At Norton Junction we do a "U" onto the Leicester Line of the Grand Union . This picturesque little toll house overlooks the junction.
Immediately on the right is one of C&RT's new fangled water points - it meets with the Captains approval but he prefers the look of the traditional points!!!
Meandering through the wood prior to passing the back door of Watford Gap motorway services, inaccessible from the towpath.
Two miles in and we approach Watford locks, a flight of seven with a four rise staircase. Progress up the locks in at the direction of the lock-keeper who orchestrates the passing of boats up and down.
We progressed up the first lock and awaited further instruction, while the boat ahead of us was allowed to go up the first two.
Into the second lock and instructions given concerning the paddles of the staircase lock.
At the head of the lock there are two paddles, one red and further back a white one. It goes red before white.
There are side ponds where excess water is fed and used to refill the lock. The "red then white" pumping the water round in a circle, a great water saving system.
Just time to do a spot of rubbish disposal at the top and before we know it we are approaching Crick Tunnel
Crick Tunnel is almost a mile long with two-way working. This time we had the tunnel to ourselves.
On exiting the tunnel we were met with a long line of double moored boats which we realised at the last minute were the moorings for the boat show.
I jumped off at the next bridge and went on foot to find our spot while Trev did a spot of reversing!!!
It was a plank jobbie but at least the sun was shinning.....for now....
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