Although we were ready by 2.30, we had to wait for our 'pilot' to show us all the routines for operating the boat - this took a little longer than usual as we needed to go through procedures that most crews do not need to know as they are done by the boatyard at the end of each week or fortnight hire.
Eventually we were actually off - just as we were winding (the boat was pointing the wrong direction) the heavens opened and for next hour we had some of the heaviest rain we have seen for some time! Just as well we had some waterproofs. Ten past four and we were on our way in the 'right' direction.
Very quickly we reached Leighton lock and then Soulbury Three Locks - a couple of novice boats were making their way up and so it took a little while. Christine had earlier 'complained' that last year (when we had the rest of the family with us, including the two girls) she had not had a chance to steer into and out of the locks - so this time she tackled all today's. (With no
difficulty, of course. I say this because at one lock a man said, "How long did it take you to get your wife to do that? Mine will not think about trying it" So at least chauvinism is alive and kicking on the canals!)
After Stoke Hammond Lock some prep for the evening meal was tackled but we still wanted to make as much progress as possible - this stretch is familiar from last year.
Fenny Stratford Lock is hardly a lock at all - built to control the flow of water after early problems with leakages, we understand.
By now the evening was quite pleasant as the canal meanders on the level through the leafier parts of Milton Keynes. However, spots of rain convinced us it was time to stop and we moored just beyond Peartree Bridge shortly before half past eight.
Although we are still somewhat in the manic phase of winding down, it feels good to have started - after about 9 months of planning.
