In the 10 days since my last post we have travelled a fairly long distance in canal terms but a very short distance in motorway terms, roughly 28 miles I think.  However that has included about 75 locks, which believe me is hard work!

Today we are having a day off and are moored up alongside Cassiobury Park, which is the outskirts of London, a short distance from Watford.  Had a good evening last night meeting old friends that we hadn't seen for a long time.  A very pleasant evening was passed in the Harvester at Croxley, which is in easy walking distance from the mooring.  As the said friends live in London we shall be seeing more of them over the next little while.

On Friday 15th May we diverted off the mainline and wandered down the Aylesbury Arm.  A very rural and picturesque canal.  Stopping the first night at Wilstone, we had a meal in the Half Moon.  Unfortunately they did not start serving food until 6:00 and as we arrived at about 4:00 rather too much alcohol was consumed while waiting to eat. The following morning we continued on to Aylesbury and the very pleasant moorings situated right next to the town centre.  We had heard mixed reviews but we had a good stay and would definitely recommend the moorings.

Turning onto the Aylesbury Arm at Marsworth Junction

The top lock on the Aylesbury Arm is a staircase.

Truly tried to wander into the garden of this cottage

Mooring in Aylesbury

Truly supervising lock operations

There was plenty of water around on the Aylesbury Arm

After spending the weekend in Aylesbury we made our way back to the main line and the delights of Marsworth Flight.  Midflight I found a family of geese, parents and eight  goslings sitting patiently in the lock waiting for a free ride up.  They had obviously done this before paddling around while the lock filled and then as the gates opened floating happily out and off up the canal.

Having negotiated Marsworth flight we took in the Wendover Arm where we stayed overnight.  This canal is currently under restoration and is only navigable for 1.5 miles.

Heygates flour mill along the Wendover Arm

An early afternoon arrival at Berkhampstead allowed the opportunity for some retail therapy along the small but busy high street and I bought a hat from the market, much to Graham's disgust.  He has no understanding of the importance of hats (or shoes and bags).  Poor Jake got attacked by a goose on his morning walk along the towpath at Berkhampstead.  One of the white farmyard types.  In particular he did not like it trying to peck his tail as he went past.

Pair of working boats breasted up to pass through the locks

Totem pole canalside at Berkhampstead

Leaving Hemel Hempstead we got a lucky break and paired up with another narrowboat to do the locks together.  This makes life a lot easier.  We had travelled with this boat earlier this year coming down Buckby flight so knew that we would get on together.  As we were all continuing the following day we did the next stage together.  They have now moved further on than us but we may see them further on as we have similar trips planned.

In spite of being so close to London the canal continues to be rural

Ornamented bridge

Approaching the lock

After a slow start to the year it feels as though we are finally underway.  This year we are heading south along the Grand Union Canal to London and the River Thames.  Hopefully taking in several arms and rivers along the way.

At the moment we are having a day off from cruising due to the horrible weather forecast.  It is raining, cold and windy.  However not all bad as we are sitting in front of a small but cosy fire and have just eaten a good lunch of home made soup made chicken soup made from leftover roast chicken.

Today's weather is in contrast to the glorious day we had yesterday, which should have been a shorts day if I had bothered to change.  Yesterday was a good day which included a late breakfast in the Swan hotel, the Wetherspoon's in Leighton Buzzard.  A fairly long day though with several locks, all doubles so mainly heavy paddles and big heavy gates.  Some are very picturesque though.

Soulbury Locks showing the Three Locks pub, handily placed lockside

Jeanie Deans in Soulberry middle lock

Church Lock with what used to be Buckinghamshire's smallest Chapel (now a private house) adjacent

Due to the forecast we had a longer day yesterday than originally planned and found a good mooring with a pleasant view over the Dunstable Downs where we are staying for today.

View from the mooring

At different perspective of today's view

Travelling by canal is always interesting and varied with widely differing countryside and outlooks often in relatively short distances.  Wolverton is a case in point.  We stayed here for a couple of days as Graham had an appointment in London and the railway station was close at hand.  The moorings are outside a new development of flats and apartments and on the face of it not an ideal place to stay.  However it was surprisingly quiet and peaceful.

Suprisingly quiet mooring at Wolverton

However a matter of two miles to the north of Wolverton in the pretty rural village of Cosgrove the idyllic looking moorings are busy with boats and lots of towpath traffic.

Aquaduct taking the Grand Union Canal over the River Great Ouse at Cosgrove

View from the aquaduct, where we took the dogs for a lovely walk

Another view from the aquaduct

Wide beam boats are commonplace on the Grand Union 

Milton Keynes in particular is surprising for the very rural and picturesque aspect of the canal!

The suprisingly rural aspect of the canal through Milton Keynes

This moored boat looked more suited to the seaside than Milton Keynes

Passing through Milton Keynes

As ever it is good to spot all the wildlife and too see all the various waterfowl chicks!

The dogs are of course continuing to enjoy life afloat.

Truly adopting her favourite position.

Jake being Jake!

Weather permitting tomorrow we will continue and head down the Aylesbury Arm to spend the weekend in Aylesbury.