Thu 10th September Foxton to Welford Junction Br 41
Today had been forecast as the best day of the week, but it turned out to be cloudy, not the forecast sun. We spent some of the morning sorting out tax returns and the insurance claim for our home we rent out in Weybridge.
When we left, we had a pleasant cruise with Amanda steering some of the time.
We stopped after Welford Junction, but before the place where we had moored two days ago. We met Whiff and Anne from Maris Otter, friends from Aylesbury. They had been picking wild mushrooms, and they let us have some.
We saw Maid of Oak going quietly past, too late for a photo.
We had our life group Zoom meeting, while Amanda had another Zoom meeting in the bedroom.
0 locks, 8 miles. Dep 1215, arr 1445
Fri 11th September Welford Junction Br 41 to Crick
We had been wanting to contact Jim and Jan, our friends at Yelvertoft, as we were cruising through their patch, but we thought it might be difficult for them in view of the pandemic. Also, we had Amanda on board who is shielding. Then this morning we had an email from them!!! They were asking if we would record some worship songs for use in their church service. We replied to say we were in their area, and would they like to meet up. The timing was extraordinary, as we are not often on this bit of canal. We agreed to meet this evening.
We stopped by bridge 14, and James and Amanda climbed Cracks Hill. In the past we have always said “Maybe next time”. This time we finally did it. There is a beacon structure on the top, used for events like jubilees and royal weddings. There are views all round.
AS we moved on into Crick, we saw a late flowering purple loosestrife plant. We also passed Maris Otter and Vanguard moored up opposite the marina. We continued through the bridge where the towpath is wider.
Hazel and Amanda went off to the Co-op for a few bits that we needed. Jim and Jan came for a socially distanced meal. It was good to see them and catch up with their news.
0 locks, 10 miles. Dep 1010, arr 1330 Cracks Hill. Dep 1425, arr 1445.
Sat 12th September Crick to Welton Field Br 2
We made an early start by pushing the boat across to the water point. We emptied three cassettes and disposed of rubbish. Ray and Sharon (Vanguard) also appeared to do similar duties, as well as Whiff and Anne.
We set off through Crick Tunnel to Watford Locks. Several other boats arrived including our friends. The volunteers had already started, even though the website says they don’t operate until 10am.
There were two boats coming up. Going down, there were two in front us, then Gabriel, Maris Otter, two others, and finally Vanguard. All seven were allowed down as no-one was at that time waiting at the bottom. It seemed odd to have Vanguard bringing up the rear!
There were several waiting by the time we reached the bottom lock, including BCF boat Reeve. We continued until just after bridge 3, where we stopped and had lunch, using the dinette for a change (converted from Amanda’s bed!). Whiff and Anne went past.
We moved on around the corner, and stopped again before Bridge 2, for easy access to Amanda’s car. She departed in the direction of Poole, and we decided to stay put.
7 locks, 5 miles. Dep 0810, arr 0900 Locks. Dep 0930, 1025 bottom lock, arr 1100 Br 3. 10 mins to Br 2.
Next: the start of the journey down the Grand Union towards Aylesbury, via Weedon, Stoke Bruerne, Milton Keynes, Leighton Buzzard and Marsworth.
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