Off to Norton Junction

Looks like the weather is forecast as overcast today. 

Once again, plenty of hire boats around and we set off following one through Crick Tunnel.

We could see ahead of us the tunnel light of another boat coming towards us.

Actually it was two boats but we didn't know that until we were about to pass each other. We sailed straight through but there was quite a lot of bangs from the other boats as they hit the tunnel wall. 

We arrived at the top of Watford locks just after 12. Lovely view one way. 

And the M1 the other. Not a good place to stop for long. 

A lovely day as we look down the lock flight. 

And, off we go - only an hour after we arrived! We had to wait for three boats to come up first. 

In the picture you can see white paddle gear and red paddle gear. Always open the red paddle first otherwise you can get into trouble. 

The white paddle lets water out of the lock into the side pound and is a water saving measure. 

Once we got going it only took half an hour to get through all the locks and then it was full steam ahead to Norton Junction. 

We found a mooring for the night and lit the fire as it was quite chilly in the afternoon. 

What a lovely sunset. 

More signs of Spring today with ducklings and cygnets being fussed over by proud parents. 

Good day or bad day?

Do you ever have one of those days when, as soon as you wake up you know it's going to be a good day (or even the opposite, it's going to be a ghastly day). 

Well, this morning wasn't one of those days 😅

I had no idea what was going to be in store for us. 

Anyway, a photo of our overnight mooring taken by the captain.

Looks like being a good day on the cut. 

Much of our trip today was a repeat of our last outing in April. 

A look back at a favourite stopping place near the Fieldside Covert - no stopping this time round. 

But here's a view of the seat in the covert where we rested last time on our walk. 

A bit far off but a proud mother sheep with three lambs. The field looks empty but there are plenty of other sheep around, just not in frame. 

The canal was quite busy but it is the Bank Holiday week, so I suppose it's to be expected. 

But we are now moored at Crick and popped up to the Coop for necessary supplies. Had a lovely chat with a lady who thought we lived in the village. It's lovely to meet strangers who have the time to talk with you. 

Supper tonight is what we call risotto, chicken, onions, peppers, mushrooms, rice and tomatoes with leftover gravy as a stock. That with a glass of wine will do nicely, thank you. 

And we're off!

Monday 4th may and after sorting out the rubbish, toilet and water we're all ready to go. 

A gentle reverse out from the pontoon and then out of the marina. 

Managed to get out just before The Life of Pi came in. A few seconds later and we would have had to wait for them to enter first. 

Fifteen minutes later and we are moored up again. 

Why's that? Guess who forgot to move the car to the main carpark! 

It's a request from management that if you're going out cruising then you leave your car safely tucked away at the back of the marina where it is less likely to be damaged. 

Why is it always me who has to walk back and move the car? However, the captain did say that she would get some lunch ready for when I got back.

Luckily there's a side gate into the marina and I was back at the boat in no time at all. 

Lunch was indeed ready and afterwards we set off again. 

On our way along the canal we were overtaken by four canoeists who looked as if they were training for a race. Then, round the next corner, here they come again! Fair wore me out watching them. 

Eventually stopped for the night near the Hemplow Hills. 

Look, just one cow on the skyline. 

Just time to top-up the greaser, refill the anti-diesel bug bottle before supper of roast chicken with all the extras. 

Should sleep well tonight! 

We're back aboard

We are back on board having driven up from home on Friday. 

The shower is now mended and in full working order - yippee! 

Saturday was spent sorting out the boat and topping up supplies before setting off on Monday for about 5 weeks cruising. Not sure yet which way to go but we'll probably head South to start with and see which way we turn after Braunston. 

Saturday afternoon we took a turn around the marina as it was a lovely day. 

This is the lake in the marina grounds with picnic benches dotted all round the place. 

And the captain surveying the marina from the bridge over the entrance to the canal. 

Moving on to Sunday we spent most of the day with Harvey and Helen, went to church with them - twice! Communion service in the morning and Taizé in the evening. A lovely family day together. 

So, tomorrow, fill up with water, empty the loo and off we go - at least, that's the plan! 

At home for the weekend

Sorry everyone, I should have said that we were coming home for a few days. 

The Operatic Society that we joined in 1974 held a final concert after 70 years of performances and shows and we had been invited to attend. This was something that we didn't want to miss and we were glad to meet up with old friends and remember times past. 

The photo was from 51 years ago, G&S's The Grand Duke with the captain centre stage front. 

Back to base

Very cold last night but we have had the fire alight overnight all week to keep the chill at bay. It makes quite a difference waking up to a warm boat. 

Not many photos today as it didn't take us long to get back to the marina. We came back shortly after lunchtime in the hopes that someone might be able to take a look at the shower for us. I spoke to Mae in the office about it and she thought that we might need a new bar mixer unit. I burst out laughing because I thought she said bar mitzvah! (The captain's right, I really should have a hearing test!) Anyway, somebody will be across in the morning to sort things out for us. 

It was lovely and sunny so I had a go at rust proofing the locker hinges at the front of the boat. 

Hopefully I'll get a coat of red paint on them tomorrow. 

And lastly a look at the boat before the sun finally disappears. 

Corned beef hash tonight, another of our favourites. Should sleep well after that. 

The return trip

Well, an amazingly windy day today. Luckily the sun shone the whole time but steering the boat proved to be a challenge. 

Back through Crick Tunnel and we almost got through without meeting another boat. However, just as we were about to exit into the daylight, an oncoming boat decided to enter. If he'd waited a couple of minutes we wouldn't have had to crawl past each other and he wouldn't have crunched into the tunnel wall. Hey ho! 

The building straight ahead used to be a lovely café but it has now become the base for Smithwood Narrowboats. It's good to see the site being used and not left to fall into disrepair. 

Doesn't Crick Marina look good on a sunny day. 

A little further along the canal there was a fox having a drink from the side. By the time we got the phone out for a picture it had run off along the edge of the field. Again it came down to the water's edge but again we couldn't get a shot. 

You can't see them too well but there was a mass of peggles (cowslips) on the towpath. We're growing them at home but they are taking time to get established. 

Well we motored for about four hours today which gave the boat a good run. Back to the marina tomorrow to see if they can sort out the problems with the shower.

Keep your fingers crossed!

Moored in the same place as we did on our first night out. Still windy and still sunny.