We left Devizes Marina on Wednesday morning about 1030h, after final words with the refit crew and the marina management. Garbage, and other niggling departure items meant a departure a little later than planned, but we are on holiday… Note just at the bow of my boat, across the marina, there is a blue heron perched on the back of a blue boat. A nice way to think of the marina.
Devizes Marina
It was a glorious, sunny day, and we went along leisurly in the heat, through several small villages, arriving at Pewsey wharf for the evening. A walk into the village to sample a brew-pub’s local beer, another walk to a different pub for dinner, and we called it a night. DAY 2. We left Pewsey and began the locks that take us to the summit of this canal. We went along the short summit of the canal, through a tunnel, and the down the other side, through a bunch of locks. We ended the day at Crofton pumping station, where a still-working steam engine pumps water back up the hill to supply the canal. A relic of the industrial revolution, it is the oldest working steam engine still doing the job it was installed and designed for. It has been in place for more than 200 years, and still pumps more than 1 tonne of water per cylinder stroke. A really amazing piece of old equipment, lovingly restored and preserved in action.
boiler for Crofton Pumping Station- still works!
A couple of locks further and we are moored in Great Bedwyn for the night. Looking forward to another day tomorrow!
dad on July 19, 2013 at 5:38 pm said:Thanks for the info. Good to hear your adventures. Shall follow you along. Dad
Nick Hallett on July 19, 2013 at 6:57 am said: Morti – looks like your adventure is off to a great start. I’m looking forward to following it on here! Best wishes.
