oily olde v8 fumes.

 

[Nauti Fox]

Now now Fred, just because they wouldn't let you in the pageant cos you go too slow...

 

[Gavi]

We sat outside for ages on Tuesday waiting for a reply to radio or telephone call. After about 30 minutes (honest) they responded, after which they were superb. I did have to redo my paperwork (already submitted) but this was no problem really.

In future I will phone well ahead.

 

[oldgit]

Now now Fred, just because they wouldn't let you in the pageant cos you go too slow...

Did ask the "man powered "fleet to slow down several times..........

 

[jaws]

Glad to hear it. Locking through tomorrow.

 

[dash300]

St.Kats rarely slick in my view and I have no idea why. It's not difficult; it always appears as if every boat that appears at the gates is a surprise and they have to rush around to see who is booked in and sort it out on the hoof.

 

[rosssavage]

St.Kats rarely slick in my view and I have no idea why. It's not difficult; it always appears as if every boat that appears at the gates is a surprise and they have to rush around to see who is booked in and sort it out on the hoof.

Which is why it was such a surprise! It was almost as they had done it before and, god forbid, even had some sort of 'plan'

They usually forget we're coming so that was no surprise, but, seriously, TWO lock cycles in under an hour??? That's unheard of!

 

[dash300]

Perhaps they have employed a redundant Thames lock keeper !

 

[No Regrets]

Our lock in yesterday was impeccable, with clear radio instruction and a quickly filled lock.

A lot of boats came in on free flow a little later, and the marina is well packed.

Nice to meet Plumb bob on the way down, and a few other forumites too!

 

[joejo]

Could not believe it either

Friday lunchtime we called up the lock at Tower Bridge and the reply was 'the lock is open come on in' A great result

 

[dash300]

Someone has clearly taken control for the pageant,lets hope it lasts.

 

[joejo]

Freeflow Exit

We left St Kats on Monday after a great few days. Booked our exit and along with many other boats sailed through the lock with both gates open. Still had plenty of tide to push is up the river and tide turned just before we reached Richmond. This is not the St Kats experience I am used to. A vast improvement. I hope the many other non tidal Thames boaters in St Kats (their are loads) do as well

 

[rosssavage]

Booked out during free flow tomorrow. Ive NEVER seen that before!!

 

[Gavi]

Booked out during free flow tomorrow. Ive NEVER seen that before!!

Have just done the same thing. We went straight through Tenders too! It just needed the gates opening.

 

[No Regrets]

Yep, we managed to beat Ross through, knowing full well everything after us would soon be in front...

'twas a quick and painless job too!!

Once again nicely managed by St Kats, that said we have never had a bad deal so far...fingers crossed.

Tedders was just a six inch lift too!!!

 

[plumbob]

Yep, we managed to beat Ross through, knowing full well everything after us would soon be in front...

'twas a quick and painless job too!!

Once again nicely managed by St Kats, that said we have never had a bad deal so far...fingers crossed.

Tedders was just a six inch lift too!!!

Indeed it was, as we had to wait outside, still as you say,just a small rise then off upstream in the lovely pouring rain.
Nice to meet No Regrets .
We finally made home port today after coming up from Sunbury to Marlow yesterday. Bell Weir was a bit of a drag..........long wait for lockie.......but hey ho , it was raining!!
The wind was a real bu**er last night and despite too much knitting, the dreaded BLOOPS kept us awake a lot. Still, overall a great trip and the pageant was great.
Shame about the BBC coverage though, inane twaddle most of it. Where is David Dimblbey ( or at least someone with a similar name) when we need him?/ He has owned boats for ever and a house at Dittisham, I suspect he would have made a much better job.
Oh well, upstream next, when this bl**dy weather cheers up

 

[No Regrets]

Windsor was a quiet night, but the towpath was covered in a carpet of duck poop, and the boat was covered, i mean COVERED in bits of tree!!

Luckily the hosepipe slipped when we pumped out at Windsor marina, and accidentally washed it all off...