"mick" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Sorry I did not make my self clear what I was trying to say was when >the lock is *NOT* being used by boats or boat going in or out of the >lock, it should be over the lock for safety, But when being used by >any size boat it should *NOT* be over the lock hope that is clearer >sorry
I understood what you said, but I disagree with you. If the bridge is left over the lock, the temptation not to bother to open it when boating through is very strong. And despite what Ron says, it is *just* possible for a 22 m boat (or a 21.3 m barge <g>) to get through the lock without opening the bridge. But it is definitely dangerous to fill the lock with a boat in it and the bridge over it. And you need to be very careful when descending not either to land on the sill or to clout the front of the cabin against the bridge. Not a good practice. To answer your safety point, when the bridge is open, it actually provides a "guard rail" along about 1/3 of one side of the lock. Not that one is needed IMHO. I repeat that I feel we should go back to the previous and long-established status quo - a sign telling drivers to open the bridge after using it. Ron said: >> I agree one need to watch out for the left hand turn (unless you >want to go >> up the R.Beam - nice sheltered moorings, if you don't go too far.) Yes, someone has pinched the sign. Providing me with plenty of entertainment (as the junction is visible from my window at present) when first-time navigators of the Lee steam straight on, especially when they realise the error of their ways (ha ha) at the last minute and try unsuccessfully to make the turn into the lock cut <evil g>. Actually, it is possible to use aural evidence reasonably successfully to predict well in advance which steerers are going to make this mistake. It is the ones travelling the fastest. BTW, that isn't really the Bean. It is actually the Lea, which has come over Hertford weir. However, the Bean (and the Rib) do indeed join it along the (unnavigable) way. Your Factoid of the Day: Prior to the construction of the Grand Junction, there was a plan for a London-Midlands navigation route starting at that point, then going up the Rib to cross the Thames/Great Ouse watershed. I think it was planned to go down the Ivel, but I can't remember for sure. Adrian Adrian Stott 07956-299966
