We were a little disappointed to awake and discover that it was raining. However, before we managed to set off it turned dry and very quickly bright blue skies appeared and stayed with us all day. again, it was amazingly mild. Later in the day we passed places where we remembered last year having trees brought down in late October gales!
The day was unremarkable until we reach Batchworth Lock - just a succession of locks spaced out just under a mile apart. It was, however, very pleasant cruising and the autumn colours remain part of the attraction, very varied with some species still retaining green leaves but with the most rapidly turning colour and falling into the water or making the towpath that bit more soggy!
The Grove is now an expensive country house hotel but the golf course seemed to be well used even this early in the day.
Just around the corner is the Grove Mill. Now converted into apartments it was clearly once a very impressive working mill. Some elements of the history can be found in the conservation area description (http://www.watford.gov.uk/ccm/content/planning-and-development/urban-design-and-built-heritage/grove-mill-lane-conservation-area.en)
Immediately after the next bridge, the converted cottage was originally built for a canal worker whose job was to keep the water courses clear.
Iron Bridge Lock (the bridge is not longer iron!) is in the middle of then popular Cassiobury Park and, coming through at this time of each year, there are many different autumnal views.
Below Cassio Bridge Lock is the high level railway bridge which is the last part of the Metropolitan Line spur to Watford. The last mile of this line is not well used but work is expected to start very soon on the Croxley Rail Link that will take the Metropolitan Line to Watford Junction. This will not only assist commuters but also give many people in this part of London access to main line services without having to go into the centre. It is planned to be complete in 2017.
Croxley was once a major industrial site, developed around 1830 by John Dickinson who moved much of his production down to here from Apsley. (see http://www.britainfromabove.org.uk/image/epw015995 for an aerial view) The brand name Croxley was once synonymous with high quality writing paper and envelopes but as far as we can see the name lives on only through imports from South Africa. No sign of Croxley Mill can be seen from the canal and has been replaced by a large housing estate, like so many redundant industrial sites.
The weather was now at its best for today with almost no cloud at all.
We reached Batchworth on schedule - with water and elsan just below the lock. To the west of the main lock is another which connects with the River Chess. as the lock is permanently chained up, we have never had a chance to see how far it is navigable but the lock seems in good condition.
Whilst Mike completed the servicing - the rubbish bins are a good 150m around the corner, no doubt to make it easier for the collection truck - Christine walked to Tesco. Mike then took the boat the short distance to Frogmoor Wharf which is now as good mooring for the supermarket. A new art panel has been added to the otherwise blank wall.
Stocker's Lock is very much in a rural setting, even though the outer reaches of Greater London are never far away.
Immediately below the lock is the large Stocker's House, originally for the collector of coal duties when the toll point was moved here from its initial location at Lady Capel's Wharf. The history of coal dues was a complex story as different financial interests sought to defned their monopolies. What changes?
Between Coppermill Lock and the next bridge is a strong cross current from one of the rivers that feed the canal. Clearly a popular site for canoeists! Although the flow could be felt, it was not as strong today as we have sometimes found it.
At Black Jack's Lock a three-generation family were taking a keen interest in the operation and the two young girls were delighted to be given the opportunity to take part!
We were now having to think about possible church options for tomorrow morning - having failed on the past three Sundays! We did not have enough time before sunset to reach Packet Boat today so, although it was only just before 3 o'clock, we pulled onto a good mooring just above Widewater Lock. The church is about a mile away but along a good road and there is the possibility of a bus for some of it!
8.5 miles - 11 locks
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