Cowroast to Winkwell

We were up with the lark as the alarm went off for 6am and we set off at 7am, Hadar’s engine thumping her way along the cut. We set off early as we wanted to get through Berkhamstead early, not knowing what to expect in the way of bandits etc. So we left the mooring at Cowroast behind and headed for the first lock of 15 we would do today. One thing we have seen a lot of is hedge laying, it seems very popular in this part of the country
Yet more Herons were seen on our journey, either on their own or in pairs. There calls are really something quite prehistoric.

Another thing we see a lot on the Grand Union is Dutch Barges and wide beam boats. This Dutch barge was built in 1926 in Holland and was up for sale.Having already done 3 of the 15 locks we were through Northchurch and onto the outskirts of Berkhamstead. There is a Waitrose on the side of the canal if you need any provisions and a play park for the kids if you plan to moor there for up to 14 days, you are also spoilt for choice with the pubs. Just before the Railway station there is a picturesque road bridge.Opposite the Crystal Palace pub there was a decorative pole. Not sure what is was meant to be for, but it looked lovely, more something you would see in a cowboy’s and Indians film hahaha.Keith remembers the Rising Sun Pub at Rising Sun lock as he had a quick half in there when he was running Pisces all those years ago.

He was really surprised how much Berkhamstead had change, as it was very industrial when he came through in 1970. Now it is all housing and park areas, not at all what we expected.
We continued doing the locks, some of which had instructions on to leave gates shut but paddles up as they had leaky walls. A few of the locks had anti vandal locks on them, so the little darlings could not cause havoc.
We saw yet more herons, moorhens and a squirrel sat right at the top of a tree.

As we were entering the last lock the rain decided to fall, and the clouds were very dark and menacing, so we did the 15th lock of the day then moored up at Winkwell before the Swing Bridge, which is BW key operated. It was then the thunder began and the lightening kicked in, time for lunch and coffee. This would be our mooring for the weekend. Near The Three Horseshoes pub and the Swing Bridge.

The sky behind the boat was very dark; you just knew it was going to throw everything at us.

How cute is that dog????
So we settled down to lunch and coffee in the back cabin, listing to the thunder when all of a sudden the rain began with a vengeance, it then turned to hail.

Once it was over the sun came out again and I stuck my head out of the engine room doors to see what had been left behind, to find hail stones on the grass alongside the boat.

Within 15 minutes we had every kind of weather thrown at us LOL.
So we will spend the weekend here and see what there is to offer.

Saturday 12th April.

We took a bus into Hemel Hempstead from Bourne End. From the moorings by The Three Horse Shoes, you walk up to the main road and turn left; there is a bus stop by the garage, which is by the way useful for newspapers, milk, bread etc. So we caught the bus £3.20 each return, which we thought was ok. Having arrived in Hemel Hempstead, we took a look around the new shopping centre which has all the usual high street stores, after that we decided to take a stroll up to the old town centre; Hemel is a town of two halves, them and us, old and new. Whilst in the old part we came across Jordons Antique Centre, what caught our eye were the lace or ribbon plates, there were lots of them. There was also Measham ware as well. We were in seventh heaven, like kids in a sweet store LOL. We got talking to the shop owner Michal and came to realise that Michal runs the stall at the boat festivals known as Back Cabin Antiques, and would be going to the IWA National Festival this year, so we would see him there. We enjoyed a lovely chat before heading off to find somewhere for lunch, which turned out to be Wetherspoons for Fish and Chips. It was an enjoyable day for us and we look forward to coming back.
Back at the boat, I got a clothes wash done, we then spent the rest of the evening in front of the TV, so nothing exciting to report.

Sunday 13th April.

A chilly morning when we awoke at 6am. I know its Sunday, why were we awake so early?
I have absolutely no idea, so I made us a nice hot cuppa, before settling back in to bed, Mog and Dog thought it would be a good idea if they joined us, as it was cold in the saloon, so they both curled up at the bottom at the bed, until it was time to get up and get the boat chores done. Today we needed to change the generator oil after her first 50 hours of running that went very well it did not take long with me helping out handing Keith everything he needed. I did some cooking for dinner including an apple crumble. I took the opportunity to do the bed linen wash, as everything was dry from yesterdays wash.
The weather was hit and miss, with heavy showers and sunshine. Whilst the sun was out I took the chance to take a few photographs.

The Three Horse Shoes, is a lovely pub dating from 1535, it has four open fires and is said to have two ghosts, a highwayman and an old lady. From what we have seen it is an extremely popular pub, with lots happening, such a curry, comedy and music nights.

Opposite the pub is a boat yard Middx and Herts Boat Services, they sell diesel, have a small chandlery and rubbish disposal. They also have a very good dry dock for DIY work on your boat, or they can do it for you. In the dry dock Keith and I noticed a boat named Arabia, she was another Roger Fuller boat built in 1992, the person owning her now is the second to have her, and told me that he loves everything about the boat.
Down near the lock there is a really good information board, telling you all about Winkwell and its history.

Having taken a few photographs, we watched working boats Argus and Bletchley move off from behind us to go on down.

The pair of working boats carries and sells diesel and coal.
Whilst standing on the counter I happened to notice we were carrying a passenger on the fender.

I rescued the little frog and put him down by the stream alongside the boat.
So as Sunday’s go it has been pretty busy for us, the rest of the day will be quiet, as we will settle down and watch a movie. So see you next week.
Take care and stay safe, no matter where you are in the world.

Soulbury Three Locks to Cowroast.

Wednesday 9th April.

It was a sunny, frosty morning when we poked our heads out of the boat. Paddy enjoyed a lead free run a long the towpath before we thought about heading off for the day. On the BW notice board I could not help but notice their stoppage notice was way out of date, 2 years to be exact
Just as we were getting Hadar ready to set off NB Misty Blue was approaching us ready for Lock 1, so I wished them a good morning and asked if they would like to share the locks, which they were only to happy to do. So it was 8.25am and we were off to Lock 1.

Whilst operating the locks Bett and I enjoyed a nice chat whilst Keith and Rowl steered the boats.
Having down the Soulbury 3 we headed on to the next lock, noticing a large rabbit warren by the railway. There were dozens of rabbits eating breakfast; they were not at all bothered by us.

The views across the countryside are truly stunning. We past by The Globe Inn, which used to have stables for the horses, which towed the horse drawn boats, these days the stabling is now apart of the pub. We cruised towards Leighton Buzzard, passing through an old open Swing Bridge, and then through Leighton Lock. NB Misty Blue then left us as they moved on in front of us heading for a mooring at Leighton Buzzard outside of Tesco, which was our first port of call. It is great you can moor up right outside of the store. We arrived to find a space just right for Hadar, and having chatted to Rowl for a few minutes we then collected our rucksacks and headed into Tesco for a large food shop, at this point NB Misty Blue was on their way, so we said our goodbye’s. Having done a food shop we left Leighton Buzzard at 11.30am, I unpacked the shopping whilst Keith moved the boat, we were soon out into the countryside, where we had our first sighting this year of ducklings. Mum only had the two, which looked very young

We approached Grove Lock, where there was a boat already coming down, so that was handy.
The pub was new to Keith; he reckoned it was not there the last time he came through. Anyway I walked up to the lock to help with the gates, whilst the gentleman went into the pub with two of their own glasses to get them both a drink to have on board as they went along. Now how civilised is that hahahaha. Having let them go we continued up through grove lock and onwards. We now started to get a fantastic view of the Dunstable Downs and the Chilton’s, it really is truly stunning and no amount of photographs could do it justice.

On Dunstable Downs the Whipsnade White lion is visible from the canal.

The lion was cut into the hillside in 1935 and is over 480 ft long. It is really quite impressive. We got to see our second family off ducklings; mum was busy looking after 8 little fluff balls. Sadly Keith spotted one duckling that did not make it. With the cold nights we have been having, there was always going to be casualties.

I wrestled with the swing bridge at Great Seabrook, knowing that I had another 2 locks to do before our day was completed.

During the last few days we have seen numerous herons about. First thing this morning I saw 3 together flying up the canal, we have seen them on their own and this cheeky heron clearly wanted us to see him, as he sat on the lock gate whilst we approached.

Herons are normally solitary birds, but at this time of the year they get together for the breeding season, so it is not uncommon to see a few together.
We passed NB Misty Blue who had moored up before the locks. We would probably see them tomorrow.
We did the last lock of the Marsworth 2, and were looking to find a mooring before the next set of 7 locks, which would be tomorrow’s job. At the junction of the Aylesbury arm, finding a place to moor was not as easy as we thought. Keith said that there used to be plenty of moorings, but these days they are for permit holders only or residential moorings. We did eventually find a mooring near the White Lion Pub. In all there are around 6 visitor moorings and the rest are taken up for permit holders etc. So having moored up and done all the usual things when we stop, it was decided having down an 8 hour day and 15 locks we would eat out.
We ended up eating at the White Lion, where the food was lovely. We both had Spaghetti and Meatballs with Cheese, followed by Keith had sticky toffee pudding and custard and I had lemon Cheese Cake, they were both scrummy. It has been a hard day but a beautiful day. I did not wear a jacket all day that is how warm it was. So here’s to a busy day tomorrow.

Thursday 10th April.

Up early after a cuppa in bed to the sound of a wren singing its heart out. For such a small bird they make a huge sound, it was a joy to listen to at 7am. I took Paddy for a walk down the Aylesbury arm which looks really pretty, we will get around to doing that one day I am sure. I learnt from reading a notice board that Marsworth was known at Maffers by the working boatman.We left our mooring by The White Lion Pub at 8.50am and headed up through lock 1

Just another 6 locks to do lol.
From the locks in the Marsworth flight you can see the Marsworth reservoir, which is extremely large and very beautiful. We caught our first glimpse of a pair of Giant Grebe.There are a few mooring above lock one if you want to spend time walking and watching the wildlife, I know we will definitely stop there another time.

We did the flight of 7 locks and arrived at Bulbourne Junction at 10.30am,

We passed the house that was in the film the Bargee.

We took a diversion onto the Wendover Arm which is being extended. They started the Wendover trust in 1989 and they are restoring the navigation the full length of the arm through to Wendover. It is however very shallow and we were ditch crawling for most of the trip, until we reached the new part that was completed recently. The one thing that dominates the landscape is the Flour Mill.

Having made it to the end of the arm, they still have a lot of work to do, but we are looking forward to taking Hadar down the rest of the Wendover Arm. We then had to wind Hadar and ditch crawl our way back to the junction.Having turned back onto the Grand Union Canal we went searching for a mooring, we found one opposite the BW Bulbourne Workshops.

But having had bacon butties for lunch we decided as it was so nice we would carry on to Cowroast for a mooring.
Once we moored up before the Cowroast lock we were treated to some entertainment at the expensive of the local Tring School rowing club.

The girl’s pairs were actually pretty good. Unfortunately the coxed 4’s for the boys was not fairing so well.

They could not keep a straight line and were so busy shouting at each other, they were not listening to the Cox or the coach, and it was very funny entertainment whilst we cleaned the boats brass.
So a great day yet again and no sign of the rain which was forecast. So roll on tomorrow and the weekend.

Stoke Bruerne to The Soulbury Three Locks

Monday 7th April.

Having had a nice weekend, with us having a lovely Sunday Roast in the Navigation Inn, for our dinner, the remainder of Sunday saw us have wintry showers.
So we a woke to a very cold morning, with a chilly breeze. But we were leaving Stoke Bruerne anyway, so having had breakfast and walked Paddy; we set off at 9.15am with the prospect of 7 locks to do. As Keith was getting the boat engine warmed up, I went and set the first lock, unfortunately there was no other boats going down to we would be using the double locks on our own. We did meet a hire boat coming up through the locks.
Having done the last lock and emptied the loo again, we headed off along the wide canal.

This is my first time down this way so I am looking forward to a whole new experience. We did come to Stoke Bruerne on our other boat but no further, than outside the museum. For Keith this is home territory. I am overwhelmed by the scenery, it is all very picturesque. What really spoils the view though is other boater’s rubbish. Yes we past this mess on the towpath.

Why can’t they take their rubbish with them, instead of leaving it where they dumped it whilst they moored up for what have been a long time. Grrrrrrrrrrr it makes my blood boil.
We passed Yardley Wharf and the village of Yardley Gobian, which is a small thatched and stone community, the village is bypassed by the A508.
Again the views across the countryside are breath taking, it makes you realise just how lucky we are to be able to see such beauty.
We came past Thrupp Wharf and this sign made us both giggle.

We did not however see any of the elderly ducks hahaha.
Our stopping place for the day was to be Cosgrove, which we entered under Soloman’s Bridge.

Soloman’s Bridge is a splendid stone bridge, decorated in the Gothic style and built in 1800. Its style is unique to canal bridges.
It was now 12.30pm and we found ourselves a mooring and enjoyed lunch.
One of the reasons for continually cruising is that not only do we get to enjoy life afloat, but we get to stop at lovely places like Cosgrove and have a look around. So having had lunch we set off on what turned out to be a 4 mile walk. Firstly we walked to the Great Ouse Aqueduct, and took a path under the canal using a very small tunnel.

Just as well neither Keith nor I are very tall. I am 5 foot and Keith is only a little taller.

We saw the old line of the canal and one of the locks, it was not an original, but one put in place to show you how it would of looked.
This was put in place whilst the aqueduct was being built.

Having seen that we then walked back to Cosgrove Lock and along the old Stratford Cut (Buckingham Arm), which is now disused, but has residential moorings along it. We walked for quite sometime before finding a foot path which took us up into Cosgrove itself, where we passed the church.

I love looking around old villages; you get a feel for its history. We walked through another tiny pedestrian tunnel which takes you under the canal, at the time we could hear a boat above us. Near the lock is the impressive Cosgrove Hall, where in 1958 a Roman bathhouse was found in front of the hall. Whilst the village shop has now closed down, there is a shop for provisions at the near by Mobile Home Park. You can get to it if you go down behind the sanitary station before the lock. It has everything you would need in the way of food. So having walked 4 miles it was back to the boat for a coffee and a rest hahaha. It will be a quiet evening onboard for us, with a chicken casserole and dumplings for dinner.

Tuesday 8th April.

Oh what a beautiful morning. Whilst ready to take Paddy for his morning walk, I found a note on our back counter from the mooring warden welcoming us to Cosgrove, in the note it also gave us telephone numbers to ring if we had any problems. Isn’t always nice to know someone cares. Walk over and 9am time to set off on our days adventure.We crossed the Aqueduct over the Great Ouse and were welcomed into Milton Keynes.

From the canal you can see Ouse Valley Park on the left and to the right is Old Wolverton and the Site of the medieval village of Old Wolverton. We were then on the out skirts of Milton Keynes and it did kind of surprise me that it was not more built up. I expected more industry and what I got were houses and lots of open green land, which were parks and playing fields for the kids amongst us. There was some art of interest as well.

After Stonebridge a disused Windmill comes into view as you cross over another aqueduct.
I wonder if one day they will get the windmill working again?

We had thought we may stop in Milton Keynes, so we could visit the Odean Cinema with our free tickets, but because it was such a beautiful day we decided to continue, so I prepared lunch which we had on the move.
The wildlife of the day seemed to be the Heron, we saw quite a few as we made our way to our over night mooring.

At Great Linford there is some wonderful parkland, with lots of walks and things to do, including the Medival Village of Great Linford and the Brick Kilns, non of which we would see on this trip.
We made our way to Fenny Stratford and the lock, and who should be coming the other way but Trevor on NB Beau. We first met Trevor last year in Stone. He has a hairy companion now in the shape of a border collie, and that is my fault hahaha. I put Trevor onto the Border Collie Trust at Rugeley, where he found Bill. We said our hello’s, caught up on news and then said our goodbye’s before heading down through the lock with another boat we had been following for some of the day. My laugh of the day came when they entered the lock with us. It looked like husband and wife with Grand children onboard. What made me laugh was the way the husband spoke to his wife, she was steering the boat into the lock, and he was shouting instructions to her, at which point she shouted “I cannot hear you over the radio”, which was blasting out Robbie Williams. The husbands reply was “Moan, moan, moan, nag nag, nag woman that’s all you ever do”. They were in for a happy cruise. I did not utter a word, I just did my side of the lock and left them to it hahahahahThe Lock at Fenny Stratford is different because it has a swing bridge right across the middle of it. We skirted past Bletchley which was known for its lace making and of course in war time, it was where they used to break the codes.
Having done Stoke Hammond Lock we found a mooring at the bottom of the Soulbury Three Locks for the day. It has been a very pleasant day for us both, Keith last came through this area in the late 60’s early 70’s so it has all change so much. For him it will now be a matter of trying to see things he remembers from his day's working on Pieces.

Winter wonderland Sunday.

This morning we a woke to a winter wonderland. Whilst I was out taking these photographs, a lady walking her dog wished me a Merry Christmas hahahaha.
Hadar looked spendid covered in snow.

It was a shame the footpath was not covered in snow as well.

How beautiful it looks in a winter blanket.

Snowman on a boat hehehe, the gentleman who built him told me "I am still a kid at heart". Aren't we all. I was excited at the thought of a snow.

Above Blisworth Tunnel.

A copper sculpture of a horse and cart, someone very kindly supplied the horse with a blanket. Paddy was keeping guard.

We are going to enjoy a pub lunch today, and make the most of this beautiful weather before probably moving tomorrow, so see you next weekend. Have a safe and peaceful week.