Kings Langley

It was a bright morning as we arose, with a hint of mist across the canal. Although there had been some clear moonlit periods during the night, the temperature had not fallen quite as much as we had expected.

Morning Mists

We set off in good time and the boat we shared with yesterday saw us set off and decided to join with us again. We worked the locks together until Aspley when we stopped for the facilities. Although it is good to share broad locks - saves water and gives a chance to chat with other boaters - it does actually take longer as a result have having to manoeuvre two boats in and out of the locks.

We were close to our first lock of the day - starkly named Sewer Lock although we had not been able to see the nearby sewage works - and arrived just as another boat started to come up. This took some time and it was almost half an hour later before we were through to the next pound.

Winkwell Swing Bridge

There was a bit of congestion around Winkwell Swing Bridge and Mike did not manage a particularly good photo! However, it is now fully back in action - it was under repair with a temporary footbridge in the Spring when we came through (see http://takefiveboat.blogspot.com/2012/04/winkwell.html).

We continued, lock after lock. This stretch rarely offers more than ten minutes between locks so there is no let up! However the continuing bright and rather warm sunshine, combined with the attractive autumnal colours, meant that time passed very quickly.

We passed though Hemel Hempstead - not quite as attractive as Berkhamstead and no obvious central place by the canal.

Footbridge 153B (near Aspley Station)

Above Aspley Lock we stopped to use the sani station and fill up with water. This meant that we bade farewell to our lock sharers - we half expected to catch up with them later but it was not to be. Whilst Mike completed the servicing, Christine popped to the adjacent Sainsbury returning just as he was finishing. Another boat arrived to join with us through the lock but they moored up beside Aspley Marina to wait for more arrivals. Some modern bridges are very attractive.

New footbridge below Lock 68

We opted for lunch above the Nash Mills site. There are two locks close together and in between once stood a large Paper Mill. This was demolished a few years ago and is in the process of being developed as an extensive housing estate. A new footbridge is being completed below the upper lock. The detailed design lacked care and part of the footings at one side juts out and has had to be protected with a rubber fender.

Footbridge 157

We were on our own for the afternoon although a surprising number of boats were on the move and arriving at locks at the same time as ourselves. Sometimes this worked in our favour and sometimes against! Most of this section was unremarkable but not unpleasant. We did pass one footbridge (157) under repair. Not too sure what was going on under the wraps but it needed a hefty air conditioning unit and there was a strong resin-like smell.

A large wide beam trip and function boat came bearing down on us! It belongs to a charity based below the Red Lion Lock.

By three o'clock the sun's shadows were lengthening and, although still providing us with brightly coloured views, meant that we were beginning to think about where we might moor. two motorway crossings, a busy railway line and some major roads mean that the night stop has to be chosen with care. However we did also want to make as much good progress as we can so that tomorrow we can be close to Packet Boat although our mooring contract does not actually start until November 1st!

Eventually we found quite a reasonable spot just below Lady Capel's Lock - we came in slowly, trying not to disturb the water too much as a couple of keen fishermen were still at work on the bank. One of them told Christine later that he had been out since 8:30 this morning but had a good day's fishing and a satisfying catch.

Something new for the blog: Christine has requested that we make a note at the end of each blog of any helpful shops or other services close to the canal - for future reference. (She is clearly hoping to come this way again some time in the future!)

7.8 miles - 18 locks

Shops:

Sainsbury adjacent to Aspley Lock 66