Slapton and Visitors

Joanna, Alice and Jess were expected on a visit this morning but we received a text suggesting that we meet at Bulbourne Bridge. Mike attempted to find a paper at the station hut, despite having a snack bar and taxi office it had no newspapers. The nearest would be in Tring!

We set off along the remainder of the summit pound - very different from this time last year. Compare the level here with this.

Bulbourne Wharf

We arrived at the bridge with enough time to fill up our water tank. shortly after finishing that task the visitors arrived and, after making the two girls drinks of hot chocolate (real), we were able to set off once again, passing Bulbourne Wharf. Although it is still partly used as a maintenance depot, most of the buildings now have other uses.

Real Chocolate - Cheers!

It was only a short distance to the junction and the top of the Marsworth flight of seven locks. We were now beginning the descent that will take us all the way through Milton Keynes to Cosgrove where we will start uphill once more.

Alice went ahead with Granny to set the locks as we were able to share with another boat all the way down to Marsworth Junction.

Marsworth Reservoir

The reservoir was very much fuller than last year (see link).

Jess stayed on board to help Grandad and look after the boat as it went down.

Nothing more has happened at Marsworth Junction - it looks as forlorn as it did when we last passed this way in the autumn.

Time then for lunch and the remainder of Christine's latest soup from yesterday.

The afternoon's cruise involved as many locks as the morning but they are separated out even though it seems impossible to do very much in between. Alice set about teaching Granny a new computer game but Jess helped with the locks.

Below Lock 37 there was a 'spring' with a strong flow of water flooding the towpath and no doubt losing a lot of water from the pound above. Hopefully the work boat is an indication that a repair is about to happen before too much damage is done.

Snow on Ivinghoe Beacon

We could see some snow still lying on the tops of hills especially Ivinghoe Beacon.

Pitstone Swing Bridge

Joanna and Jess opened the swing bridge at Pitstone without much difficulty.

 

The double arch bridges below some of the locks on this stretch are said to indicate the fact that at one time there were both narrow and broad locks alongside each other and we have included this in previous blogs. However, taking a good look at them this time from above, it is not obvious as the current lock bottom gates seem to make it impossible for a narrow lock to be alongside.

Jess inspecting the lambs

Alice made a drawing of the boat using a photo on the iPad as inspiration. She then stuck up on the main cabin wall.

We made arrangements for Adrian to meet up with us at Slapton Wharf and we were able to find a good mooring just a short distance above the bridge.

The visitors left after having an evening meal with us. Frozen fruit yoghurt was especially appreciated all round.

6.1 miles - 15 locks

Alice's Blog

We started a flight of locks there were 7 all together! We got them ready for two boats the first ours the second a boat called my may all the locks led down a hill. I did some activities that I had in my bag.