Not all Locks are made Equal

30th March 2012 
Cowley Lock 89 - Batchworth Lock 81 - 8 Locks - 9 Miles - 3 miles Cycled

Never seen the Like??

Started early today, arrived at Uxbridge Lock by 8am. This would be our 2nd lock today, at the previous lock we passed a couple on NB Mr Peter who were making their way to the Thames.  They had been chosen to take part in the Jubilee Celebration! They needed to get there for rehearsals and would need to pay for VHF radios and helmsman training. They said it would cost apx £300! Still, what an event to be part of. 
BW were also at the lock that morning and kindly sorted it for Yogi, while I cycled ahead to the next one.  When I arrived the lock was in our favour but I noticed that one end had 2 paddle mechanisms?  One on the gates and one behind?  
I needed a good few minutes to look at and ponder said slush's and decided that I would stay well away from the ones on the gates until I had spoken  to someone who knew what they were doing.   Luckily, later today we would be meeting a friend and very well seasoned boater Michael, so I could ask him. :0)

Narrow Paddle Boat 

We carried on through Uxbridge and towards Denham Deep Lock which is the deepest lock on the GU at 11'1".  

We were hoping to catch up with Kev of Chinese Med there,  but he was at work and we didn't have time to stop unfortunately, so we missed him. :0(


We did see this rather charming paddle boat on the way though... 

After Denham Lock we had a good while before the next lock so I got back on the boat for a cruise with the man.   All the locks are so pretty and the countryside between them is beautiful.  Its a lovely day, that's for sure.  
The approach to Springwell Lock (aptly named as the water was cascading over the bottom gates like a waterfall) made us wonder when we were going to be effected by the water shortage we had heard so much about?

Spot the tree growing out of the boat.

There are LOADS of inline moorings along the river and the boats range from the sublime to the ridiculous.  We saw some real messes as well as some really cool stuff that boaters had made.

Cool Stuff on Long term Moorings 

We arrived at Rickmansworth at apx 4.30pm just in time to see Marie and Michael heading back from shopping.






We moored alongside them and spent a lovely afternoon aboard NB Illusions having a drink and a chat.  I shared a bottle of red with Marie while Yogi and Mike tested the cider.  I didn't realise Marie and I had so much in common, we had the same books and interests and while the men were off getting extra supplies we had a really lovely chat.  Was almost a shame when the men came back lol!!  The evening was spent with us.  With more cider for the men but just tea for the ladies, us being far more civilised lol.  Mike and Marie were telling us stories of their travels and giving us pointers for the journey ahead. It was a really lovely evening and a perfect end to the day.