Marsworth to Stoke Hammond

Tuesday 28th July 2009
The day started overcast, but eventually turned quite bright, with scudding white clouds.

The first part of the day we travelled very slowly, there seem to be far more boats around than are normal so far down the Grand Union. We worked through several locks with a young couple who are taking their boat up to Whilton to have a skin tank added to their boat - they had an interesting cooling arrangement going, utilising a section of garden hose. Just above Horton they headed off to the bank to rescue a crow that was flapping in the canal - it's legs were tangled in something. I was surprised that the bird was still alive when they pulled it out.

Travellers Joy beside a lock.

The banks of the canal are covered with wild flowers and the bushes are showing signs of the fruits of the harvest later this year. Some blackberries are ready, but most are still green, and the sloes and damsons are starting to turn darker. Just north of Church lock goldfinches were darting between the trees as we passed, and a large crowd of long tailed tits swooped along the opposite bank.




I try to show some muscle at Leighton Lock.






















Steering down through the Soulbury 3 - David in conversation from the roof.

We eventually passed through Stoke Hammond, went a little further, to ensure that we were not too near the road, and moored up.


Miles: 15 , Locks: 23
Total Miles: 18 , Total Locks: 23