We arrived at Stockton Top at 2.15pm, but Debdale needed an oil change which hadn't yet been started. However, we unloaded the car and unpacked while Simon the engineer worked on the engine. the previous owners had reported a screeching noise, and it turned out that we needed a new alternator. It all took quite a long time, and by the time we were ready to leave at just before 5, it was raining heavily.
We turned left out of the marina, and started off down the Stockton Locks. Fortunately, we soon met a boat coming up, so the locks were mostly in our favour (or just needed topping up). I like the Stockton flight: the surroundings are pleasant, the locks seem well maintained, and they fill and empty quite quickly, even using only one paddle. Even the pouring rain didn't matter.
We made rapid progress, and reach Itchington Bottom Lock (with its ridiculously low balance beam) just before 6.30. We continued through Bridge 26, and moored up for the night in a very peaceful spot. We are on board. It continued to rain all evening, but the weather forecast for the next few days is a great deal better. There was no internet signal though (which is why this post is being made half a day late!)
2 miles, 10 locks.
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