Where Have All The Boats Gone?

Tuesday 10^th October

Saltisford to between bridges 62 and 61 on the Grand Union Canal

5.5 miles, 21 locks

A short time ago we received a very welcome email from friends we have not seen in around 20 years - they are the parents of a school friend of our daughter.  The email offer was 'we only live 10 minutes from Hatton - would you like some help with the locks?  That is the sort of offer that is impossible to refuse!

The plan was we would set off from Saltisford, they would park near lock 41 and walk down to meet us.  We were in the third lock when they arrived and John was soon set to work.

Helen's job was to keep Chris company.

 About a third of the way up the flight I dived through the hedge to get a paper at the garage.  Parked there was this huge low loader - a customer informed the shop staff he had bent one their bollards - more eagle eyed than me.

  I was too busy admiring the sign on the back of the cab

 Onwards and upwards we went - all on our lonesome.  There were no boats moving either way.

 At lock 36 which was our 11th lock and therefore slightly over half way we stopped for a much needed cuppa and snack before tackling this daunting sight

Lo and behold there in number 37 was a boat! Thankfully they did not arrive until we were fully refreshed.  Out they came, and Chris progressed forward heading for the towpath expecting the boat to turn right to pass port to port as is the norm, however......

for some reason the boat went left!  They missed each other, so no damage done.

  From lock 42 looking back down the hill to Warwick

 Past the C&RT offices where the towpath changes sides - just four more to go and we were done.

Lock 43 was full with a boat coming down in 44, so we held off and waited

A more traditional pass this time, but only the second boat moving in a flight of 21 - as the title says 'where have all the boats gone'?  Home for the winter we assume.

A transport trust red heritage plaque is near the top

Then past the café and through the last lock.  Job done!  We moored at the top and went to the café for a very tasty lunch and a chance to chat properly - well for John and I, as Helen and Chris had already spanned the 20 years and put the world to rights.   Time came to say farewell with the promise we would not leave it another 20 years as that is potentially a bit too long for us all to wait!!

At the top was this very late family of tiny ducklings.  I fear they will not make it through the winter.

We then moved out to one of our favourite moorings

with fantastic views from the side hatch.  We stopped here on our way down in August, but this time we are the sole boat.  Bliss.

Not only were the locks easier with the extra pair of hands, but locks always go quicker when there is someone to chat to.  Thank you both.  It was really good to catch up after all these years.