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The aim today was to get to Harlow. This we did easily by lunch-time and decided to go into the Moorhen pub for lunch.

We emptied the elsan and topped up the water and found a secluded spot just after the moorings to moor up. We decided to stay in this spot for the night which meant it would only be a 6 hour trip back home.

It was nice just to kick back, have a leisurely meal and take in the beauty of the River Stort, our home river.

The aim today was to get to Harlow. This we did easily by lunch-time and decided to go into the Moorhen pub for lunch.

We emptied the elsan and topped up the water and found a secluded spot just after the moorings to moor up. We decided to stay in this spot for the night which meant it would only be a 6 hour trip back home.

It was nice just to kick back, have a leisurely meal and take in the beauty of the River Stort, our home river.

Sept 13–Day 6

We stayed at the mooring just after Acton Lock, Hackney for the day as we wanted to visit London Zoo.

The Zoo was a little disappointing. Some areas seemed run down and a little tired. The Zoo’s emphasis on conservation didn’t really wash with me and we both came away with mixed feelings.

Pub!! That was the answer and the Fox received it’s  second visit in as many days.

The next day it was early up-time as we sought to turn round. This is always a mission in a 58 foot boat, but there are winding holes or turning areas marked on out trusty Nicholson Guide.

We didn’t have to go too far when we saw an opportune turning point not marked. We made a three-point turn and headed back along the Regents canal.

We stopped at Victoria park to allow the dogs a run and had a hearty breakfast, resuming our short journey along the Regents, and then back up Ducket’s Cut to join the River Lee.

The three locks at the end of Ducket’s are extremely hard work with heavy gates and we were glad to cruise along the unending industrial part of the Lee.

We fuelled up at Lee Valley Marina and continued along the Lee during intermittent showers and gusts of wind.

It wasn’t the wind that caused the next major problem. It was the speed of the river entering the lock at Picket’s lock. A feisty lock at the best of times; this time it swung the boat violently against the side of the lock. A crash was heard in the cabin and 3 glasses met their demise!

Narrowboating is a contact sport so we weren't  too bothered about yet another scratch on the gunwale.

By the time we reached Waltham Town lock, we were very tired. It was nice to have a shower, light the fire and settle down with a glass  of wine.

[Technical]

[Fuel – 75 litres. Full. 60% 40%. £85.]

[Emptied 1 Elsen]

Sept 13–Day 6

We stayed at the mooring just after Acton Lock, Hackney for the day as we wanted to visit London Zoo.

The Zoo was a little disappointing. Some areas seemed run down and a little tired. The Zoo’s emphasis on conservation didn’t really wash with me and we both came away with mixed feelings.

Pub!! That was the answer and the Fox received it’s  second visit in as many days.

The next day it was early up-time as we sought to turn round. This is always a mission in a 58 foot boat, but there are winding holes or turning areas marked on out trusty Nicholson Guide.

We didn’t have to go too far when we saw an opportune turning point not marked. We made a three-point turn and headed back along the Regents canal.

We stopped at Victoria park to allow the dogs a run and had a hearty breakfast, resuming our short journey along the Regents, and then back up Ducket’s Cut to join the River Lee.

The three locks at the end of Ducket’s are extremely hard work with heavy gates and we were glad to cruise along the unending industrial part of the Lee.

We fuelled up at Lee Valley Marina and continued along the Lee during intermittent showers and gusts of wind.

It wasn’t the wind that caused the next major problem. It was the speed of the river entering the lock at Picket’s lock. A feisty lock at the best of times; this time it swung the boat violently against the side of the lock. A crash was heard in the cabin and 3 glasses met their demise!

Narrowboating is a contact sport so we weren't  too bothered about yet another scratch on the gunwale.

By the time we reached Waltham Town lock, we were very tired. It was nice to have a shower, light the fire and settle down with a glass  of wine.

[Technical]

[Fuel – 75 litres. Full. 60% 40%. £85.]

[Emptied 1 Elsen]

Sept 13–Day 4

A tiring day today. The locks were hard work, the wind and current were against us and it rained quite heavily in the afternoon.

We started out and got in the wrong lane for the electric lock at Tottenham. That meant it took nearly 40 minutes to go through the heavy manual lock.

We provisioned at Lee Valley Marina, Springfield. This is a handy stop for gas, diesel and water.

Just after we turned onto the Hertford arm we stopped at Rahims cash and carry, another useful stop if you like all manner of Asian food. They had a supply of vegetables and groceries as well.

After the Hertford arm we turned sharp right on to the Regents canal. This part of the Regents canal is also slow with deep locks. Here it rained heavily and we decided to call it a day just after Acton lock. As soon as we moored up the rain stopped!!

Google maps showed us where there was a Tesco Direct – for wine (of course.) On the way back we had to shelter from the rain in The Fox- a great little trendy pub that even allowed our crew members in; Billy and Erin.

We retired for the night with a spaghetti bolognaise meal and glass of vin rouge. Bliss.

Tech details today:

[Gas bottle full – cost £19.99]

[Water full]

[Fuel half – start 3/4]