Bit of a dilemma today.

Yesterday's post and my parting comment was 'If we ever catch up with them...beware.' Little did we know that this was exactly what was to happen at Sea brook locks.

Another early start as we had 8 miles and 18 locks to do and wanted to reach Leighton Buzzard before dark. Got to Bulbourne and the first lock on the Marsworth flight had a bottom paddle raised. This didn't bode well for the rest of the journey.

Top lock Marsworth locks

Start of the Wendover Arm. About a mile long with a winding hole at the end.

  But the next three were nearly full and just needed topping up. Nearly at the bottom and a boat was coming up. The lock looked to be half full so Ian tossed a coin to see whether to raise the top or bottom paddle, we lost! Up went the bottom paddle and the lock empied for that boat. He wished he hadn't because everything was done at snail's pace. This chap and misses were moving the boat for a client and was not to be hurried although Ian did try to help. In fact, at one point he had to loosen the centre rope as they appeared unaware that the boat was in danger of tipping. Aghhh....more delays!

Waiting for that ascending boat.

 9 locks in the Marsworth flight and between lock 38 and 37 the pound was low again. We knew a boat was going down in front, happened to catch a glimpse whilst waiting at lock 38.

 Would they wait at the three Sea Brook locks? We very much doubted that and sure enough, going through the swing bridge and we spy them on the second of the locks. But then wow, a paddle was being raised for us.

Take back all I said and arriving at the third lock there they were in waiting. But then the penny dropped. Oh, no...it was that speeding boat! Now, what to do.  Mention they had pulled our pins or just ignore it. 

We chose not to say anything as they had lifted a paddle and waited. I'm glad we kept quiet as a nicer pair of guys one was ever likely to meet. John the chap helming the boat works for the BBC. I'm not sure exactly what his role is but he mentioned Songs of Praise and Holby City. His Husky's name was Booshka. Ah, I said Kate Bush. Turns out he worked on one of her videos wnen he was in his late teens and was a massive fan of her music, hence the dog's name.

John holding the centre rope. Partner Stewart chatting to Ian

Got to Leighton Buzzard and found our way blocked. A C&RT crane boat across the canal. It appeared to be loose and sure enough after Ian went to have a look he found the pins pulled. John came to help and between them and another guy, got the boat safely back to the bank.

We moored up just beyond the footbridge. Walked to Tesco and wished we had second sight as Tesco moorings were free. But then again these moorings are only for 2 hours, just long enough for a shop and looking at the 14 day moorings, not a space to be had so glad we stopped when we did.

And seen on route,