The Penultimate day on our run home.

We arrived at Jannock just before 10am and were visited by three canoes whilst I was untying ready for the off. These three turned about above Soulbury top lock and were off back towards Linslade before we got underway.  They were soon followed by many more who were launching themselves into the canal above the locks for a one-way trip back to the school at Linslade. Just around the first bend we met a Wyvern boat that was weaving all over the cut on their way towards us. Even though we kept over their steerer applied the wrong movement to her tiller and gave Jannock an almighty crunch on the bows as we met. I pointed out that she needed to point the tiller towards what she wanted to miss - not the other way round. They then proceeded to hold up two boats behind them as they had got themselves completely across the canal blocking it. We passed Pengalanty moored outside the Globe Inn but Allan was concentrating on something on the table and was shielding his eyes from the sun coming through his window. On through Linslade and out towards the Grove Lock where a new boatyard has appeared at the old wharf, just before the ring road bridge. Their sign writing states that they do engines, painting and all manner of repairs. They also appear to have a chandlery but we didn't stop to explore. After passing through Grove lock we found a new marina that also wasn't there when we came North last May. It's not open yet but it wont be long I'm sure. At church lock we waited for a boat that had arrived at Grove, just as we were leaving. After quite a long wait, I enquired of a towpath runner whether they had passed through Grove lock or stopped at the pub and he replied that there was not a boat coming through the lock when he passed. So I closed the gate and up we went - only to be joined by the other boat just as we were leaving. I apologised but they said they were going to stop for lunch above Church lock and not to wait at Slapton. Once we reached Slapton lock then the trusty lock wheeling bike came out for the final run up through Ivinghoe to Marsworth. We shared some of these locks with a day-boat from Pitstone wharf that was crewed by a couple of families, they were eager to know how to do things correctly and were very quick learners. A run back to Soulbury on the Di Blasi fetched the car for a short trip home. Only one days cruising left before we get back to Bourne End and then I need to examine the Aquadrive as it appears to be knocking a bit. Time for a re-furb I think.

Graham

www.jannock.org.uk