Finally reach Sharpness.

So we resumed our journey down to the end.
No sunshine but no wind either and it was dry
So no complaining.

As we went through Patch Bridge the lock keeper called out a message which we could hear very clearly.  It sounded as if the bridges at Purton might be closed.   Since I had had a CRT notice to that effect yesterday it seemed plausible, although the notice had only said delays and not shut.

To be on the safe side I called the bridge keeper.  We were told to come on down, they did have problems but we should be able to pass through.

Purton Upper Bridge
We made it through but then had to wait until it was closed and the bridge keeper had cycled to
 Purton Lower Bridge to open that one.  

Not much further and we reach our destination
Seen here is one of the supports of the Old Severn Railway Bridge.

Click on the link above for the whole sad story.

We had our pick of the best mooring place as they were very few boats.    A quick text to Sue to say we had arrived just a day later than planned.   She was staying with her sister Carol nearby so just before lunch they both arrived to visit.  Sadly Carol had to leave almost as soon as they had arrived but Sue stayed on and we had a great time reminiscing about our days in Larnaca Marina nearly 30 years ago.....sounds terrible when I put a figure to it!

The weather was kind to us and it was a sunny afternoon and into the early evening
which we rounded off with a gentle glass of Pimms.

Total distance:4.39 miles 

Elapsed time:1h25m31s 

Locks:0

Bridges:3 
Average speed:3.08 mph (3.08 lock/mph)