Having looked at the weather forecast last night, it was no surprise to start the day with persistent rain. Initially it was not too heavy but there were spells when it was quite hard.
Even a heron was trying to find shelter under the overhanging shrubs!
Most of the milestones on the Grand Union are quite modern and all look the same but we did spot one that looks as if it is a little older and no so regimented!
A ten minute run brought us to Fenny Stratford lock. Although it is easy to operate, even the swing bridge over the middle, it was not helped by having the phantom leave the bottom gates open boater!
The rest of the morning was spent in the rain along a level pound through Milton Keynes. It was definitely not a time for taking great photos. Although the scenery is much the same all along, it remains a pleasant area and two and a half hours passed quite well, despite the rain.
Bridge 84 is having some extensive work done - currently creating substantial footings either side of the existing abutments. Since the main structure, unlike a number on this pound, looks in quite good condition, it was not obvious what the work will ultimately provide.
We paused at Great Linford service block to make use of the sani station and then only went a short distance further on to find a suitable lunch stop.
It was still raining as we set off once again but brighter skies started to appear over the horizon. An occasional blue patch gave us hope, only to be dashed several times as the rain re-started what seemed a relentless pattern.
However, as we neared Stantonbury the sky cleared from rain clouds and a mainly blue sky appeared in their place. When it did, it was very pleasant and soon the promised sunny afternoon established itself. (There are only nine minutes between these two pictures)
We moored at Wolverton to go shopping. A well-stocked larder is helpful at this stage as there are few places to call at over the next few days. As we came out of Asda a very heavy rain storm arrived almost unannounced but last just a few minutes. By the time we were ready to walk back to the boat it was once more dry again.
A large brood of nine cygnets was taking full advantage of the warmth to explore the water and learn (not very effectively) how to avoid passing boats.
Half an hour after leaving Wolverton we passed over the Iron Trunk Aqueduct over the River Great Ouse, which was a later improvement to the canal and removed two sets of locks, down into the valley and back up again.
Shortly after this we reached our second lock of the day at Cosgrove. two boats were just entering and then one came down. As we entered in our turn Christine spotted a boat coming along the long straight behind us so we waited. Alas, when they arrived they wanted to use the water point which is right on the lock landing so it was only as they arrived there that we knew they were not wanting to come up the lock. They were unaware that there was full facility just beyond the lock. Such is life!
Alongside the lock is a collection of animals - Mike was taken by the expression on this one's face!
We carried on under the ornate Solomon's Bridge and back out into the countryside to find a suitable spot to moor for the night and enjoy the splendid evening sunshine. The sky was by now especially clear.
Alas, as we came alongside, Christine threw the bow rope onto the towpath, followed by a mooring spike which promptly bounced back and into the water. The canal was not deep at this point so Mike took off his shoes, rolled up his trousers and sleeves and made a lengthy attempt to locate the lost implement but to no avail. He felt in need of a hot shower afterwards!
Later, through our side window we spotted this cow coming to feast on the flowering shrub!
13.5 Miles - 2 Locks
1 comment:
Work on that bridge has been taking place for months -- the canal was closed most of the winter for the rebuild. If it's now looking good, it's been worthwhile!
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