Dodswell to Leighton Buzzard

Creatures of habit, as we are, we left Dodswell Top Lock overnight mooring (quiet enough as the West Coast Main line is in a shallow cutting nearby) at 7:05.  Cowroast Lock was empty of course because it is one of those that must be drained after use because of lock cottage flooding problems.  (What a waste of water?).  Then the long dismal summit pound.  A moored boat out in the early morning sunshine told us about the stoppage further on at Leighton Lock, but we know already.   The Marsworth Flight was running well having had its early morning check from the lock keepers so no problems there.  A following boat joined us down the last two locks and we paired as far as Slapton Wharf.   Carianne was being positioned to Northampton and the two crew were very concerned about the length of the stoppage as this would seriously affect their plans.   We carried on to Leighton Buzzard where bridge works at (114) delayed us for 20 minutes while a working platform was moved.  We were amazed to find mooring available outside TESCO, so after the shooping spree I got out the folding bike and wobbled down to Leighton Lock top see how things were progressing.    Nothing!   Nobody there.  The lock was stopped off and drained, the offending paddle was on the side but nothing else to see.  There were only two boats waiting there and space for more, so we moved down.   A good mooring, and quiet.   So scope for boat cleaning and some low grade maintenance.   And early to bed.