We stayed with the boat and watched the canoeists arrive. Fortunately, we weren‟t in the way as they were operating from their newly completed landing stage. Ian returned with lots more rope, a two part aluminium ladder and more boards, and Trish arrived with her 4x4 for extra grunt. We then built a stronger ramp, got it into position and rolled the trailer down into the water. Then, after Ian had greased the runners, “Matchbox” was manoeuvred into line and winched onto her trailer. So far, so good. The cobbles were too slippery to give enough grip so both 4x4‟s were positioned on the tarmac at the top of the slope and roped to the trailer. The big heave began. We were so nearly there! With only inches to go, one of the ladders bent and the load on the Isuzu increased causing its clutch to give up the fight. With all handbrakes on, and “Matchbox” listing significantly, we paused to scratch heads. It was a bit like the final scene in “The Italian Job” with the coach balanced on the edge of the ravine! By this time the sun was Just the one bent ladder going down and the helpful canoeists had departed, to be replaced by local lads and lasses offering not so helpful advice. There was nothing for it but to lower her back in the river, moor up for the night and return with more kit on Sunday. We got the trailer back out and cleared up the area. When cool, the overstressed clutch appeared to be working again. The problem then was - where could we moor “Matchbox” securely for the night? With the locals still focussed on us and looking more like vultures as the sun got lower, we all climbed aboard again and motored upstream to a secluded spot, tied up to a couple of trees, locked up and walked back to our vehicles in the gathering gloom. Sunday dawned wet and Ian decided to wait for dryer weather, so it was Tuesday before she was brought back to the slipway and recovered successfully. Fortunately, no damage apart from scaffold boards, ladder and clutch. So, mission accomplished with thanks to all concerned and a huge debt of gratitude to Ian Graham and his Wilderness Team. I‟ve started on a navigation chart of the river to inform future boaters and we all look forward to a great weekend next September. Longer term, we are a step closer to seeing craft from the Kennet & Avon on the river heading towards Lacock and beyond! Paul Lenaerts
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