Fletcher lost his balance crossing the gates at Limekiln Lock and plunged into the murky waters of the lock. A half filled lock, debris and ice floating in it. I chased across the lock gates disgarding camera and windlass en route and climbed down the ladder into the icy water, one arm hooked around a rung and the other trying to entice my my frightened dog who was swimming in circles around the lock desperately looking for a way out. Jill captured Floyd who was having a quick panic on the lock side. I managed to get Fletcher to swim to me and hooked him between the ladder and my body. By now Graham had arrived and hastily moored Nb.Matilda Rose. Fletcher had another panic, escaped my grip and did another circuit of the lock before I could get him back again. Graham and Jill opened the paddles to let in more water and then Graham was able to reach down and snatch Fletcher's collar, hauling him up with me pushing from below.
Panic over. Hot shower, cup of tea and a brisk rub down with a towel for Fletcher saw us on the move again.
Thanks all round to the rescue team from Fletcher and ME!!!
6 comments:
Phew!!!!!! Glad that all ended well. Please be careful you lot.
Regards,
Pav-NB Marmaduke.
Glad you're alright, Fletch, and now you've fallen in, you can call yourself a proper boat dog. We've all been there, but not in such spectacular fashion as you. Fancy doing a pirouette off the gates into a half full, wide lock - you labs are such exhibitionists!
Blimey, that sounds very scary! Glad to hear everyone (and everydog) was safe and sound at the end of it.
Pav, Greygal and James
Fletcher wishes to thank you all for your kind wishes and says he is quite recovered now from his traumatic experience - Mum still has frozen pieces though!!
Lesley, Thank goodness there were friends around to help.
We decided years ago never to let Labs cross lock gates as they tend to be a bit wide at shoulder and ribs and can push themselves off if the paddle gear protrudes.
This doesn't stop 'em occasionally falling off the side tho; that's another story!
Happy cruising.
Thanks Evelyn
We have yet to test Fletcher's attitude to locks as flood conditions on the Soar have put a brake on cruising at the moment. I hope that Fletcher is prepared to sit and watch rather than follow me, if not he will be tethered! My heart won't cope withtoo many of those frights!!
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