A misty and damp start to our boating today. We moved down to Cowroast lock, one desirable residence for sale at the lock. This was the second empty canalside cottage that we had seen in the past two days; the large cottage at Bulbourne workshops was the first. We would not choose to live in either; a view is important to us. We have previously converted a pair of farm cottages from the Victorian era; we have had our fill of damp proofing and dry lining thank you very much!
We soon arrived at Northchurch top lock; I have stopped there many times, to have a drink and a break from driving. If the M25 or M1 was congested when I was making deliveries, I would use this route from the A5 to the M25 at Heathrow. It took me less than the four days that it will take us by canal!
At Berkhampstead bottom lock, a boat travelling our way was waiting in the lock with one gate open; he had seen us behind him and being a single hander, was more than glad of the company.
Passing through Berkhampstead, we had the pleasant job of waving to the many kids in push chairs who were showing their parents/grandparents how to feed the ducks. Some of them even waved back (the kids that was – all of the parents/grandparents waved).
Passing the site of the boatyard previously occupied by Bridgwater Boats; I exchanged a few words with a lady on the towpath. She told me that the development has had the planning application for flats refused; at present negotiations are going on with a view to buying the land from the developers, in order to preserve the site for boating use. A figure of £1,000,000 has been mentioned!
We shared locks until sewer lock; where we met an oncoming boat crewed by a pair of modern boaters. These are the ones that tie the boat up on the lock landing; then the two of them stand there and watch as you do the gates and paddles, making no attempt to come and chat or help.
Fortunately, we are usually tied up for the day by the time that these types seem to be moving.
We moved down to Bridge 146 above Winkwell top lock, tying up for the day.
2009 Totals – Locks 59, Miles 69; Bus pass uses 2.
