Aylesbury Arm part two

It was a cold foggy morning and I was almost tempted to head back to bed but instead of that I turned on the central heating and by 10am the sun has shown its face and I was ready to cast off on the second leg down the Aylesbury Arm.

On through locks 9-11 with no problems although all the locks today were against me, I passed this little chap tucked in amonst the trees, it was almost invisible until you got close.

Then came lock 12, it started ok, I stopped and tied up, filled the lock all as normal, but water was pouring over both top and bottom gates and I could not open the top gate, push as I may there was just too much water coming down the pound holding the gate shut, so I thought I would try emptying the lock and flushing some water through but the pound between 11 & 12 was a long one so it did no good at all, I went and put the kettle on, options were phone C&RT and get some advice or wait for another boater, having made a cuppa and gone back to the lock I saw a boat coming towards me to go up the lock, so I began emptying it and when the lady approached to see what was happening I explained and suggested the three of us may be able to shift it, so hubby bought their boat in, we filled the lock and with the two of them on the balance beam and me on the other end we eventually shifted it, the whole mini drama taking best part of an hour, off they went and I was able to carry on as normal. 

On past Bates Boat Yard the boats outside are not a good advert.

But then I passed this beautiful boat, put that one on the wish list.

Along through the reeded section and past the Aylesbury Canal Society’s new headquarters with its own little marina offering free 14day secure visitor moorings,

When I got to the Tesco moorings, I stopped and tied up but did not like the look of it so I continued into the Aylesbury Basin where I have reversed into and moored on one of the three pontoons available for visitors (moorings for 6 boats) outside a building site on one side and a Travel lodge and Waitrose on the other (no picture due to me not noticing the camera battery needed charging) well it is all being developed and it seems ok, there is a gate to secure the pontoons from the public held shut with a piece of nylon rope! It was a lovely cruise and a long day for me 10am to 3pm and although weary I walked back to Tesco and bought some much needed provisions, I will stay here a few days while I source some painting materials and other bits.

Tonights view from the side hatch

Totals Today:  5 Miles : 8 Locks