At this point, we're slowly climbing the Chilterns, with the steepest climb - the 6 locks at Marsworth very close together - ahead of us. Once we complete those, we'll be on the 'summit' for 3 miles before starting the long descent of over 50 locks into London. Progress is slow, partly because there are few boats either going our way or coming the other way and able to help on the locks and partly because the locks are all double and heavy to operate. However, we are noticing how much fitter and strong we're getting!
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| First job of the day is to water the marigolds |
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| It's been our tradition for years to have some marigolds on the roof during trips |
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| First lock of the day |
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| A beautiful morning and very attractive scenery |
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| Denis working the lock, showing the massive oak gate beam |
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| Catnap waiting in the small pound between two locks until the upper lock is ready |
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| Ivy clad lock cottage with what looks like an old barn or stable alongside. Some cottages still have the old buildings where canal horses would be accommodated |
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| Unusually, a thatched lock cottage |
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| We heard from passing boaters that this popular pub had a fire last night and is closed for major repairs - a fundraiser has been started |
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| A replica Dutch barge |
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| Looking back at the new canalside houses on the old Marsworth Wharf. The CRT services is just by the bridge and includes water, refuse disposal and a self-operated toilet pumpout. We used the latter and very efficient it was, but not something you'd necessarily want to be living next to! | |
Feeling quite tired after our exertions, we decide to stop for the night and save the next 6 locks for tomorrow.
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