Climbing into Berkhamsted

It was a 10:00am start today. The grey cloudy start to the day soon changed into blue sunshine skies. But there was s harsh wind all day which didn't help steerage. 

Today there was even a coffee stop at The Sunnyside Rural Trust. A great little cafe and garden centre run by people with learning disabilities (www.sunnysidetrust.org.uk)

After quickly passing through Hemel Hemstead we stopped for diesel at Middx and Herts Boat Services and then it was time to stop cars and vans when the Winkwell Swing Bridge was opened. 

 

The climb toward the summit at Tring continued all afternoon as lock followed lock. There was a total of 12 in all to get Hallmark into Berkhamsted.

Just as Hallmark was moored after Ravens Lane Lock (56) the was a sleet storm!

 

Back to Apsley

Heavy rain throughout the night didn't bode well and the forecast was bad too.  Despite this set off at 8:15  heading for Apsley, which is one of my favourite stops on the southern Grand Union.  

First it was passing all the lovely traditional boats moored at  Cassio Bridge and the on to Cassiobury Park skirting around Watford.  

 

Sadly the heavy rain started. At it's worse Hsllmatk stayed in the lock at Lady's Chapel. When the rained eased it was the double locks at Hunton Bridge  Soon after I linked up with Andrew on NB Libélua

 

 Together we climbed up through Kings Langley and on to Apsley. Sadly there were no moorings down by the marina and Woodies my favourite Cafe). But there spaces to moor up between Apsley Locks 2 and 3. 

First stop at Common Moor Lock

Set off from Uxbridge about 10:30. Heading for Croxley Green.  It was to be a ten lock day all over familiar ground through the Denham Country Park and all these locks to Ricky and then a couple more above Batchworth. I was lucky to share four locks with Rick driving a tug which was pushing a barge

Moored up on chains beyond  Common Moor lock A tiring first day!

The Icicle Cruise

I was in two minds whether to venture out with Hallmark on the Hillingdon Canal Club's winter cruise. But the weather was fine and there was no snow and ice was about!

In the end 7 boats made the trip.

Hallmark cruised with Mike aboard  NB Solveigs Song. Here is Mike at Uxbridge Lock 

 

The trip up the four locks to Harfield  was slow as Mike still seemed to have gearbox trouble.  We moored just below Black Jacks turning round at Troy Cut 

 

 

The club had booked a meal at The Old Orchard, a great pub with amazing views over the lakes and gravel pits surrounding the canal 

After a good meal and a few beers I left for Uxbridge quiet early on the Sunday morning travelling with Peter and NB Ehawee.

First snow of the year

It's mid-February and here is the first snow of 2017. Only a small amount but enough to show on NB Hallmatk's green roof.

It's a really cold night and the wood burner is burning brightly

A repainted Hallmark heading home to Uxbridge

Now at Cowley Lock cruising back to Uxbridge.
The only lock of the day!
NB Hallmark is on her way back from a month at Bulls Bridge wet dock where she has been completely repainted.
What a great paint job by Steve Marriage.

A working day at Thrupp

I am back at Thrupp for my first working day at the Thrupp Canal Cruising Club.

There is plenty to do.

What great preparation and planning.

The stuff needed for the day is piled high.  

Tools galore.

Paint and brushes.

Loads of earth for tub planting and so many plants too.

Wood for fencing repairs.

Tons of stones for tow path renewal

And very clear lists of what has to be down.

What an amazing turnout of members and so brilliantly organised.

I met a group of really friendly members during the day.

And I even enjoyed wheeling barrow loads of stones to improve the towpath!.

It was tough work............... but.................the food at lunch time was great.

My first day was ended with a really good 'Morse and Chips' down at the village hall

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