Rain was forecast for this afternoon, so we wanted to try to get where we were going before it started. So we set off from Campbell Park at about 8.30, under grey skies. All the moored boats mean a lot of the journey has to be done on tickover. But even on a dull day, I thought the houses at the old wharf at Great Linford looked nice.
The park beyond the bridge has had a lot of work done on it, in addition to the improved lake. There are new benches, info boards, and sculptures. A bit further on, past the Black Horse pub, a place on the offside where there used to be caravans is having houses built on it. As we came along there was the odd spot of drizzle, then approaching the Wolverton Aqueduct it rained a bit more. As we got to the aqueduct we caught up with the Jules Fuels pair, who were quite slow through the narrow trough.
The fuel boats had more customers between the aqueduct and the lock, so as I went past I asked if they could stop and top up our diesel tank when they came through the village. When we got to the lock two boats had just come down, including the trip boat, and they helpfully left a gate open for us. Once up the lock we were a bit dismayed to see a line of anglers all along the moorings. We stopped on the water point as yesterday’s tap had been so hopeless, and while the tank filled I walked along to see how far the fishermen went. Fortunately, they had left a gap round the corner, so we were able to tie up near the horse tunnel. We had lunch, then the bows of the fuel boats appeared at the window. We didn’t need much diesel, only 41 litres, but the price was £1.34 a litre — which is apparently slightly less than last week.
Adrian then headed off back to work, his car having been parked in the village. Since he’s been gone, the rain has got heavier and heavier, so I’ve hidden indoors doing a few odd jobs and keeping the fire going. This evening, I’m going to try cooking a baked potato in the stove, so we’ll see how that works out.
7 miles, 1 lock. (28 miles, 4 locks)
1 comment:
Hi A&A,
Next time you go to Soulbury, walk into the village and have lunch at The Boot - wonderful pub and very good food every time we have been there. My aunt used to live in Soulbury so it was the first place I came to in 1988 - and it was my aunt who got me hooked on canals, by taking me to the three locks area and then to Stoke Bruerne ...
Big hugs to you both, Mxxoo
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