The day began by a short move up to the junction where we filled the water tank for the last time. (It took a while, not least because a littler person had a very long shower this morning!) There was also a chance to take a look at the narrow locks on the Aylesbury Arm, beginning with a two lock staircase.
The next task was the seven lock Marsworth flight - Ellie was now able to 'set' the locks so that we made good progress. At the top - Bulbourne Junction - we had time to cruise up the short Wendover Arm. This canal is gradually being restored but at the moment the end is at a disused stop lock, winding and mooring point just under two miles along. Although narrow and quite slow, it was very pretty - even the bread flour factory somehow seemed in place!
Now we had only to retrace our route back towards Leighton Buzzard. Going down the Marsworth Flight was very efficient. With Ellie now well into the setting process we managed all seven locks in exactly one hour. Not bad going! At the bottom lock there was a splendid ice cream shop - although Ellie had to go to the adjoining cafe for service. Scrumptious!
The remaining locks are stretched out with just a few minutes respite between each. Close to one of the locks was a swing bridge - Ellie's first experience of operating one. At least this one is quite smooth to operate. We could also see in the distance a huge lion carved into the chalk hills on the horizon.
The final mooring and time to sort out and clean through before an early start tomorrow on the final run into the boatyard.
