Berkhamstead

Berkhamstead, Grand Union Canal –Tuesday 8 May 2012
Left Apsley at 10:00 having done some last minute shopping for bits for the boat (it’s a year since I took her over).  Then through Apsley locks on my own, BW have put information about the various closures due to the drought on the lock gates, so I’ve taken a photo and will read it later and decide if I need to review my journey.  The next lock (number 65) has a major leak in the bottom gates which do not close properly, this meant that the water was going out almost as fast as going in – nearly half an hour to fill, then on to Two Waters lock, where I met up with a river cruiser called “Chapter Two” which had been at the water point at Apsley, they were happy to share so it made the work easier – me going ahead to set the lock and open the gates then afterwards they close the gates and reset the paddles (the bits that allow the water through).  At Winkwell there is a road swing bridge that crews have to operate, fortunately today there were maintenance men working on it so it was controlled by them – then just running on to lock 56, Top Side Lock which is just on the outskirts of Berkhamstead.  Opposite to where I’m moored is the railway line from Euston so Virgin trains go past slightly faster than a canal boat, it makes me appreciate the quiet bits of the countryside.  Today I have travelled 16 lock-miles which is the canal way of measuring as you move at 4 miles an hour (unless you are going past moored boats) and a lock should take about 15 minutes - about the time for a mile.  Finally the weather – what’s a Brit to do if not chat about it – for most of the day it has been overcast, but no rain, then after mooring up the sun has come out so it looks like a lovely evening.