Hemel Hempstead

Here I am Rune

Distance 4.5miles

Total 1863 Locks 88 Tunnels

Running total mileage 2632.1 miles

After a couple of days in Berkhampsted we have now shuffled down a bit further to Hemel Hempstead. We managed to pair up with a couple coming in the same direction so, although we have been through 12 locks to get where we are, it didn’t seem like a hard day’s work since, with the effort shared it is much easier. I now realise that I don’t even remember the name of the boat we were sharing with despite chatting with the helm for a couple of hours!

Our next move rather depends on what the weather is going to do tomorrow, forecast was for rain but that now seems to have receded into being an afternoon threat, we’ll see what the Met Office say in the morning.

Berkhamsted

Here I am Rune

Distance 6.9miles

Total 1851 Locks 88 Tunnels

Running total mileage 2627.6 miles

As planned, we sat out the rainy day at the end of the Wendover Arm but now the weather improved we’ve moved on to Berkhamsted. I seem to recall last time we were here we were pesterered by a delinquent swan who decided to spend his time rattling one of our fenders, fine except when he did it at 4am! If he returns tonight he may end out wearing our boathook!

Tomorrow being Friday, it will once again be time for the weekend shop, and there is a good Waitrose supermarket alongside the canal here. Also took the opportunity to pick up some train tickets that he had earlier booked online.

The start ...........

and finish of the Wendover Arm

Tring (2)

Here I am Rune

Distance 2.7miles

Total 1844 Locks 88 Tunnels

Running total mileage 2620.7 miles

A short trip in mileage but quite a few locks done today (11) and, as I suggested yesterday, we reached the top of the flight and decided to stop, although we went a mile and a half down the Wendover Arm to do so. To payback for the splendid weather today, tomorrow is forecast to be dire with heavy rain throughout the morning so I think we’ll probably stay where we are for the day and move on again on Thursday.

Tring

Here I am Rune

Distance 5.7miles

Total 1833 Locks 88 Tunnels

Running total mileage 2618.0 miles

After a pleasant few days in Aylesbury we are now back on the move, and quite surprisingly we are almost back to the top of the Aylesbury in one days travelling, 4 locks from the end and about half a mile. We didn’t start out particularly early (about 10.45am) and didn’t seem to be in much of a rush so I suppose doing the Aylesbury Arm in a day is easily manageable.

My original comments regarding Aylesbury should now be amended on having a better look around the place. Whilst my initial trip through did involve passing a few boarded up shops and buildings, the old town area is actually quite attractive. There has been a lot of work done around the canal basin and I would certainly recommend it for a visit.

Not sure yet how far we’ll go tomorrow, 4 locks still to go on this bit of canal then another 7 almost immediately on the Grand Union so I suspect it will be to the top of the locks and then stop for the day.

One of Aylesbury's notables, Benjamin Disraeli.....

......and a reminder of another of the notables!

Aylesbury

Here I am Rune

Distance 4.4miles

Total 1821 Locks 88 Tunnels

Running total mileage 2612.3 miles

We are now moored in the centre of Aylesbury, and is seems quite a pleasant mooring now that the canal basin has been completely revamped. There are three pontoons here with moorings for 6 boats and we are directly outside of the Waitrose supermarket. Had to travel into the town to get some antifreeze for the boat (I’d found that the heating system header tank was empty) and found that Aylesbury is a bit more run-down than I was expecting. Around the canal basin here is quite attractive but as I passed through the town there were a number of boarded up buildings which always detracts from the appearance of a town.

Coming down the canal into Aylesbury did require a bit more effort at some of the locks since it is not a well-travelled route and there was quite a bit of stuff (weeds, logs etc) blocking the mouth of the last few locks. Not sure how long we’ll stay here, probably at least until Saturday.

RUNE in the canal basin, Aylesbury

A nearby statue of Ronnie Barker (he apparently made his professional debut in Aylesbury)