Water Eaton

It was cold with some sunny spells as we set off as usual this morning. We had a couple of locks left before Leighton Buzzard where we planned to do a comprehensive shop as there are few substantial places en route now until Banbury.

We have noticed a number of times that the brickwork alongside the spaces cut for lock ladders is beginning to crack away. An example of how good intentions can still have unintended consequences. This came up in conversation with the full time lengthsman whom we met later in the afternoon at Soulbury and he confirmed that it is indeed a matter of growing concern to them.

Below Slapton Lock

The view from below Slapton Lock shows the relationship between the former narrow lock and the existing broad lock - which we mentioned in a previous blog. The balance beams must have overlapped in some way. Clearly there was a means of working both but it must have been 'interesting'.

Approaching Church Lock

The lack of any leaves yet on the trees meant that the former church at Church Lock was rather more obvious than when we have passe this way before.

The bridge below the lock shows the two arches but for some reason the bridge has been re0-built on the upper side leaving only the one arch visible.

Grove Lock

A door alarm was sounding at the pub alongside Grove Lock - the staff were outside re-arranging tables and informed us that the reason for both observations was that they had had a power cut since earlier this morning. Apparently somewhere nearby a power line has blown down.

We were approaching Leighton Buzzard now and the sun was stronger - it generally felt a lot pleasanter and stayed that way until we moored at the end of the day.

We spotted a fuel boat Ascot and pulled alongside as Christine wanted a bag of coal - this cold spell has depleted our stocks! We also took the opportunity to re-fill the diesel tank.

A little further and we pulled in to a familiar mooring spot from where it is a short walk to the shops. We went up into town for the market first (but it has not improved on previous visits although we did manage most of our fruit and veg shopping there).



On the way we passed a new sculpture recording the role that the town played in building aircraft in the Second World War.

Leighton Buzzard Town Centre

We then went to Waitrose but it was rather a disappointment and, reluctantly, we also made a visit to Tesco for the final few items. By now it was definitely time for lunch and, fortunately, a last portion each of the lentil soup was on offer as well as some the new bread we bought in town.

Poppy at Wyvern Shipping

Setting off again we soon passed Wyvern Shipping hire base and saw Poppy which took us on our six week Canal40 trip almost six years ago.

By now the sun was quite warm (well, in comparison with the past few days!) and we managed to shed just one layer of clothes.

Three Locks

We were escorted down Soulbury Three Locks by two volunteer lock keepers as well as the full time lengthsman!

Onlooker below Three Locks

There were quite a few onlookers - the pub was by now fairly busy and customers were able to sit outside. Some watchers were a little strange . . .

Fuel Boat

We came up behind the fuel boat we had stopped at before, just as it was finishing supplying another boat - we then followed it to Stoke Lock and went down together. he did seem to welcome the chance to let us do all the work!

Sharing Stoke Lock

Time was passing and so we sorted out likely nearby churches ahead of us and opted to pull in at Water Eaton where an old acquaintance from our Milton Keynes days (now retired) was leading the communion service next day.

10.2 miles - 8 locks