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.