GUC Wendover arm

A beautiful cruising day allowed us to make considerable progress North on the Grand Union and unexpectantly explore the recently restored Wendover Arm, all one and a half lock less miles of it. Overall it is a major achievement but is narrow and not particularly scenic At the time of our visit it was considerably low on water which severely limited mooring and the winding hole at the end was partially blocked by some mindless twit mooring his/her boat there. Fearing we may be stuck for an unknown length of time we attempted to turn, using the moored boat as a "bounce point" and with the help of a friendly boater pulling our bow rope from the canal bank.

We reported the ignorantly moored boat to the Canal and River Trust volunteer lock keeper on the Marsworth flight later, but understandably he showed little concern.

9 double locks and 4 hours later we moored near the "Bluebell's" cafe where I collapsed onto my bed and slept solidly for several hours, physically and mentally exhausted.

We awoke to heavy rain and fierce winds, delaying continuation of our journey.  Considering my efforts yesterday I feel pretty good, but plan a less boisterous day if and when the weather breaks.

To infinity and beyond

The five double locks completed yesterday took their toll on me physically so inevitably I slept well until 0900, although somewhat worrying concerning future performance and stamina, particularly when we inevitably encounter staircase locks or long flights when mooring mid-term is impossible, but I guess we'll cope somehow ? Similarly, the boat electrics are still suffering with performance shortfalls but we have learned to overcome them to the point where running the engine for an hour or two before bed has become habitual. Still no response from Trading Standards, which is annoyingly frustrating but "patience is a virtue" lingers on the mind, but the hungry vulture's "sod patience, I'm going to kill something" statement  is looming ever closer.

Grand Union heading north

A canal side totem pole in Berkhamstead ?

With our two secret parties successfully completed we are heading home to sort out some counselling for me and perhaps Lynne if necessary, although we have both been on a better footing, mentally, of late. The lack of relevant counselling on the NHS forces self-help solutions, rightly or wrongly, but if they work, so be it. So far we seem to have got it right, I think, but ideally it would be reassuring for an expert to confirm it.

In a wide variety of weathers we progressed along the Grand Union from Berkhamsted to the Cow Roast, where we opted to moor for the night  ,very close to the marina entrance and a field of alpacas.

Another secret party

Our second "secret party" took place in Tadworth, near Epsom in Surrey yesterday, necessitating us getting a train from Berkhamsted to Euston station in London, the underground to Waterloo and a bus to Chessington, then a taxi to Paul's parents house in Tadworth where Paul had arranged a secret surprise BBQ for Chloe. Loads of people attended, including most of our family and lots of her friends.

It was fair to say she was suitably surprised and pleased, bless her. It makes a change for others to do something for her instead of visa-versa. A good time was had by all. We stayed in Chessington overnight with Tom and Hayley and returned to the boat this morning with nothing amiss. Lynne stocked up with essentials and we headed north for home, although the weather has taken a turn for the worse with cold temperatures requiring winter clothing again.

Kings Langley/Port of Berkhamsted

By necessity we needed to revisit the canal services at Kings Langley, unfortunately in an even worse state than previously.still no water in the Elsan sluice and it was smellier than ever. Needless  to say the 4 locks involved in the journey had  deteriorated still further,each needing individual user notes pinned to the gates, which made life both entertaining and puzzling. In all, the short journey took over 8 hours

The welcoming sign on the town entrance, Grand Union style.

Cruising to Leicester. R.I.P Sue. R.I.P Sadie.

Another blisteringly hot day. Chloe ran us to Sue's funeral in Leicester, bless her, and we took the opportunity of returning Sadie's ashes home, where she will be reunited with her sister Phoebe in our back garden. In my frail mental state I was wisely forbidden from attending the funeral service but paid my respects afterwards. 

It was a very long, hot day and journey but we found time for an Italian meal before finally returning to the boat mid-evening.

Perhaps because of the occasion I had one of my fuzzy-head days. Tomorrow we are filling with water and emptying the oblutions, which involves 3 locks and a little cruising, which may help my mood.

G.U. Berkhamsted still

A bright, warm morning and still in Berkhamsted, the reason soon to be revealed. We have Sue's funeral to attend tomorrow in Leicestershire, although a decision has yet to be made regarding my ability to actually attend the service, given my fragile mental state and the illness/treatment similarities, but I at least intend going home for the day. Chloe has kindly offered to drive Lynne and myself back to Anstey,bless her, rather than go by train, which was our original intention but discarded on the grounds of cost and convenience when Chloe's kind offer was made.

I am not sleeping well at present and, as is traditional with the NHS, I am having difficulty in getting the promised counselling session at hospital. It seems they promise one thing and then expect the patient to discover who the intended doctor is, where he is,and make arrangements accordingly with the minimum of basic information to hand.

Today is not a good day, even the canal seems ever more tempting as the outside temperatures reach in excess of 30 c. Even the geese appear to prefer the lower temperatures inside the boat

Fortunately they opted to stay outside, despite some scarey moments. Personally I could have swopped places at any time but cowardice dictated I would not, why when logic tells me I could be happier? Perhaps I'm destined to be a tortured soul.