A much better day and a sentiment shared!

This morning at 9.30 am a knock on the door heralded the arrival of the local photographer and reported from the local rag. Shortly afterwards another knock saw the arrival of 'Nick'. Nick was the BW man who was so pleasant and helpful. In fact, Nick and Colin helped us through the locks to the summit and the tunnel entrance and could not have been more of a contrast to 'Rick' yesterday! They were pleasant, fun, helpful and so hard working. We kept them plied with drinks, cakes and chocolates and they kept us plied with tales of BW's total inneficiency. It appears we share the same sentiments and frustration relating to lack of funding here. Apparently this morning the dodgy old photocopier in the Leeds office finally gave up the ghost after many years of service and several weeks of strange noises. They made a phone call to request authorisation to purchase a new one and were told 'no' flatly - what hope is there to purchase a new set of lock gates then?

Off we went through the very stiff guillotine gate that was the scene of so much frustration yesterday.

Anyway, the sun was shining, the day was warm and dry and the scenery was stunning. Progress was slow which gave us time to enjoy our surroundings and the conversation with Colin and Nick.

Eventually we found ourselves at the BW owned reservior which was low although would have been much lower but for the quick thinking of Colin a week ago when the rain came down!

The final lock on the summit was a welcome relief to all concerned and the final gongoozlers were in place to watch any minor error of judgement - fortunately, there was none!

We were 'deposited' on the waiting area with the other 2 boats who are travelling through tomorrow.

Apparently we can move down to the visitor centre any time after 4.00 so we plan to go as soon as I've finished this post! We did walk down and pay a visit to take a few pictures.

All being well, tomorrow evening should be about the trip through the tunnel and onwards through the exit locks to wherever we get to moor tomorrow!