Off at 6.15 a.m to get to Watford before the rush hour. Sun just rising as a red circle, so much mist around I needed the headlight as a warning light. Then as the sun rose it became a brilliant golden ball giving some very spectacular views. All around fences, trees and even old bikes became decorated with dew glistened spiders webs

Arrived at top of Watford at 8.30 and moored till 9.15 waiting our place, watered and had breakfast patiently. A smooth run down Watford. However at the top I had to stop the man from the boat behind us snatching up the paddles instantly we were in the first lock before Angela had positioned the boat and as we were getting the children off. I asked him to go back to his own boat which he did. I had been watching him rushing the boats up, slamming gates and dropping paddles. At the bottom boaters packing boats up the first lock into the small pound instead of waiting. It was obvious that the lock keeper had disappeared! Despite all this we were out of the bottom lock and on our way at 10.05!!

At Norton junction we headed down the Buckby Locks towards London. Very slow working due to the speed of boats coming up, we worked down with a Weedden boat on its way back. Just below the bottom lock I stopped to rescue a loose dingy, I pulled it up onto the towpath out of the way.

At B 32, Heyford Wharf we passed Motor Archemidies with butty Ara just finishing being loaded with bagged coal for resale. We then arrived at Gayton Junction at 5.00 p.m., we topped up with water and then winded to head back up the Grand Union. Finally mooring just before B 41 for the night at 6.15. It had been a very very hot day so did not eat until 7.30 p.m. when it had cooled down!

Miles 24 Locks 14 Time 11.25 hours.