Last nights sunset at Tring reservoir and I was not the only photographer admiring the scene. Sue and Ken also photographing the spectacle.
Only one up to see us off this morning was Jennie and we waved a fond farewell with the hope we will see them all again at a future date. Then it was down one lock and the left turn to the Aylesbury.
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| Staircase locks are the first two on the Aylesbury Arm |
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| These hideous buildings at the junction are three bed houses. They can be yours for a cool £550,000! |
All single locks now, making a nice change, but work was much harder. No board across the bottom gates which meant walking round every time to open or close. Ian took a leaf out of the Thames Lock keepers and used our boat pole. Mostly worked okay but some gates he struggled on.
At every lock a bottom paddle was raised which took even more time. Meeting C&RT working on a bridge they told us this was what was expected even though no signs were in place. Then we had the problem of low pounds. Between lock 6 and 7 and then again after lock 12. I could only creep and stay in the middle. Well over a foot down, which was strange as the other locks had water pouring over the top.
Anyway exactly 5 hours later we arrived at Tesco. After a quick shop we descended the last lock and sailed into the basin. Wasn't sure where to moor at first. All along the towpath side were notices saying service point mooring only. As I turned the corner to wind, there right in front of us were pontoons. Nothing to say we couldn't moor so we came alongside and moored up. A gate leads out to the town center and right on your doorstep a Waitrose. If we don't get chucked off we will stay another day.
Went to wetherspoon's for dinner. Much better meal then the one yesterday at the Anglers Retreat and Ian said he may well treat me to breakfast tomorrow. At £2.99 for a full English one cant go wrong.
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| Parts of the bottom sections were very nearly single traffic only |
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| And a reed hazard at a bridge 'ole |
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| New Marina. |
And today's photos, only a Heron.
2 comments:
Fabulous photos of the sunset and the heron, Irene. Well done, you clever woman!
I agree those houses are hideous, at any price, methinks.
We have a new way of dealing with the double gates when on our own, shown us by a couple of boatie friends and it works a treat. You may like to try it out: we have a strong cord made up with a dog lead hook attachment on it. The cord is about 8 metres long I think. David attaches it (using the dog hook thing back on to the cord - like a choke chain for a dog) to the white pipe along the top of the far side gate and brings the trailing end back to the side he's operating from. Then when it's time for me to leave the lock (or go in, depending) he holds the cord to keep control of the gate and then pulls it closed when I'm through. Works well on the double lock gates - Could be worth a try on the single locks too.
Was that dissertation clear? If not give me a call and I can probably explain it better ...
By the way, have been thinking about you lately - it's time David had another haircut!
Cheers, Marilyn
Well, even if I don't understand your instructions, Ian does and thinks it's a brilliant idea, especially on the doubles. Shame we got rid of the dogs leads. As for the haircut, wish we were with you as Ian also desperate for a cut. The only time I ever attempted to cut his hair I managed to almost scalp him. Hope to meet up again and continue our chat about New Zealand. Xxxx
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