LOCKS LOCKS AND MORE LOCKS.

The journey from Kings Langley to Milton Keynes is 34 miles and 48 locks, and we had less than a week to complete the trip, and see the Captains cousins from South Africa.

The first day we did 9 locks 3½ miles which took us to Winkwell. At one of the locks we met a large widebeam boat. He was actually backing into the lock as I arrived to return to his mooring after filling up with water. It was a sight to see, and I was joined by the Captain who lent a helping hand. There were a couple of lady gongoozlers who were fascinated by what was happening and life on a boat in general.

After a long day we made it to Winkwell and the pub, the Three Horseshoes. A lovely canal side pub with a reasonable selection of beers, and food that looked very yummy indeed. But I had already cooked roast beef with all the trimmings on the boat so we gave it a miss.

https://www.the3horseshoeswinkwell.co.uk/

Monday, 7 locks 2 miles and the day of the Queens funeral, but unfortunately we didn’t get to see much of it as we needed to move. At the second lock of the day we found we could go no further due to the pound above being empty, luckily we were informed of this by a passing cyclist, and later a father and daughter. The Captain walked up the next few locks to see what was occurring, whilst I stayed with the boat and chatted to the couple. It turned out he had just bought a 65ft boat called Lady Sarah, and intended to live on it in a marina for the first year to see how he got on. He showed me some pictures and we chatted about this and that.

The Captain returned with the news that some CRT guys were running water down to fill the pound, and that it should now be passable with care. So off we went. I made the mistake of getting back on the boat after the first lock, only to find out we couldn’t get to the side to let me off at the next one. The Captain said something about throwing me off, but I know he was only joking, well I hope so. Then a knight in shining armour came along and opened the gate for us, and I was able to jump off just as we entered the lock. Having realised my mistake I walked up to the next lock. After this the water levels improved and we had no more problems. We found good moorings near the Crystal Palace pub in Berkhamsted, but decided strangely for us to give it a miss.

A quick shop at Waitrose next day, and after being quite surprised how quiet the Berkhampsted mooring were we set off, and did 8 locks and 3½ miles to Cowroast. But disaster struck in one lock. We had joined an old working boat in the lock, and as the Captain was manoeuvring the good ship Avalon Two out of the open gate, the front cratch cover caught on something, and there was a terrible ripping sound. We moored up in the MONW for the night and the Captain examined the rip. It had made quiet a mess and had actually stretched the fabric. A running repair using gaffer tape will have to suffice until we return to Swan Lane.

Although the 2 previous days had been busy it was nothing compared with the next day, 18 locks and 12 miles. There was a good reason for this, we really wanted to spend a night at Leighton Buzzard and do some shopping the next day.

The Marsworth flight of 7 locks was our first challenge, but luckily for us we had help from a couple of volunteer lock keepers. At the bottom of the flight we chatted to Jami and Chris, and I let Jami try working the lock as she wanted to see how hard it could be.

We also met a couple of not so bright boaters, the first decided to wind his boat even though he could see us coming and we had to stop and wait. The second didn’t wait to share a lock with us even though we were in plain sight. So a few grumbles from both of us.

We got to Leighton Buzzard around teatime, and after a short rest went to the pub, firstly a micropub called The Bald Buzzard, unfortunately they had sold out of the stout and the Captain made do with a lager.

https://www.facebook.com/baldbuzzardmicropub/

Then on to the Black Lion, one of our favourite pubs. Last time we were here they had a Gin and Jazz festival with with over 250 gins to try. They also always have Sam Smith’s stout on, but some how the Captain forgot this, even after being told by me and the barmaid, and he decided to try a black ipa which was okay. I reminded him about the stout and so we stayed for another.

https://www.blacklionlb.com/

It was to late for me to start cooking, so we called for a kebab and chips from Kebab Ye, and it was lovely, and huge, very good value for money.

https://www.kebabyetakeaway.co.uk/

We were nearing the end of our journey and next day only 5 locks and 5 miles, including the 3 at Soulbury, were we found a hire boat moored on the lock landing, and fishermen blocking the towpath. Words were had with both parties. 2 very helpful lock keepers helped us down the flight and we moored up in the MONW for a quiet night.

The last lock was at Fenny Stratford, and this lock has a swing bridge in the middle of it which has to be opened to use the lock. As there was already a boat in the lock I didn’t need to open the bridge, we let the other boat out first, but when I went to close the bridge, I discovered that locking mechanism was broken and the bridge wouldn’t lock in place. We informed CRT and put some hand written warning notices on the bridge, hopefully it will be repaired asap.

Fenny Stratford Lock

Our moorings were at Peartree and we got here in plenty of time for the get together.

We have hardly gone a day without spotting beautiful kingfishers, and red kites have been plentiful in the sky. The views are stunning along this part of the canal, and the weather has been kind to us.

That’s all for now folks.

THE WAITING GAME

 

Well as you know we were stuck at Brentford, and to make the most of it we decided to head into the town for a look round, and of course the pub. There is a lot of regeneration work going on in the town and it will be very nice when its all finished. We had a walk round and looked in an estate agents window and nearly died at the cost of houses, both to rent and to buy, its so much cheaper oop norf.

Last time we were in Brentford we tried the Brewer Tap which is by the river, so this was our first port of call. They had 5 hand pulls on but 4 of them were Fuller Pride, so not much choice. But then I spotted a bottle of Black Cab Stout in the cooler so the Captain was a happy bunny. We only had the one in there as it just didn’t jell with us.

https://www.brewery-tap-brentford.co.uk/

So on to the Black Dog. Now this was much more to our taste, with a choice of 2 darks for the Captain, and ABK lager for me. It is a lovely pub with a nice outside area but we chose to sit inside. It is very family friendly and obviously well used by the locals. The food menu was exciting and different. The couple next to us order the ribs and some loaded fries, they looked and smelt amazing. Well worth a visit.

https://www.blackdogbeerhouse.co.uk/

There was no update on the broken lock over the weekend so we had a quiet couple of days.

The Captain isn’t having much luck sorting out the stove situation, he found a company in Lancashire that makes stoves to order, so he contacted them explaining what we wanted, but as with the refurbishment they said it wouldn’t be until mid October as they are very busy. He looked into ordering an off the shelf model, but this came with delivery issues, so we may have to head back to Coventry a little earlier than intended to sort something out.

On Monday we had plans to meet up with my cousin Gary, and his wife Toni for a drink and a meal in London, we had intended to be moored up at Little Venice for this but ended up using the tube to get into central London. We went and paid our respects at Buckingham Palace, and the Mall looked amazing. The flowers at Green Park were beautiful and the whole experience was very moving.

We also made it to Borough Market, a real foody place and one of my favourite places.

https://boroughmarket.org.uk/

I would have loved to have gone and seen the statue of Bob the street cat which was unveiled at Islington last year, but we ran out of time.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-57855092

We had a lovely time with Gary, Toni and one of their sons Joe, including a lovely meal at Rasa Sayang. The day was exhausting but well worth the effort.

https://www.rasasayangfood.com/

Although the locks reopened next day we decided to stay put and recover.

But the following day it was back to the grind, and the 10 locks of the Hanwell flight. The paddles and the gates seemed very heavy after spending a week on the Thames doing nothing but hold a rope.

We managed to moor at Tesco at Bulls Bridge, and were very pleased to see a Lidl has opened on the same site, and a Home Bargains will be opening soon next door.

A boat pulled in behind us and we got chatting to Neil and Chris, they had just bought the boat and it had been on hard standing for about 15yrs, the engine was very smokey, but they were confident they would get it to Wigrams Turn marina without a hitch.

The journey to Milton Keynes started in earnest the next day, with the first lock of the 69 we have to do to get there. We moored in Uxbridge and had a quiet night.

8 locks to Rickmansworth, and we met boats at everyone, which was helpful and made it a very pleasant day. We had discovered a micropub had opened in the town since we were last here, so we had to go and give The Wishful Drinking a try. They had a good selection of beers, and as we were finishing our second pint a couple came in looking for a seat, as we were sat at a table for 4 we invited them to join us, and of course we got chatting. They were originally from Stoke and were fascinated by our life style. It made for a very nice finish to the day.

https://www.wishfuldrinking.co.uk/

I won’t say we were rudely awakened next day, but a race round the park we were moored next to, with the stewards shouting encouragement to all the runners, put paid to a long lie in.

After shopping at Tesco we set off to do the 13 locks to Kings Langley. At the 2^nd lock I could see a young guy crouching on the towpath, as I wandered past him I found out why. There was a large toad sitting enjoying the sunshine in the middle of the path. The young man seemed perturbed at this, and as I bent down to pick it up to move it off the path, he asked me what we should do with it. The toad, not wanting to be manhandled by me hopped off into the undergrowth and we all went on our merry way.

 

Also at this lock we met the Captain and crew from NB Puddleduck II, Gerry and Janette, and they joined us for the rest of the locks. They were great company, and Gerry recognised my Derbyshire accent as he had trained to be a teacher in Matlock in the 1970’s. They live in Lichfield now keeping their narrowboat at the end of their garden.

One of the locks on this stretch is a favourite of mine, as there are always loads of Gongoozlers there to chat to and help out if necessary. Today was no exception.

After a long day we moored at Kings Langley. The Captain had to take a look at the prop as it had started making a funny noise earlier in the day. Good thing he did, as one of the retaining bolts had sheered. Ever resourceful he had a spare, so next day before setting off he replaced the offending bolt and replaced all the nuts just to be sure.

Puddleduck II left a lot earlier then us about 8.30am. I was just up making our morning cuppa to take back to bed with a biscuit. I would have liked to travel further with them as we got on very well, maybe we will see them again someday.

As well as the toad we have had sightings of kingfishers, herons red kites, buzzards and a snowy white little egret. And first for us a little grebe.

Milton Keynes next folks.

THE TERRIFIC THAMES TAKE 2

Henley on Thames

So, we are back on the Thames and heading for London, we have a weeks license and will make the most of it, visiting places we didn’t visit on our last cruise in 2015.

Our first port of call was Henley on Thames, its a very boaty place famous for its regatta.

I love the locks on the Thames because they are huge, and usually have look keepers on to operate them for you. My job in these locks is to hold the bow of the boat steady, using our bow line round a bollard. If there is no lock keeper then everything is done with the push of a button.

It is also the home of the big yogurt pots, or as we call them the Gin Palaces. Small motor boats are very popular, as are the beautiful wooden Edwardian launchers. It’s a right mixture you could say.

As we came into moor at Henley a huge trip boat called the New Orleans passed by, and I could hear the commentary, looked up see of all people Brian Blessed doing the honours. The boat is owned and run by Hobbs of Henley, and for £50 per person you can cruise with this British icon of stage, screen and TV for 90mins.

https://www.hobbsofhenley.com/overboard-with-brian-blessed

The Thames is run by the Environment Agency, and unlike CRT run waters were you can moor for free, you tend to have to pay for mooring on the Thames, and at Henley it cost us £12 for the night.

But it was worth it. We took a walk into the town which is very pretty with plenty of shops, restaurants and pubs. Of course we had to try a couple of the pubs. The Argyll first, a quaint pub with a lovely outside area at the back. No dark ales, but the Captain found a ruby ale which wasn’t bad. Then the Three Tuns, a tiny quirky place, no darks but a drinkable bitter this time. Lastly The Catherine Wheel, the local Wetherspoons, a huge place with the usual Wetherspoon offerings.

A damp start next day as we headed to Marlow, a trip of 8 miles and 4 big locks, all manned. The houses that line the river are huge and impressive, and its very much a case of ‘who lives in a house like this’.

At Marlow we managed to just fit in the last spot, although we had been offered the chance to brest up with NB Comfortably Numb if there wasn’t room, many thanks to its Captain and crew.

We walked over the bridge and into Marlow and decided to give a couple of the pubs a try, well you know us. Firstly Two Brewers, not a lot of choice for the Captain so just a half in there, then The Crafty Tap, expensive but at least a stout for the Captain. Finally The Brewery Tap, a proper sports bar full of people watching Man United v Arsenal, so very lively, but the beer choice again not great for the Captain, he is a fussy bugger at times.

Next day after I struggled with one of the few locks I have had to do myself on the river, we found a great wild mooring spot for the night. But we had some bad news about our stove, the company who the Captain had contacted to have it refurbished, came back with a quote for around £600, which is cheaper than a new one, however when the Captain contacted them to organise pick up and drop off, he was told that it would take at least 3 weeks, that’s no good to us while we are on the move, so back to the drawing board. We need to get something sorted before the cold weather sets in.

The rain has plagued us most of the week, the next day was an early start as very heavy storms were forecast just after lunch. We cruised through Windsor and Eton, past the magnificent Windsor Castle and Eton College. We also passed Bray Studios were such films as The Rocky Horror and Alien were made.

https://www.braystudios.com/

We made it to Staines just as the rain started and found excellent free moorings next to a real ale pub, bonus.

Of course we had to try the pub, The Last Hop owned by the Thames Side Brewery, it is a lovely airy place with a great selection of beer and a music venue at weekends

http://lasthop.co.uk/

There is also a Lidl with in walking distance of the moorings. Unfortunately didn’t look round the town due to…. Yes the rain.

The rain has been the bane of our life this week. We got to Hampton Court just before it started and had intended to visit this historical place, but the rain (there's that word again) and the cost put us off. But we found great moorings which were free for 24hrs.

The final leg of our journey was a short hop to Teddington, but this time to rain caught us out and we moored in a downpour.

We were booked to go out onto the tidal Thames the following afternoon, so after drying out we headed for the pub, The Tide End Cottage. We had been here 4yrs ago and had enjoyed a good meal so we decided to try it again. However it wasn’t the best experience for me, although the Captains fish and chips were amazing. I ordered a pulled lamb hot pot, but when it came out it was just a dish of gravy with potatoes on the top, I found 2 pieces of meat but they were mostly gristle. So I complained and asked for the rump steak instead. This took a good 15mins to come, by which time the Captain had finished his meal. It was just a disaster for me. They charged me for the hotpot which was a couple of quid cheaper, but that was it. Such a shame, I had really been looking forward to the meal.

It was while in the pub we heard the sad news of the passing of our Queen, Elizabeth II. In a way I think we had been expecting it, but it didn’t make the news any less poignant.

Our trip on the tidal Thames was uneventful. We were joined by 2 other narrowboats for the journey. However disaster struck when we got to Brentford and joined the Grand Union canal for our journey into London. The lock keeper informed us that the Hanwell flight of locks were closed due to an issue with a paddle on one of the locks. So now we are stuck at Brentford, not knowing when this will be repaired and the locks reopened. It has been a year for hold ups.

On a lighter note, we have seen some lovely birds on our journey on the Thames, including the beautiful but noisy Ring Necked Parakeets, the colourful Jay and one of my favourite water birds the Great Crested Grebe. As well as kingfishers, herons, coots, Egyptian geese and the ever present swans and mallards.

Great Crested Grebe