> Most of the time, I would do the same as you. Open the bridge and leave
> it to the last boat to close it. The only exception was on the Leeds
> and Liverpool, where after leaving the top of Bingley five rise you have
> over 20 swing bridges in 17 miles before the next lock. When I crossed
> this in 2004, I caught up with a "train" of three or four other boats.
> It rapidly became obvious that the system was that the lead boat opened
> the bridge and rejoined the back of the train after closing up. Much
> more efficient, as you only work one bridge in however many boats there
> are.
>
> Terry Streeter
> NB Arun - Stourbridge Basin
>
I had this in reverse some years back meaning that although I was the first to
arrive at the swing bridge before the 5 rise I was then the last of three to
arrive at the top of the 5. I could have kicked myself until Barry waved the
first boat in and then me - he's obviously got it well sussed out!
John
