Days 25 - 27: Cow Roast

Still held up by the broken swing bridge, we potter about at the village of Cow Roast (so called because it was where the cows rested on the old drove roads) and after a day, descend the lock here to use the water point. We hear that the swing bridge often breaks down, because drivers exceed the weight limit - we're just hoping it's repairable on time and we can get through! It's on quite a busy lane apparently, so when broken it's locked in place in favour of motorists and pedestrians, reasonable enough. In the meantime, Jan walks the 3 miles down to Berkamsted to shop and we catch up on chores.

Spot the ducklings
 
Cottages by Cow Roast lock

The narrow entrance to Cow Roast marina - rather glad we're not going in

When boats are abandoned and there's danger of an oil leak, a boom is put around the hull. This boat Varanasi  previously belonged to neighbours of ours at Sawley, but in a sad state now

The sorrowful sight of Varanasi and the slightly chillier weather calls for Boaters' Easy Red Lentil Soup:

Finely chop 1 red onion and 1 clove of garlic and fry until soft. Add ground cumin, coriander, pinch of chilli flakes, oregano. Add 1 cup of washed red lentils plus 3 cups of stock and simmer until the lentils are soft (about 40 mins). Add salt and lemon juice to taste. 

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