What a bank holiday

Every boat we pass I make the same comment that this is the first bank holiday for 20 years with sunshine. 

This was Sunday morning first thing.

Sunshine wall to wall. 

At Norton Junction we turned north onto the Leicester branch line of the Grand Union. 

And first in line for Watford locks.

That's what I thought. I hadn't realised that one boat had already been taken up through the first lock. Still, no rush.

Look at the captain - first time in short sleeves this holiday. 

And off we go. Or should I say up we go!

And, in no time at all, we're at the top. 

Just stopped to attend to the toilet and in the distance is the M1 bridge crossing the canal. I took 4 photos trying to catch a vehicle crossing the bridge but missed every time.

We made our way up to Yelvertoft where we passed this smart inspection launch. It's obviously a modern copy but in the old days the owners of the canals would be taken in these glass fronted boats to survey their waterways. 

Stopped in a fairly isolated spot for the night and, guess what, no fire again. Being Sunday roast pork for supper.

Monday 

More sun but scattered showers forecast.

Made our way to Welford, the starting point of our canal adventures some 48/49 years ago. 

We are moored where the hire boats used to be. It still brings back memories, even now.

We took a walk round Welford and went through the 'pocket park'. These information boards were most educational.

And the captain met up with an old friend...

Back to the boat for a pizza from the mobile pizza van. Just as good as last time.