Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Whitsun Trip Day#3

After a peaceful night we set off towards Soulbury and 60% of the locks we were likely to encounter today. On arrival the top lock was empty and a single hander was rising through the second lock so I opened the gates and waited for him whilst Brenda held Jannock on the lock landing. Whilst waiting her turn, Brenda witnessed a couple of fishermen pull a 15 3/4 lb Mirror Carp out of the canal after a mighty struggle. This is the second large carp we've seen landed this year. We passed solo down the three locks passing one other boat mid-flight. We then passed through Stoke Hammond and Fenny locks as well before starting the long drag through Milton Keynes. I must admit the MK environs are far more pleasant in the balmy summer weather that we have experienced this trip. It was getting so warm that we pulled over into the shade of some trees whilst we were circumnavigating Stantonbury Park Farm and then decided to remain there for the night. This must be something of a record for Jannock, three nights on the G.U. using pins every night. We normally end up using piling hooks for overnight stops on this stretch of the system. After an evening meal eaten on the cratch table in balmy tropical weather Brenda dragged me off for another meadow walk to explore the ruins of St. Peter's Church which lies just north of the canal near bridge 75.

Graham

www.jannock.org.uk

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