On then to then to the Stoke Bruerne locks and this time we worked down on our own, although there was a constant stream of boats coming up.
Pressing on, we were aiming for Wolverton at 2:30 to meet up with Ellie and Adrian. Sure enough, just as Mike was negotiating Cosgrove Lock, Adrian rang to confirm details - Tesco Car Park. We arrived a little early and were just completing the check out when a further call announced that Ellie was in the car park looking for us.
Soon we were aboard with our latest crew member. We stopped at Giffard Park to take on water where Ellie quickly learnt how to tie a clove hitch mooring around a bollard. She also spotted a zip wire in a nearby play area and she, accompanied by Granny, went off to explore whilst the water tank slowly filled. After we had set off again, Ellie opted to view one of the videos which Andrew had left on the laptop specially for her.
The only remaining lock was at Fenny Stratford where there is also a swing bridge across the lock. It should have been open but was across the navigation when we arrived. Still, the lock is hardly a great effort: its rise of just over a foot resulted from an error in levels at one stage of canal construction.
Nearly south of Milton Keynes we found a mooring spot for the night and Ellie quickly showed her new found skills, not only tying the stern mooring rope but also first hammering in the spike. Alas, she also discovered the hazards of using a heavy lump hammer on the front spike and had to retire rather hurt with a squashed finger. Granny says that she'll live to tell the tale!
