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We awoke to the sounds of aircraft heading in and out of Stanstead, and trains sounding their horns - a lot! We readied the dogs and set off down the towpath and across freshly harvested hay fields on yet another beautiful sunny morning.

Angela and dogs ready for a sprint start

 

 

A distant folly

We breakfasted and then packed up, ready to move off on the last leg of our trip. Angela walked the dogs while I cruised along the river, with the dogs looking over anxiously, wondering where their home was going! We regrouped at Hunsdon lock where workman were finishing off re-pointing the brickwork around the lock. When we passed through here 3.5 weeks ago, there were no bollards to tie up to, but it was good to see them back in place this time. Hunsdon is a particularly beautiful stretch of river with a lovely house and gardens overlooking the lock and then a wooded stretch of river beyond.

A flower covered widebeam boat

Wooded river in Hunsdon

Soon we were out in open fields following the A414 closely for a bit before veering away towards Parndon Mill, another beauty spot.

Angela operating Parndon Mill lock

Unusual and pretty bridge by Parndon Mill

Once through the lock, we were only 1 lock away from home. We passed a group of young people in double canoes having lots of fun and asking us for a tow.

Today's ducks!

After a short distance, we came across Pentargon again, and called out to see if Shaun was around. He was and so we stopped for a chat. It was time to move on again, and Shaun insisted on jumping on his tiny bicycle and going ahead to the lock to operate it for us - a truly generous and interesting man. When we got to the lock, one of the boats from the CanalAbility project was leaving the lock, and came alongside is to allow the crew who had operated the lock to get back on board. This took a little time as the captain struggled to get his wide craft into position. Just as the crew were boarding, a cruiser came past heading into OUR lock! We suggested that perhaps they should let us go first - they said they didn't realise we were waiting for the lock? They then suggested that we should go in together, but when I pointed out that it would be at their risk since we might crush them, they backed off! Shaun then helped us through and we covered the last few yards to the marina without further incident. Angela then jumped off and opened the swing bridge across the marina entrance and Banjo slid into her home berth.

Banjo safely moored

Can we go home now?

Then began the long process of tidying up and offloading everything. It was good to see a number of people we know in the marina and exchange stories about the past few weeks boating activities. After about half a dozen trips back and forth to the car laden with bags, we were done and could drive our now very grubby car back home.


We have had a brilliant time on this trip, meeting loads of new people, meeting loads of friends and relatives, seeing some new places and some old favourites and enjoying some amazing weather. Thank you for following our exploits and for your comments.

Hopefully we will be back afloat before too long.

Bye for now

Angela and Graham (and Anushka and Lola)